A Chester Christmas on a budget

Christmas can take its toll on budgets and as we all feel the pinch, we want to enjoy Christmas to the fullest while getting the best value for money. Luckily this year in Chester there are a variety of ways to enjoy Christmas that won’t break the bank. There’s a host of affordable events, attractions and more, and some completely free things to do this Christmas in Chester. We’ve put together a selection of ways to enjoy the festive season in Chester while saving, too.

See all the trees

Make memories and create a family tradition by visiting Chester Cathedral's annual Christmas Tree Festival from 28th November - 4th January. A delightful family-friendly day out. Enjoy over 80 trees decorated in the theme of Christmas Around the World. Free entry for children 5 and under.

Hunt for special gifts at the Christmas Market

The Chester Christmas Market is back from 19 November – 22 December. There’s 80 stalls filled with local, independent and artisan wares including craft spirits, hand-crafted homewares, fragrances, jewellery, local produce and more. It’s a great place to enjoy the festive atmosphere and there’s no entry charge.

Discover the Rows

Not only are the rows the perfect place to find your Christmas Gifts, they are also steeped in history with things to discover at every turn.

You can use our special Audio Tour to take a circular journey through an urban landscape that is unique in the world. Chester’s historic four main streets, built on the foundations of the Roman fort Deva Victrix, are lined with a precious network of buildings that will lead you down the centuries from medieval times to the present day.

These multi-storey terraces are lined with medieval fabric, which peeps through here and there, and outer clothing that is a veritable fashion show of the architectural styles of the past 800 years. Yet, there is something very rare about their design; they have open galleries at the first-floor level, known as a Row.

Don't forget the regular Market Hall

The multi-award-winning Chester Market is a great place to grab lunch as everyone can have what they fancy! Choose from pizza, pasta, seafood, Thai, Mexican, Vegan and more, not forgetting locally made ice cream and a range of delicious cakes! It's also a great place to go in the evenings to socialise, with live music at weekends!

And on Tuesdays some of the traders have some fantastic special offers such as two wraps for £15 from Guroma, any mac n’ cheese and dirty fries for £16 from Cheezy Bandits, any 2 subs and 2 cans for £20 from Sandwich’d, 20% from Vintage Spot when you buy two items and more!

Take your place at one of Chester’s famous parades

A real Chester spectacle, the annual festive parades in the city are not to be missed, plus they’re all free. Firstly, there’s the 12 Days of Christmas Parade on 20th November, then the Lanterns Parade on 27th November, and the Winter Watch and Saturnalia Parades on 4th and 11th December. Expect colourful characters, magical lights, rambunctious Romans, and lots of festive cheer.

Save and celebrate with Cheshire Oaks

Cheshire Oaks is perfect for finding a deal. There are over 140 boutiques with big name and luxury brands at up to 60% off RRP, which makes saving on your Christmas shopping easier. You can easily get to Cheshire Oaks from Chester using the 1 and 1X bus service with tickets from just £5.60, or if travelling by car parking is free.

Get ready to head sky-high this festive season

Chester’s Rooftop Social transforms into a twinkling festive wonderland from 6 November. Expect a brand-new bar and après ski-style kitchen, the return of the ever-popular curling lanes, and plenty of cosy igloos for chilled-out winter gatherings with friends.

If you fancy getting creative, Rooftop Social is also hosting a series of festive craft sessions – from making your own origami Christmas cards (23 November) and painting classic Nutcrackers (30 November), to decorating baubles (7 December) and designing seasonal candles (14 December). Each session comes with all materials provided and a festive arrival drink.

Round off the season with some friendly competition at The Big Christmas Quiz of the Year on 21 December or The Big Fat Quiz of the Year on 28 December – perfect for testing your trivia before the countdown to New Year.

Activities at Grosvenor Museum

Inspired by the song, ‘The 12 x days of Christmas’ – head to the museum to make your own festive ‘Jingle Bird’ (23rd & 30th December) or pick up a ’12 Cultures of Christmas’ trailsheet (12th - 24th December) from the reception desk and discover some of the unusual traditions associated with Christmas around the world.

Park for FREE at Chester Racecourse

FREE city centre parking will be available during the weekends in the build up to Christmas, making coming into the city centre even more affordable. Free parking will take place at Chester Racecourse Car Park courtesy of ChesterBID fro 22nd November - 24th December from 10am.

Stay in Chester for longer

One day in Chester at Christmas is just not enough, you need to stay for at least one night!  With so much Christmas magic filling Chester’s streets from sparkling markets to twinkling grottos you’ll want more than a day to soak it all in. Thankfully, the city offers a range of affordable and inviting places to stay, so you can turn your festive visit into a proper getaway.

For a fun and modern city-centre stay, Moxy Chester is the perfect pick. Just a short stroll from the Christmas Market and Chester Cathedral, Moxy blends playful design with comfort think cosy rooms, great coffee, and an easy-going vibe that’s ideal for couples or friends exploring the city’s festive scene.

If you prefer countryside tranquillity with the city close by, Crabwall Manor Hotel and Spa offers a luxurious-yet-affordable escape. Set in a historic manor just minutes from Chester’s centre, it pairs elegant rooms with spa facilities and picturesque grounds ideal for unwinding after a day of festive shopping or exploring the winter lights.

The Queen at Chester, opposite the train station, combines grandeur and affordability. With its Victorian charm, festive afternoon teas, and convenient location, it’s a perfect base for a winter weekend in the city. During December, the hotel’s warm atmosphere and seasonal dining add extra sparkle to your stay.

Lastly, The Mill Hotel is one of Chester’s best-loved budget-friendly gems. Nestled along the Shropshire Union Canal, it’s just a five-minute walk from the Christmas Market. The Mill is known for its excellent value and hearty meals, making it a favourite for festive breaks without the big price tag.

From modern hideaways to cosy manor stays, Chester’s hotels make it easy to extend your Christmas visit without stretching the budget because in this city, one magical day is never enough.

Save with the Park & Ride

If you want to save on parking, you can always use Chester’s Park and Ride service from one of four locations.

Travel by rail and save

You can also save on train travel and save the stresses of driving. Transport for Wales operate regular services to Chester from Cardiff, Shrewsbury, Birmingham, and more, and you can save by booking direct and in advance.