Knutsford gets ready for Christmas with a festive programme of events

Knutsford is preparing for a festive season filled with community celebrations, family activities, and Christmas traditions, as a programme of events gets underway later this month.

Organised by Knutsford Town Council alongside local businesses, organisations and community groups, this year’s celebrations include the return of the Christmas Light Switch-On and Parade, the two-day Christmas Market, a new Santa’s Village, and the town’s first Tree of Light event.

Christmas Light Switch-On and Lantern Parade – Saturday 21st November, 4pm–7pm

The festive season begins at Canute Place from 4pm, with live entertainment hosted by Silk FM, including performances from local school choirs and musicians. Children’s Adventure Farm Trust will also be hosting a Santa’s Grotto, with hot food and drink vendors on site.

At 6pm, the Santa Parade and Lantern Parade will set off from Knutsford Railway Station car park, travelling along King Street, up Church Hill, and down Princess Street before finishing at Canute Place.

The evening will culminate at 6.30pm with the town’s Christmas lights being switched on by the Mayor of Knutsford, alongside special guest characters including singer and Dexter and Jones owner Adam Rickitt.

Knutsford Christmas Market and Santa’s Village – Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December

Knutsford’s Christmas Market returns for a two-day festive street market, showcasing artisan food and drink, handmade crafts, and unique gifts from traders across Cheshire and beyond.

The market will run from 12pm - 6pm on Saturday 5th December and 11am - 4pm on Sunday 6th December. Festive stalls will line Princess Street and Silk Mill Street, leading to a new addition for 2026: Santa’s Village, located in Princess Street car park. Visitors can enjoy street entertainment, performances from local choirs and seasonal food and drink, while exploring the market and the town’s independent shops.

Santa’s Grotto will be based in Santa’s Village throughout the weekend, with Lower Moss Wood running the grotto on Saturday and St Vincent’s de Paul Catholic Primary School on Sunday. No booking is required, although donations are welcome. Further details will be shared through Discover Knutsford’s social media channels.

Discover Knutsford will also have a stand at the market, where visitors collect the 2026 Christmas in Knutsford brochure as well as entering a prize draw.

A free Park and Ride service will operate from Booths Hall (WA16 8GS), approximately one mile from the town centre, on both Saturday and Sunday, running alongside the market opening hours. Shuttle buses will run regularly between the site and the town. The service is supported by Bruntwood, which has kindly provided the use of Booths Hall, with donations accepted by Knutsford Hosts, who help deliver the service.

Tree of Light – Thursday 10th December, 6pm

Knutsford Town Council will hold its first Tree of Light event at Tabley Hill Chapel in Knutsford Cemetery, bringing the community together to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones.

Members of the public are invited to dedicate a star in memory of someone special. The Town Mayor will read the names on the stars during a shared moment of reflection, before the tree is lit. The evening will also include festive music from Canute Male Voices, followed by refreshments and mince pies in the chapel.

Stars can be collected from Knutsford Town Council Offices or the Cheshire Party Store at Knutsford Market Hall. Dedications can also be made online, and all stars must be returned to the Council Offices by Friday 4 December.

Jeanette Hine, Corporate Support Manager at Knutsford Town Council, said, “We know that Christmas is a time when we remember those who are no longer with us, and our Tree of Light event is a chance to bring the community together to remember those we have lost with a smile. We would love to see you there.”

The Christmas tree will remain lit each evening until 9pm throughout the festive season.

Christmas Crib Service and Carol Sing-along – Saturday 12th December 3.30pm–5pm

The town’s annual Christmas Crib Service and Carol Sing-along will take place at the Christmas Crib on Princess Street, opposite The Lost & Found (weather permitting). The crib will be blessed by the Mayor’s Chaplain, Father David Long, who will lead the service, alongside a festive Christmas message from the Mayor and a selection of favourite carols led by children from St Vincent’s School Choir and City of Chester Brass Band. Complimentary mulled wine, mince pies, and soft drinks will be served by Knutsford Catenians.

New for 2026, the community is invited to help decorate Knutsford’s Christmas Crib. Residents are encouraged to share a festive drawing inspired by their favourite part of Christmas – a Christmas tree, a special memory, or a favourite tradition. The artwork will be used to decorate the town’s crib and bring an extra festive touch to the display.

Drawings can be dropped off at Knutsford Town Council Offices, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm or emailed to Gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk. Submissions must be received by Thursday 3rd December.

Knutsford Town Council invites residents and visitors to enjoy the town’s festive celebrations, support local businesses and take part in the events bringing the community together this Christmas.

For further information and updates, visit www.discoverknutsford.com/events or follow @KnutsfordTownCouncil and @DiscoverKnutsford on social media.