Light up your Christmas in Chester, for festive fun galore

Chester is lighting the way this Christmas with the return of its fabulous Christmas Market set in the heart of the city, and plenty more festive events to get all the family into the Christmas spirit. The scenic and culturally-rich city makes for the perfect festive city break.

Surprisingly underrated, Chester is only two and a half hours from London and is rightly proud of its array of local independent stores, farm-to-fork restaurants, and excellent Market. It is also home to the oldest, longest and most complete city walls, the oldest racecourse and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain – plus the pretty medieval network of covered galleries – The Rows. Visitors this festive season can enjoy relaxed strolls along the cobbled streets, perhaps circumnavigating the city’s ancient defensive walls, or climbing the 216 steps to the top of Chester Cathedral’s tower for the frosty views over the city and beyond.

Festive attractions in Chester

Head to Town Hall Square for the Chester Christmas Market (19 November – 22 December) where an array of local producers, craftsfolk and artisans with stalls festooned with twinkling lights will be waiting to warmly welcome visitors and ignite the seasonal spirit. With 80 stalls, the Market is slowly growing, but think quality over quantity.  Expect stocking fillers aplenty, from local, wax-sealed cheeses to handmade fudge, locally-brewed gin and beers, silver jewellery, candles and skin care. Festive gifts on offer will include: handmade pottery, tableware and garden ornaments by Josh Johnson Ceramics; candles, diffusers and more by The Cheshire Candle company; and handmade body products, cold pressed soaps and shaving bars by Omeda Crafts. There is also eye-catching tie-dyed clothing and socks by SOX, and silver jewellery incorporating leaves and gem stones created by the mother and daughter duo behind Roccabella jewellery. Foodies will be spoilt for choice with pulled pork, salt beef sandwiches, or Cumberland sausages, while the drinks selection includes mulled wine or gin, hot winter rum, baileys hot chocolate and hot cider. What’s more, all stalls will be unique, with no overlap on products sold – and the focus is on local North West-based traders. There will also be live music on the weekend evenings too.  For more information, please visit www.visitchester.com

At Chester Zoo the Lanterns & Light experience returns (13 Nov – 3 Jan), when after dark the Zoo transforms into a glowing world of light, colour and sound. Much more than just a light trail, visitors may expect to interact with playful puppets, drift through a glowing ribbon tunnel and under rainbow arches, gaze at a kaleidoscope of stars and explore the Laser Garden. Plus, new for 2025 are the Airquarium and a Bubble Walk. (Tickets from £12). For more information, visit: www.chesterzoo.org

The Christmas Grotto at Chester Town Hall this December is a festive tradition not to be missed.  The grand Assembly Hall becomes home to Santa's helpful elves, Sparkle & Jingle who are offering arts and crafts workshops for all. Create a giant, snow-filled bauble to hang on the tree, package your own bag of magical reindeer food, colour and sparkle a festive gift bag and write a letter to Santa himself.  Then get ready to ascend the magical staircase to meet Santa, take a photo in the stunning setting and receive a present, too.  Tickets must be prebooked and will be on sale on 1st October. For dates and timings, please visit www.chestertownhall.com

This year’s panto at Chester’s independent theatre Storyhouse is Beauty & the Beast, a magical reinterpretation of the famous story which brings a fresh sparkle to the stage. The panto is written by Anne Odeke (Shakespeare’s Globe; Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre) in her Christmas debut, and directed by John Young (National Theatre; Chester Mystery Plays; Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre). Tickets from £10 for children and £16.75 per adult. For more information, visit: www.storyhouse.com

Make a festive break of it and stay at the boutique Hotel Indigo Chester (www.chester.hotelindigo.com) with easy access to all of the city’s Christmas curiosities; rooms from £116 per night or try The Queen at Chester (www.thequeenatchesterhotel.co.uk) with rooms from £98 per night.

Getting here: Travel by train to Chester: the journey from London Euston is just 2 hours and 30 minutes.

For more information see: www.visitchester.com