A City, a Christmas Escape

Christmas is always a special time to escape to Chester. The city’s historic streets are decked with festive lighting and decorations, and the Town Hall square is transformed into a winter wonderland with one of the best Christmas markets in the UK. There’s a lot to keep you entertained, with world-class events including everything from light displays and parades to festive theatre and parties. Visitors to the city can visit the brand-new market hall, filled with new and established traders ready to provide some festive cheer; and Chester’s renowned foodie scene is ready for the season with Christmas menus and cocktails. And the city’s cobbled streets and mysterious medieval Rows make for an especially magical Christmas shopping experience. If you need some inspiration for your festive escape to Chester, we’ve got you covered with some of our favourite suggestions:

Shop local and independent at the Christmas Markets

Celebrating its 10^th anniversary, the Chester Christmas Markets return from 18 November to 21 December. With 70 huts filled with local, independent and artisan traders all set around Chester’s magnificent Christmas tree, the markets are a national favourite. This year visitors can expect unique, locally made produce, handmade crafts, jewellery, accessories and stocking fillers alongside delicious food and drink including pulled pork, bubble waffles, Indian street food, gyros and souvlaki, gin and prosecco, and, of course, warming mulled wine and hot chocolate.

To add to the magic of the Christmas Market, the much-loved Makers Market will be in Chester’s new Exchange Square from the 19 November until Christmas for four weekends on Saturday and Sunday. With a special Christmas theme, you’ll be able to shop even more local and artisan traders to find unique gifts like art, homewares, food and drink, and much more.

Get into the festive spirit at the Cathedral

From 24 November, and opening with a grand switch on event, the halls of Chester Cathedral will be lined with 90 Christmas trees decorated to perfection by local charities, schools and organisations as part of the annual Christmas Tree Festival until 8 January. The Cathedral is already a marvel, and the Christmas Tree Festival make the medieval halls all the more magical.

Experience a festive wonderland

Just a stone’s throw away from the city centre at the magnificent Bolesworth Estate, Christmas is coming in style. The grounds will be transformed into a festive wonderland, festooned in seasonal sparkle and yuletide cheer for a month of unforgettable winter magic from 2 – 24 December. Guests will experience a spectacular Christmas lights trail and show incorporating the historic castle and lake, a festive fairground, Christmas markets featuring shopping, food and winter warmers, reindeer encounters and even exclusive champagne experiences on Champagne Island or the Lakeside Champagne Bar.

Find the perfect gift and more at Cheshire Oaks

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is a must for your Christmas shopping. Home to over 140 designer and premium brands at up to 60% off RRP as well as a host of restaurants, Cheshire Oaks is an ideal Christmas destination. From 3 November the outlet village will be a true spectacle with a giant bauble-clad tree, Christmas huts, an Alpine-inspired German market, and, of course, Santa Claus to make your shopping experience extra magical.

Enjoy a Chester spectacle

Chester is a true spectacle during the annual festive parades. The Christmas parade season starts with the 12 Days of Christmas Parade on 24 November, followed by the Lanterns Parade on 30 November, then the Winter Watch and Saturnalia parades on 8 and 15 December. The Winter Watch is truly unique to Chester. Dating back to the 1400s, it’s a spectacle of lights and colourful characters. On 15 December the Winter Watch parade coincides with Saturnalia when Roman soldiers light up the city. Expect weird and wonderful characters, fire-breathing, rambunctious Romans, and a lot of lights!

Try a festive tipple

Chester’s mixologists are gearing up for the festive season and unveiling all new Christmas concoctions. Urbano32 on Bridge Street have unveiled a new range including the Gin-gle Bells, Santa’s Tipple, and classic Snowball. The Ring O’ Bells’ new festive cocktails include the Winter Colada, Sloe Gin Fizz, and the Amaretti Crumble. And BarLounge have unveiled their new menu, including the winter inspired Perfectly Pine, and a new award-winning cocktail known as The Menace.  

Try something brand-new this Christmas

Too add to the excitement of Christmas in Chester, the brand-new market hall will be open for visitors during the festive season. There are 40 stalls covering 36,000 sq. ft. providing a vibrant mix of produce, goods, food and beverage traders, with over 400 seats, a stage and screen, all designed to provide a stunning space to enjoy all that the market will offer. Local favourites including Pastry Pedaleur, Bean & Cole and the Ice Cream Farm will be there alongside new eateries like Mercato Pizza Co., Big Lola’s Taqueria, Born to Bake, and Vegan House to offer foodies everything they could want and more.

Indulge in the finest festive fayre

No Christmas escape to Chester would be complete without some festive food and Chester’s renowned restaurants are unveiling their Christmas offerings for 2022. The award-winning Mediterranean-style newcomer to Chester, Artezzan, are presenting ‘Seas and Greetings' this Christmas. Artezzan have a classic festive menu with a Mediterranean flair with dishes like chicken liver and calvados pâté, Tuscan style daube of beef, and Loukoumades. And another newcomer to look out for, Cosy Club, are bringing a selection of interesting dishes like charred broccoli with tahini & lemon, roast turkey & smoked bacon pie, and lemon posset as well as an extensive drinks menu filled with innovative cocktails, craft beers and spirits, and wines.

See more restaurants in Chester here →

Stay a little longer

There’s a lot going on in Chester this Christmas, so you may need a place to stay. Chester’s hotels are ready to welcome guests for the festive season with great room rates and packages. For a modern, urban boutique, Moxy is brand-new to the city and is in a great location for the goings-on in the city. Another great choice is Oddfellows. With an overnight stay from £99, you can choose from Attic rooms with original features, unique round-bedded Newbrook rooms or indulge with a Douglas Duplex. And Hotel Indigo offers a contemporary boutique experience with a traditional twist and plenty of nods to the city’s sights.

See more Christmas accommodation offers here →