A City, a Family Christmas

Perfect for a family Christmas escape, there’s a host of magical festive events and things to do in Chester this year. Chester Zoo’s famous lanterns return with all kinds of wonderful, illuminated animals and plants to marvel at as you wander the world. The streets will be transformed by enchanting parades throughout the season and Santa Claus will, of course, be visiting the city. Enjoy breakfast, bunch and dinner with the big man, or visit him in his grotto to make those Christmas wishes. And watch out for the Snow Queen as she makes her way to Storyhouse for the festive season. With family friendly festive menus and places for the whole family to stay, the city is the perfect place to spend some family time together this Christmas.

Travel the world with The Lanterns

A firm festive favourite in Chester for young and old alike, The Lanterns are back for 2022 at Chester Zoo from 11 November – 23 December. Experience the whole world through illuminated displays like the Norwegian fairy-tale land, Japanese inspired garden (complete with giant lotus flowers and dragonflies), and a UV Bornean jungle with life sized orangutan puppets. The Zoo’s Christmas Market is back too, with festive treats on offer including Yorkshire pudding wraps, festive burgers, fresh pizza, and bratwurst. And Santa Claus will be visiting the zoo to see the lanterns and spread some festive cheer.

Take a journey with the Snowman

Making its welcome return to Chester Cathedral on 3 December is The Snowman Tour. Christmas classic The Snowman and a new Shaun the Sheep short, The Flight Before Christmas, will be accompanied by a live orchestra to help you to get into the festive spirit.

Find Santa in his Enchanted Grotto

The Grosvenor Shopping Centre is being transformed into a Narnia-inspired winter wonderland for the family to explore on their way to visit with Father Christmas from 25 November – 24 December. You’ll meet snow elves and other magical characters on this immersive wintery experience, which will lead children around the enchanted grotto.

Make some sweet Christmas memories at The Ice Cream Farm

There’s a lot happening this Christmas at The Ice Cream Farm from 26 November – 24 December. At the world’s largest ice cream parlour, just a stone’s throw from the city centre, kids can meet Santa, choose their own gift from the Elves’ Emporium, make reindeer food, and, of course, have a couple of scoops of ice cream. There’s also breakfast with Santa in the Sticky Paws restaurant, where the man himself will be on hand to give presents; as well as cookie making masterclasses with Mrs. Claus.

See a real Chester spectacle

A wonderful spectacle for the family, Chester is renowned for its parades and this year will see the return of some of the very best. On 24 November the 12 Days of Christmas Parade returns with lights, snow, elves, and a few surprises. On 30 November there’s the Lanterns Parade where hundreds of school children parade through the city centre with their hand made lanterns. Then, on 8 and 15 December the Winter Watch parades will take place. Dating back to the 1400s, it’s a spectacle of lights and colourful characters.

Stop in for brunch with the big man

The festivities continue in Chester Cathedral as every Sunday from 27 November to Christmas Eve Santa will be hosting brunch in the Cathedral’s 13^th century refectory. Recommended for kids aged 1-10, Santa will make the rounds giving gifts while you enjoy a delicious brunch.

Beware of the Snow Queen

Storyhouse’s festive productions are a staple of the season and after previous successes with Oliver Twist! and A Christmas Carol present The Snow Queen for Christmas 2022. The show, which runs from 10 December to 15 January, tells the tale of Gerda on her epic journey through the seasons to save her best friend Cei from the Snow Queen.

Enjoy a Family Festive Menu

To top off all the excitement of Christmas in the city there are a host of family friendly restaurants serving up some of the finest festive fayre. The White Horse, found on Chester’s historic racecourse is a great family option. From 25 November the festive menu will be on offer alongside their much-loved kids’ menu. Just outside the centre there’s the Ring O’ Bells, who’s Christmas menu always excites, plus there’s options for the littler ones and festive cocktails for the grown-ups.

See more family-friendly pubs and restaurants in Chester here →

A place to stay after you play…

There’s a lot to pack into your family escape to Chester so you’ll need a place for the whole family to stay. Try Moxy, who offer family-friendly rooms with chic interiors, or The Crowne Plaza, where you’ll be right in the centre for all the seasonal festivities. There are plenty more family-friendly places to stay this Christmas

See more family accommodation in Chester here →