Christmas Magic in Chester: The #morethemerrier

As the cold weather creeps in, the streets of Chester come alive with the enchanting spirit of Christmas. Join us as we explore the magical Christmas events that make Chester a must-visit destination for festive cheer.

If travelling to Chester by car you can take advantage of FREE parking on the Racecourse car park on selected days (courtesy of Chester BID) or if you prefer you can take the Park & Ride into the city. Late night shopping services will operate until 9pm on Thursdays from 23rd November and every evening between 18th and 22nd December. 

Chester Market

A visit to Chester at any time of the year is not complete without a visit to Chester Market and Christmas is no exception. The new market combines aspects of a traditional market with local produce stalls with the delights of a communal food hall with an array of cusines from all around the world. At the market you will find a unique blend of produce, goods, food and beverage traders in a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone to enjoy (including dogs!) – where you really can shop local and eat global. There is always something on at the market too, from musical performances to festive decoration making, see what's on here. 

Christmas on the Rows

Explore Chester’s beautiful Rows this Christmas soaking in the atmosphere as pop up choirs perform from the stalls and shop windows explode with festive cheer creating a trail for children to follow with a chance to win a prize. We’ve put together this handy guide to all the festive events and Christmas Shopping opportunities on The Rows in the run-up to Christmas here.

Cinderella at Storyhouse

Nestled in the heart of Chester, Storyhouse is more than just a theatre; it's a cultural hub that comes alive during the Christmas season. This year you will be whisked away to the ball with a seasonal spectacular – the most famous fairy-tale of them all: Cinderella. Packed with pop favourites and overflowing with magical moments, this enchanting family-friendly Christmas show promises to send you home with a smile on your face and joy in your heart, and with plenty of dancing, clapping and laughing along the way.

Chester's Christmas Parades

One of the highlights of the Christmas season in Chester is the spectacular parades that wind their way through the city's ancient streets. Chester kicks of the festive season with the 12 days of Christmas Parade on 23rd November, full of music, lights, elves, real snow and a few surprises. Next, the Lantern Parade takes place on 30th November with hundreds of school children parading through the city with their stunning homemade lanterns.

Once again there are two opportunities to see the Winter Watch Parade, once on 7th December and the other alongside the Saturnalia Parade on 14th December. Watch the Lord of Misrule and his ghoulish friends hit the cobbles for a riotous romp with a mischievous coterie of fire breathers, devils, skeletons, ice queens, Jack Frosts as the procession dances through the city centre. It really is a sight to behold!

Be sure to grab a spot along the parade route early to catch all the festive magic.

Chester Cathedral: A Christmas Spectacle

The stunning Chester Cathedral takes on an ethereal beauty during the holiday season. Lit up with thousands of twinkling lights, the cathedral becomes a mesmerizing backdrop for various Christmas events.

Attend a traditional carol service to experience the acoustics of this historic space or marvel at the array of Christmas Trees decorated by local schools and businesses for their ever popular Christmas Tree Festival. Have brunch with Santa in the refectory, have a go at wreath making, attend one of the many musical concerts or settle down with a festive tale from Emma the Elf. Enjoy a musical performance from G4, the music from Michael Buble by candlelight or make it a Christmas to remember with a very special performance featuring two of the UK’s best-loved and iconic animated films, The Snowman and Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers. The magical ambiance of Chester Cathedral during Christmas is sure to leave you with a sense of awe and wonder. Find all the Christmas events at the Cathedral here.

Chester Christmas Market

No Christmas celebration is complete without a visit to the bustling Christmas market, and Chester's is truly something special. The market boasts charming wooden chalets offering a variety of festive treats from 17th November to 21st December. From handmade crafts to delectable seasonal delicacies, there's something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, with the scent of mulled wine and the sounds of cheerful laughter filling the air. It's the perfect place to find unique gifts for loved ones and indulge in the holiday spirit.

Santa's Enchanted Grotto presents Alice in Winterland

Chester BID will once again bring an enchanting family Christmas experience to Chester’s Grosvenor Shopping Centre this year! ‘Santa has fallen down a rabbit hole and is lost, can you help Alice and her friends find him? Don’t be late!’

Santa’s Enchanted Grotto will be open from Friday 24th November from 10am and will run until Christmas Eve, at 3pm.Each experience will last between 25-30 minutes and each child will receive a gift from Santa to go home with. SEN and autism sessions will be run on December 1st, 2nd, 9th, 18th and 20th, from 10am-11am. 

Christmas at Chester Zoo

This winter, Chester Zoo and Sony Music present Lanterns and Light from 17th November to 31st December. Bigger, better and brighter than ever – you will discover never seen before light and sound experiences that will surround you in festive magic.

Explore new captivating light installations and be transported into enchanting lands filled with colour and festivity, where you can meet orangutans, lions, dolphins and woolly mammoths as you make your way along the trail! Wonder at the colour changing displays stretching as far as the eye can see, while birds and stars adorn the zoo's winding paths and trees.

Take a walk through the spectacular Winter Cathedral tunnel of lights and even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas in his sleigh. Visit the zoo this winter for a festive light trail like no other and take an unforgettable journey into the land of Lanterns and Light.

This year you're invited to Dine with Santa and his elves at Chester Zoo, The Oakfield! Santa's elves are ready to welcome you to a Christmas themed grotto at The Oakfield – they might even take an 'elf-ie' with you! Enjoy a delicious full English breakfast or traditional Christmas lunch prepared by Santa's helpers, in our stunningly festive Garden Room with views overlooking the zoo.

Chester, with its rich history and enchanting architecture, provides the perfect backdrop for a magical Christmas experience. From the heartwarming performances at Storyhouse to the festive parades, the illuminated cathedral, the bustling Christmas market, and the enchanting grotto, Chester offers a diverse array of events that capture the true spirit of the season. Embrace the festive cheer and make your way to Chester for a Christmas celebration like no other. See all the events happening in Chester this Christmas here.