Unwrap a family Christmas in Chester

Perfect for a family Christmas escape, there’s a host of magical festive events and things to do in Chester this year. 

This Winter, Chester Zoo and Sony Music present Lanterns and Light, which promises to be bigger and brighter than ever with never seen before light and sound experiences that will surround you in festive magic.   

The streets will be transformed by enchanting parades throughout the season and Santa Claus will, of course, be visiting the city. Enjoy brunch or Afternoon Tea with the big man at the stunning Chester Cathedral, or visit him in his one of his city centre Grottos to make those Christmas wishes. And watch out for Sleeping Beauty 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 Lanterns and Light 
 

A firm festive favourite in Chester for young and old alike, The Lanterns are back with a twist from 15 November – 1 January 2025. 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. 

Get crafty with Mother Christmas

Meet Mother Christmas at the Grosvenor Museum this December, and listen to her stories before making some crafts to take home. This is a free event, but please book in advance.

Santa Special at ChesterBoat

Take a family-friendly cruise along the River Dee with ChesterBoat this festive season. Children will have the chance to meet Santa, who will bring them each a festive book to read over the holidays. The Lady Diana will be spruced up with lights and tinsel, and the ChesterBoat elves will be on hand with refreshments, songs, and fun activities.

Take a journey with the Snowman 

Making its welcome return to Chester Cathedral on 23 December is The Snowman Tour accompanied by a live orchestra. As an extra bonus, performances will include an additional short film, again accompanied live by the orchestra. Choose from:

'The Snowman' + 'The Snowman and the Snowdog' at 2.00pm
'The Snowman' + 'The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle' at 4.00pm and 6.30pm

The show also includes a fun, festive introduction to the orchestra, and even a visit from the Snowman himself! This magical, festive show – performed within the splendour of Chester Cathedral – is perfect for the whole family to enjoy together, and is sure to create cherished memories.

Also at Chester Cathedral is their magical annual Christmas tree festival. Explore the forest of locally sourced Christmas trees decorated in the theme of sustainability. A delightful family friendly event. This is the annual crowd pleaser and the highlight of the Cathedral's events calendar.  Walk around the venue and soak up the heritage in the Refectory cafe… perhaps over coffee and a cake! £5 entry for Adults, £1 for children and free for children 5 and under. 

Visit Santa in one of his Enchanted Grottos 

Santa will be very busy in Chester this Christmas with three very different Grottos to choose from! Santa’s Enchanted Grotto brings the magic of beloved fairytales to life in The Grosvenor Shopping Centre! Step into a world where storybooks open up around you and adventure awaits at every turn. Guided by jolly enchanted elves, families will embark on a whimsical journey through the realms of classic fairytales, meeting iconic characters who will be sprinkling a little extra magic along the way.

And new for this year, he will be popping up at his very own Town Hall Grotto with his cheerful elves. Tickets include a present from Santa, craft workshops with the elves, mulled wine (for the grown ups!), Letter writing and storytime with friends of the Lord Mayor.

Or you can experience the sights and smells of a Victorian Christmas at Grosvenor Museum. Come and meet Mother and Father Christmas in their Dickensian Grotto, complete with traditional toys and festive drinks of good cheer!

All grottos are bound to be very popular and need to be booked in advance, book early to avoid disappointment. 

Make some sweet Christmas memories at The Ice Cream Farm 

There’s a lot happening this Christmas at The Ice Cream Farm from 23 November – 24 December. At the world’s largest ice cream parlour, just a stone’s throw from the city centre, kids can visit santa and his elves in the magical workshop (SEN Sessions available 23 & 24 November), have breakfast with the man himself and make cookies 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. First there is the 12 Days of Christmas Parade on 21 November, then there's the Lanterns Parade on 28 November where hundreds of school children parade through the city centre with their hand made lanterns. Then, on 5 and 12 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 1 December to Christmas Eve Santa will be hosting brunch in the Cathedral’s Cafe 1092. Recommended for kids aged 1-10, Santa will make the rounds giving gifts while you enjoy a delicious brunch. If you can't make Brunch, you can also have Afternoon Tea with him between 1pm and 3pm.

Have the Christmas you've been dreaming of! 

Join Storyhouse for a dreamy Christmas Show - Sleeping Beauty!  

Based on the timeless fairy-tale, this Christmas show promises to be a spectacular experience for all ages. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that will transport you to a world of wonder, packed with pop favourites, audience interaction and dazzling dances. 

Help Santa find the perfect gift for Sarah 

Dear Santa comes to Storyhouse! Santa is determined to deliver the most fantastic Christmas present to Sarah, but he doesn’t get it right straight away! With the help of his cheeky Elf, he finally settles on something ‘perfect’, just in time for Christmas Eve. 

From the author of the well-loved children’s book Dear Zoo, Rod Campbell, comes Dear Santa and it’s LIVE! This show is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged two and over. The Christmas cheer continues, with the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto after the show, where every child will receive an extra special gift and meet Santa (if they wish to)!    

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 and offering the opportunity to dine with Santa himself - Macdonald Craxton Wood and Rowton Hall Hotel to name a couple. Hickory's and the Boathouse down by the river both offer great kids menus and just outside the centre there’s the Ring O’ Bells, who’s Christmas menu always excites, plus there’s options for the littler ones. See more family-friendly pubs and restaurants in Chester here → 

Stay in Chester for longer

With so much to do you will have to make a break of it and stay for a night or two, choose one of the family friendly hotels in Chester.

If you are travelling by train don't forget that children aged 11-15 can travel for free on Transport for Wales trains during off-peak times whilst under 11’s can travel for free on our services at any time, both when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.