Unwrap a family Christmas in Cheshire

Let us help you 'Unwrap Cheshire this Christmas! Perfect for a family break, there’s a whole host of magical festive events and things to do in Cheshire this Christmas for all the family. 

Pantomimes and Christmas Performances

No Christmas is complete without a visit to see a traditional pantomime, oh no it isn't! You will be spoilt for choice in Cheshire this Christmas as there are lots of traditional pantomimes to choose from; Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Cinderella and even the less traditional but classic Beauty and the Beast. Look out for a few familiar faces, we've heard that the wicked step sisters in Cinderella in Northwich should some good comedy value!

Or if a panto is not your thing there are other festive performances that the children might enjoy. The Little Mermaid is coming to The Brindley, the hilarious Elf the Musical will be on in Northwich and a special screening of the Snowman is taking place once again at Chester Cathedral, alongside a live orchestra, this award winning show is one not to be missed! 

Smaller children will enjoy Santa's Christmas Cracker in Runcorn where Santa and his elves will teach a little lost penguin all about the magic of Christmas. Afterwards, the adventure continues as each child gets to meet Father Christmas and receive a special wrapped present from him – it’s the most Christmassy Christmas show ever, HO-HO-HO! 

Or help Santa deliver the most fantastic Christmas present to Sarah at Storyhouse's performance of the much loved family favourite, Dear Santa. 

See more Pantomimes and Christmas performances here ->

Light Trails

Cheshire is becoming known for its spectacular Light Trails at Christmas, the only problem is choosing which one you want to go to as they are all so magical. For the second year, Gulliver's World in Warrington presents Land of Lights, a place where nature's most majestic creatures and natural wonders have been imagined in stunning technicolour.

Christmas at Dunham Massey, has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way and at Quarry Bank you can take a wander through the Upper Garden on the new Enchanted Winter Walk.

Yuletide, a glittering adventure through the gardens at Tatton Park returns for a second year and Luminate returns at a new location, moving from Walton Hall to Arley Hall and Gardens this year.

Firm favourites Magical Woodland at Blakemere, the Sparkly Light and Panto Trail at BeWILDerwood and Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo all return along with some fantastic new additions. 

Completely new for 2024, is World of Illumination at Cheshire County Showground, a magical world of lights that promises to transport you into a dazzling realm and Winter of Wonder at Jodrell Bank, 4 nights of festive lights, Christmas shopping and seaonal treats!

See all the Cheshire Light Trails here ->

Where to see the big man himself

There are plenty of opportunities for the little ones to see Santa in Cheshire this festive season. Visit him in one of his many grottos, take a cruise along the canal with him, make cookies with his wife or meet his elves in his workshop. Have breakfast, brunch, Afternoon Tea or lunch with him or listen to him read his favourite Christmas storybook. Rumour has it that he might even be popping along to some of the Cheshire towns and villages for our special festive events!

See all the places you can see Santa in Cheshire here ->

Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets are also a must in the lead up to the big day and it seems almost every town in Cheshire is hosting one this year. Pop along to find all your gifts, you'll find locally produced and handmade candles, jewellery, crafts, textiles and of course plenty of tasty treats to keep the kids happy!

Find Christmas Markets in Cheshire here ->

Other events worth mentioning are the many light switch on events taking place across the county and the fantastic parades that take place in Chester, both lovely ways to spend a festive afternoon/early evening. Cheshire West Museums are offering craft workshops for kids who love to be creative and two of our country parks have let Elves loose and need help to find them, a great way to encourage the kids out into the countryside to enjoy some fresh air. Plus you can head to Jodrell Bank and see a festive film in the space dome, choose from Nightmare before Christmas, Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street and more!

Find more Christmas events in Cheshire here ->

I think you will agree there is far too much happening in Cheshire to just come for the day. You need to come for at least one night, if not two, to make sure you unwrap everything Cheshire has to offer at Christmas time.

Find the perfect place to stay here ->