Unwrap Cheshire this Christmas for festive fun galore

There is masses to see and do this Christmas in Cheshire with inspiring events and more than a sprinkle of magic to enjoy across the county. From light extravaganzas and opportunities to meet Santa and his elves, ride the North Pole Express and rub noses with snow-whiskered animals; children of all ages are sure to be entertained.  There are plenty of festive markets to choose from to pick out some special gifts. Plus, Cheshire will be home to the UK’s largest Christmas tree at the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.   

UNWRAP THE BEST OF CHESTER

Chester Christmas Market (15 November – 22 December)

Make for a Christmas day out in Chester which is fizzing with festive fun.  Start at the Christmas market with its array of local producers, crafts and artisans, festooned with twinkling lights, and live music (on Friday and Saturday evenings) to ignite the seasonal spirit. There are just 80 traders providing stocking fillers aplenty, local, wax-sealed cheeses to handmade fudge, locally-brewed gin and beers, silver jewellery, candles and skin care. Foodies will be spoilt for choice with pulled pork, salt beef sandwiches, or Cumberland sausages, while the drinks selection includes mulled wine or gin, hot winter rum, Baileys hot chocolate and hot cider. Pop into medieval Chester cathedral which is transformed with over 80 decorated trees in a community-based Christmas Tree Festival, or visit the Storyhouse cinema for a festive film and a glass of mulled wine. For more info, visit: www.visitchester.com

Lanterns and Lights at Chester Zoo (5 November – 1 January)

A visit to Chester wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Chester Zoo, just a few miles outside the city centre. Kick-start the Christmas countdown with a spectacular light trail, synchronised to music, featuring animal-inspired illuminations, puppets and traditional festive scenes. Wander through vibrant lands where illuminated orangutans, elephants and lions roam. Interact with animal puppets, including energetic meerkats, colourful peacocks and playful snow leopards. Other highlights include giant candy canes, neon walkways, a fire garden and oversized baubles. Every ticket purchased will help with Chester Zoo's mission of preventing extinction. Limited tickets available from £18 Adult, £12 Child (children under 12 months and carers go free). For more info, visit www.chesterzoo.org

Santa’s Grotto at Chester Town Hall (Only available on 6,13,14, 20 and 21 December)

The Christmas Grotto at Chester Town Hall is a festive tradition not to be missed.  The grand Assembly Hall becomes home to Santa's helpful elves, Sparkle & Jingle who are offering arts and crafts workshops for all. Create a giant, snow-filled bauble to hang on the tree, package your own bag of magical reindeer food, colour and sparkle a festive gift bag and write a letter to Santa himself.

Then, get ready to ascend the magical staircase, and meet Santa, and take a photo in the stunning setting and receive a present, too.  There is an optional Christmas story with The Lord Mayor of Chester (at certain times) and a mulled wine or cider (grown-ups only!). Tickets must be pre-booked and entry costs £15 for children, and £8 for adults. See https://www.visitcheshire.com/whats-on/santas-grotto-p327611  

Make it a festive weekend and stay at the boutique Hotel Indigo Chester with easy access to all of the city’s Christmas curiosities; rooms from £117 per night. Or try the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and Spa with onsite parking, pool and family rooms from £197 per night.

CHESHIRE’S FESTIVE HIGHLIGHTS

Christmas at Lyme (29 November - 24 December | 11am - 3pm)

Nestling on the edge of the Peak District, Lyme was once home to the Legh family and, in its heyday was a great sporting estate, with 1,400 acres and a medieval herd of red deer, fantastic walks and stunning views. The Regency House is dressed for the season and populated with ‘Animal Crackers’: magnificent and unusual beasts exploring winter traditions. Join in carols with a community choir singing in the courtyard daily at noon and 1.30pm. Monkey around as you learn to wassail, sing along with the birds, and join the Lord of Misrule for a festive feast. There are sensory bags and ear defenders to borrow, and the Chapel has been transformed into a sensory space with soft lighting and comfortable seating as an alternative relaxing environment. Limited tickets available, entry is included in the general admission price, from £22.50 for a family ticket, or free for National Trust Members. For more info, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/lyme

Festive Fun at Gulliver’s World (selected dates between 16 November – 31 December)

Gulliver’s World Warrington is offering a ride on the North Pole Express to meet Santa in his Grotto this Christmas; and children can choose their own gift from the Elf Workshop. Plus, new for 2024, is Santa's Enchanted Elevator which will whisk families on a magical journey filled with sparkles and festive cheer, straight to Santa’s front door. Selected Christmas rides and attractions will be open and a highpoint is sure to be Gully's Christmas Show, peppered with festive entertainment from the mischievous elves. Choose from a selection of festive theme park packages starting from £34 including food. Children under 90cm from £12. Enjoy a Christmas sleepover at Gulliver’s World where accommodation starts from £87 per night (for a family of 4). For more info, visit www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk/

Journey to Oz: Tatton Park  (selected dates between 23 November - 29 December)

Enjoy a magical adventure through the iconic scenes of The Wizard of Oz inside Tatton Park's historic mansion. Wander through the staterooms following the Yellow Brick Road to find the sparkling Emerald City, bedecked in festive decorations. Head into the gardens for a Yuletide Adventure of folklore and rituals as creatures from winter myths and stories come to life through music and fire juggling. Roast marshmallows around the fire and warm up with a hot chocolate as a traditional storyteller weaves tales to enthral the whole family. Head to the Farm to Meet Father Christmas and his elf helpers in a festive grotto, and enjoy roaming entertainers, choirs, brass bands, crafts and delicious treats in the Christmas Café. On Sunday 22 December there are free Christmas Carols in the Stableyard. Prices: Journey to Oz from £14.50 per adult, £10.50 per child, under 2s go free; Yuletide, from £20 per adult, £12 per child, under 2’s go free; Meet Father Christmas, from £11 per adult, and £12.50 per child. Vehicle Parkland entry also applies. Overnight at Cottons Hotel & Spa in Knutsford (from £115 per night). For more info, visit www.tattonpark.org.uk

Santa Saturdays at Anderton Boat Lift & Visitor Centre (selected dates from 7-24 December) Santa Saturdays are a go-go at Anderton Boat Lift, a giant three-storey-high iron edifice on the banks of the River Weaver where, every Saturday in December, Santa and his helpers are hosting cruises along the waterways. One of the 'Seven Wonders of the Waterways', Anderton Boat Lift together with its visitor centre, coffee shop, play area and nearby Northwich Woodlands, makes for a great day out. The visitor centre and grounds are free to enter and over the festive season visitors can take a boat cruise with Santa and his helpers. Santa will be reading from his story book, teaching new songs, and posing for a selfie: children will receive a small gift, too. Passengers will require a ticket: £20pp or £4 for under 1’s. Stay nearby in Northwich at Nunsmere Hall (from £125 per night). For more info, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk  

Christmas with BeWILDerwood (selected dates between 30 November - 23 December)

BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas - A Sparkly Light and Panto Trail. Follow the trail into the woods past shimmering snowflakes with food and drink from the Munch Bar, before reaching the Storytelling Stage for a 20-minute pantomime suitable for all ages and filled with festive cheer. Continue along the Sparkly Light Trail, where enchanting lights will illuminate the woods. Spot Silly Snowmen, candy canes, and other festive favourites along the way.  Kids can meet Santa and receive a small, sweet treat. Tickets cost from £17.50 per person and include the light trial, the pantomime and meet and greet with Father Christmas. Stay at Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa which offers B&B from £207pp.   

For more info, visit www.bewilderwood.co.uk

Getting here: Travel by train to Chester: the journey from London Euston is just 2 hours and 30 minutes.

For more information visit: visitcheshire.com

Or download the What’s on Guide here: WG24Q4 Whats on Guide