Christmas in Chester & Surrounding Areas
Chester is a magical historic city on any day of the year, but there’s a little something extra that comes to life with the twinkling of Christmas lights and the buzz of happy times ahead.
Below we have collated some Christmas highlights in Chester and the surrounding areas and have answered some of the key Christmas questions that visitors ask.
When do the Chester Christmas Markets start?
The Chester outdoor Christmas Markets are open now – they began on 18th November and will run until 21st December 2022. They celebrate their 10th anniversary this year.
Where are the Chester Christmas Markets located?
Just outside the Town Hall Square and near to Chester Cathedral, you can’t miss them!
What about the brand-new indoor Chester Market?
An exciting new addition to the Northgate development, the new Chester Market has recently opened with a multitude of delicious food stalls and independent traders, from local produce to personalised gift shops to clothing, and so many things in between. There is a real buzz about the place and is of course looking wonderfully Christmas at the moment – a must-visit for your trip!
Where is the best place for Mulled Wine?
You’ve got many options! From enjoying mulled wine in the street at the Chester Christmas Market, the new indoor Chester market with all its fabulous food outlets to any number of local restaurants and bars who are already getting into the spirit and serving this hot delicacy to intrepid shoppers and visitors.
Our favourite would have to be ….one of the outdoor stalls at the Christmas Market in front of the Town Hall.
What are the best Christmassy things to do in Chester?
Soaking in the Chester atmosphere and shopping
It’s hard to beat just exploring Chester’s historic streets and famous double height shopping Rows etc – soaking in the festive atmosphere, watching the buskers, exploring the independent shops and hanging out, drinking hot chocolate or mulled wine!
The Lanterns at Chester Zoo
The renowned annual event returns with another magical event for 2022. The Lanterns transform the zoo into a truly spectacular wonderland, a journey of illumination through ‘fantastical’ worlds, every one different from the last. An immersive experience which shows the zoo in a completely different light – quite literally! Imaginations will run wild as these spaces are explored, each filled to the brim with colourful lanterns, spectacular costumed characters and Christmas scenes.
Christmas Tree Festival at Chester Cathedral
The annual Christmas Tree Festival at the stunning Chester Cathedral also returns for its 10th year in 2022. Fifty Christmas trees sparkle and shimmer throughout the Cathedral. This is a lovely trip for families, whose children will be enamoured by these wonderful scenes. The event started at the end of November and runs until 8th January.
The Snow Queen at Storyhouse
A fabulous performance of The Snow Queen at Chester’s Storyhouse theatre. The Snow Queen is one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most popular stories and is well known by the many lovers of the infamous ‘ Frozen’. The timeless and bewitching story charts an epic battle between good and evil, celebrating family and friendship along the way. This is a real classic, and a spectacular show to engage all ages, running until 15th January.
Christmas Tour of Chester
This 90-minute tour provides its followers fascinating insights into the resourceful way local shopkeepers kept their businesses ticking over during the tough wartime years of rationing and find out more about some of the characters we see in the colourful and vibrant Winter Watch Parades, renowned in Chester. You also might get some surprises, who knew what strange things used to pass as a tasty Christmas dinner in days gone by!
There is so much interesting knowledge shared about the customs, rituals and beliefs that many countries and religions have all contributed to the way we celebrate today.
Did you know we are technically breaking the law every time you wish someone a Merry Christmas? And as you scurry around doing your Christmas shopping have you ever wondered why the Three Kings chose the gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh? Discover more about the hidden meanings in Christmas Carols and why Father Christmas wears red and travels in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
What are the best Christmassy things to do in Cheshire?
Our beautiful county is made more magical with Christmas events, shopping, dining, stays, unforgettable attractions and who knows, maybe even some snow. Whether you’re taking a family staycation, reconnecting with loved ones or just because, visit Cheshire this Christmas for some real magic.
Stately Fun
Cheshire has no lack of beautiful Stately Homes throughout the county, and many of them get tooled up for Christmas with a multitude of themed events running.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, transports visitors to panto-land with the festive styling of its magnificent state rooms, Once Upon a Pantomime: The Christmas Mansion, running until New Year’s Day.
Lyme, near Disley will see the return of the sights, sounds and even smells of Christmas past, festooned in Edwardian decorations for Make Christmas Memories at Lyme, open until Christmas Eve.
Little Moreton Hall, near Congleton runs Deck the Hall, celebrating Christmas traditions old and new at their historic Tudor manor. The events only run on select dates in December: 2nd to 4th, 9th to 11th, 16th to 18th.
Arley Hall once again hosts its Christmas Floral Extravaganza. The hall is dressed for the season with hundreds of fresh flowers and foliage from its gardens, which creates an exquisite sight, particularly on the Candlelight & Carols Evenings, there are also floral demonstrations for the keen horticulturalists too! The events run from 20th November on various dates.
Mog’s Christmas Trail at Dunham Massey. This is a daytime family trail is based on the enthralling antics and escapades from Judith Kerr’s beloved book ‘Mog’s Christmas’ and is ideal for families with younger children. The trail runs from 19th November until 8th January.
Where are the best Christmas Lights displays/trails in Cheshire?
- Luminate UK – Walton Hall & Gardens, Warrington
- Christmas at Delamere Forest
- Christmas at the Magical Woodland – Sandiway, Northwich
- Christmas at Bolesworth
- BeWILDerwood presents Christmas
After all that Christmas fun there is simply no where better to relax than Edgar House with family and best friends.
The house is fully booked this Christmas – but why not plan a cosy winter family get together for early 2023 – or plan well ahead to avoid disappointment and book now for December or New Year 2023!