What's On In Chester & Cheshire This Christmas
Throughout December
Christmas shopping in Chester has a great atmosphere with the city's Christmas lights & street entertainers. Walk along the traditional black and white Rows of Chester where you will find small boutiques and gift shops, designer clothing outlets, art galleries and antique shops.
Late Night Christmas Shopping In Chester
From Thursday 13th November 2008 the following shops will be open until 6pm each night of the week and until 9pm every Thursday: Marks & Spencer, Boots, New Look, Next and Debenhams. The Grosvenor Shopping Mall will also open late from 1st December onwards.
Chester Christmas Markets
Continental Christmas Market
06 - 21 Dec 2008
Open daily (dates to be confirmed), free admission.
Chester continental markets are held outside Chester Town Hall. There will be many stalls selling food, crafts and christmas gifts. Continental flavours come to Chester, enjoy a myriad of stalls and wooden chalets, retailing all manner of continental merchandise, produce, fine German foods, wines and beers. Handmade traditional wooden toys. Traditional Dutch hand-crafted leather goods, including handbags, purses, should bags, belts, accessories, scarves and clothing. Italian coffee from the Scappaticci family. Unique handmade jewellery, fashioned on site in silver and precious stones to your own design - guaranteed to be unique. Over 20 varieties of German cheeses and breads, freshly baked on site and over 30 varieties of dried sausage, salami, wursts and pate brought to you direct by the traditional German butcher who produces them and 25 varieties of original Haribo German confectionery including specialist recipes fudges. And much, much more..
Tarvin Christmas Festival
Friday 5 - Sunday 7 December 2008
Don't miss the Tarvin Christmas Festival. Christmas Tree Festival, Christmas Market & Entertainment in Tarvin HighStreet.
Friday 6.30pm - 9.00pm.
Saturday 10am - 4.00pm.
Sunday 12noon - 4.00pm - Christmas Tree Festival only.
Christmas Tree lighting on Friday 5 December at 6.30pm.
Children can bring letters for Father Christmas - he will be calling in over the weekend. Call into Tarvin Methodist Church to see the tree festival (finale is on Sunday at 4.00pm). There will be Christmas food stalls together with lots of craft stalls - handy for Christmas Presents.
Entertainment will be provided by Salvation Army Band, Seymour Road Primary School Steel Band from Manchester, local singers.
All takes place in Tarvin High Street. Parking facilities will be sign-posted.
Christmas Arts and Craft Fair
Sat 6th December 2008
The event is raising money for the Jessica House Charity
Bishop Lloyds Palace, Watergate Row, Chester. Free Entry 9-5pm
A warm welcome, mince pies, mulled wine, christmas decorations and cards, fairies of all kinds - good ones and wicked ones! - angel pictures, gold and silver candles, lanterns, jewellery, silk wraps, art scarves, kimonos, notebooks, body shop, handbags, hand-crafted mobiles, Christmas cake decorations, driftwood artifacts, table runners, pashminas, baby clothes, sculpture, books, work by local artists and even reflexology for tired feet!
Ice Sculptures
Sat 6th & Sun 7th December 2008
Not to be missed, watch Christmas Ice Sculptures being made during the day in Bridge Street.
Traditional Christmas Concert
Thursday 11th December 2008
Chester Cathedral
Following the success in 20007 of Nightingale House Hospice’s Celebration of Christmas concert, the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir have kindly agreed to headline the concert for a second time, on Thurs 11 Dec in the splendid surroundings of Chester Cathedral. Musical Director Ann Atkinson, and the Fron Choir, will be joined on the night by international tenor soloist Aled Wyn Davies, accompanist Alwena Nutting and award-winning Phoenix Brass, a quintet from Manchester. William Roache MBE, Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow, will be guest MC for the evening.
The concert begins at 8pm and the tickets are £20 (unrestricted view) and £12.50 (restricted view). more info and tickets
A Tudor Christmas
Saturday 13 December 2008
Stanley Palace, Watergate St, Chester.
10:30am-4:30pm A free drop-in event. Help prepare for Christmas with characters from a Tudor household, and see how herbal remedies were used to keep people hale and hearty. Take this opportunity to see inside the historic 'black and white' townhouse of the Stanley family.
Christmas Lights Switch On
Thursday 13th Nov 2008
The Lord Mayor of Chester and Father Christmas will officially launch Christmas in Chester! Join the fun and activities. 5pm to 6:30pm Christmas Parade. See street entertainers, stilt walkers, magicians, electro glide angel, unicyclists, Santa’s Sleigh and live reindeer..
Chester Christmas Lights (Interactive Movie 2.3mb) QuickTime
Christmas Carol Concert
Friday 05 December 2008
Christmas Carol Concert at Chester Cathedral. 7:30pm
Macmillan Cancer Support.
For tickets and further information contact Aimee 01925 846762
A Medieval Christmas
Saturday 06 December 2008
Chester Cathedral
10:30am-4:30pm A free drop-in event. Meet Medieval pilgrims as they visit Chester for the festive season, with music, mumming plays and much more.
» Our Chester Cathedral Photo Gallery
Chester Winter Watch Parade
Thursday 4th & Thursday 11th December 2008
The dark winter will be lit up by a light parade which marches through the streets of Chester. A Medieval procession of light and sound. The loudest and most colourful parade of Christmas hits the streets. Starting in Eastgate at 7pm the parade is led by a Samba band and includes chefs, cooks, angels, devils and fire breathing!
Parade route: Eastgate, Bridge Street, Northgate, St Werburgh St, Eastgate. Special finale outside Browns of Chester. Parade lasts for approx 40 minutes. Read more about the winter solstice here
Roman Saturnalia Parade
Thursday 18th December 2008
Many Christmas traditions and customs are transparently based on the old Roman feast of the Saturnalia, which was enjoyed for seven days toward the end of December, during the celebration of the Roman god Saturn.
Celebrate Christmas in Chester and watch this unique Roman Parade. A torch lit procession of Roman Soldiers marching through the centre of Chester. The Saturnalia Parade starts from the Eastgate Clock at 7:00pm.
Children's Carol and Toy Service
Saturday 20 December 2008 at 3.00pm
The Parish Church of Chester, St John the Baptist holds its Children's Carol and Toy Service in aid of the Children's Society and the NSPCC. We would like as many people as possible of all age ranges from babies and toddlers to Grandmas and Grandads to come and if possible to bring a small gift of a toy for a baby/toddler or something for older children and teenagers which will be given to the two charities who do much valuable work amongst needy and abused kids.
The kids band 'ELASTIC BAND' under Cormac Bowell will play for us.
Contact: Revd David Chesters, Rector of St John's Tel. 01244 676567
St John's is the oldest Christian Church in Chester and its original Cathedral. Over the Christmas period there will be additional Service including one on 21st for the Parish and the CIVIC and BUSINESS COMMUNITY of Chester. This Service is supported by the Grosvenor Estate. On Christmas Eve there will be the HIGH MASS OF THE NATIVITY and on Christmas Day a simple FAMILY EUCHARIST with Carols. Christmas has been celebrated on this site since at least the 7th Century and probably for much longer.
Cheshire Open Studios
December 2008
Professional artists from Cheshire will be opening their studios to the public. Artist studios will be open between 11am-4pm during this weekend, offering you the perfect opportunity to shop for truly unique Christmas gifts. For more details of artists and studio locations visit www.artistsatwork.org.uk
Chester Zoo Frost Fair
27th November 2008 to 11th January 2009
Chester Zoo is turning into a winter wonderland this Christmas with a 20m ice rink, entertainment, animation, market and craft stalls selling local produce and festive gifts, performances from local pantomime groups, ice skaters and Santa’s Grotto! www.chesterzoo.org/frostfair
Christmas Party Venues in Chester
Are you searching for a venue for the Office Christmas party?
Why not browse through some of Chester's best hotels that have great party rooms, catering and entertainment.. or book a party at one of Chester's many stylish restaurants.
Christmas At Tatton 2008
Candlelight Evenings
A visit to Tatton's Candlelight Evenings offers a memorable start to the festive season. Visitors walk through the magnificently decorated staterooms as they shimmer by candlelight. Choir singers and musicians provide wonderful musical interludes as night falls and Tatton’s beautiful Italian Garden is lit up with a fantastic display. Tatton’s shops are open late to give visitors the opportunity to browse and buy gifts. The Gift Fair is open each evening with over 40 stalls offering original ideas for presents and decorations, while supper is available at the Stables Restaurant.
Opening Times:
Wednesday to Fri Dec 3rd – 5th. 6.30pm – 9pm (last entry 8:30pm)
Saturday Dec 6th, 5.30pm – 8pm (last entry 7:30pm)
Prices: Adult £6.50 Child £3.50
Prices apply to National Trust members
Concerts
Concerts take place in Tatton's stunning Tenants' Hall. Prior to the evening concert visitors have the opportunity to walk through the decorated state rooms then enjoy a glass of mulled wine before the concert starts at 8pm
- Wed 10th Dec, Celebrate Christmas
Northern Chamber Orchestra, £20/£18 (Under 18s £12)
- Fri 12th Dec, Christmas Jazz
Mart Rodger's Manchester Jazz, £19
- Sat 13th Dec, The Rat Pack Is Back
Award winning tribute band, £19
- Sun 14th Dec, Hansel and Gretel
Northern Chamber Orchestra Family Concert
£12 (Child £8), 2pm & 4pm
For full info and concert tickets visit tattonpark.org.uk
Christmas Floral Extravaganza, Arley Hall
 29 November to 7 December 2008
The Magic of Christmas comes alive with the scent and spectacle of thousands of fresh flowers in breathtaking floral decorations around the historic Hall. The Hall is magnificently decorated by the Cheshire Ladies of NAFAS. With traditional fresh flower floral arrangements, the Hall is bedecked with exotic flowers and foliage from all over the world. Wander through the oak panelled state rooms and intimate drawing room and then climb the magnificent oak staircase to see the south bay bedroom and other rooms. With opulent colours, scents and sights you will not be disappointed.
This year we once again have a programme of special events to tempt you with flower demonstrations, and Candlelight and Carol evenings, offering you the opportunity to wander through the Hall at night to enjoy the candles, Christmas trees and intricate floral decorations accompanied by carol singers in the State rooms. The Tudor Barn restaurant will be open throughout offering snacks, morning coffee, light meals and traditional Christmas fare, mulled wine and mince pies.
There will be a special family weekend, 6th - 7th December, with Father Christmas, biscuit decorating in the Hall, face painting and other activities planned.
For full information and advanced booking visit arleyhallandgardens.com
Liverpool Santa Dash 2008
Sunday December 7th 2008
The Santa Dash is classified as a fun run of 5k distance and as such there is no lower age level for entries. However, a Mini Dash of about 1 mile also takes place just after the main run and this is for children ages 12 and under. runliverpool.org.uk
Hope House - Santa Fun Run
7th December 2008
The Hope House Children's Hospices Santa Fun Run which is taking place at Alyn Waters Country Park in Wrexham on Sunday December 7, 2008 at 2pm. The Hospice in Oswestry cares for approx 30 families in Cheshire each year offering respite and care to terminally ill children and support to their families. We are looking for 250 Santas from across Cheshire and Wrexham to take part in this fun event. Registration including a Santa Suit is £12.50 and forms can be found on our website or by calling 01691 671671. The event is generously sponsored by Clogau Gold.
hopehouse.org.uk
Something Wishful
Friday 12th December 2008
The spectacular closing celebration for Cheshire’s Year of Gardens 2008 Based on the Thai, Loy Krathong or floating candle ceremony, the event will take place on and around the River Dee in Chester. Thousands of ‘wishes’, made by local communities and artists will be launched into the river as part of the celebrations in December. Something Wishful is produced by Chester Performs, who are working with Emergency Exit Arts from London and with the Cheshire Year of Gardens team. For more details on this spectacular event please visit here
The Groves, Chester
Christmas 2008
That time of the year is approaching again, and before we know it we will be hanging up our stockings and listening for sleigh bells. We know the stress of getting everything organized for your family, staff and business functions, and we'd like to take the "crikey"! out of Christmas for you...
Our menu starts at just £16.95 for 2 courses, or, you can have 3 courses and all you can drink for just £42 per person. A great deal in today's economic climate. All bookings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday will enjoy either a DJ or a band from 10:00pm until 12.30 and we are licensed until 2:00am so you can really enjoy a great night out. Perhaps you might like to go on to Chester's best night club, Cruise, just 200 yards up the road, after your meal. We can provide you with tickets for just £5 to get in (a 50% discount on your normal admission).
Enclosed is a copy of our menu for the 2008/09 festive season. Please call with any questions and allow us to surpass your expectations with the perfect tailor-made package for your function.
Christmas Menu (pdf)
The Groves, Souters Lane, Chester CH1 1SD
Tel: 01244 311 518
www.groveschester.com
Castle Park Art Centre, Frodsham
31 Oct - 20 Dec 2008
Open Art Exhibition, Free admission.
Friday 5th & Sat 6th Dec 2008
Christmas Craft Fayre. castleparkarts.co.uk
Christmas Antiques Fair Northgate Arena
27th Dec 2008
The Northgate Arena Antiques & Collectables Fair. This indoor event regularly attracts many traders with a wide range of stock including Chester Silver, Furniture, and collectables. Parking and Refreshments are available. cadsart events (pdf)
Christmas at Chirk Castle
December 2008
Celebrate the festive season and experience a truly natural homespun Christmas. Follow the woodland trail to Father Christmas's hideaway cabin. Visit the Elves Workshop & add your Christmas dreams to the wishing tree. Children's Christmas craft activities and trails. Peruse the country craft stalls and local festive foods. Hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Lots of festive activities for all the family to enjoy. You can even snuggle up to a loved on under the Kissing Bough. Chirk Castle 01691 777701
nationaltrust.org.uk
What’s On At Grosvenor Garden Centre In December
December is a very full month for everyone – and especially at Grosvenor Garden Centre! With a full programme of events scheduled throughout December, Grosvenor has arranged entertainment, hot tips, tempting tastings and special festive events to make sure everybody’s Christmas goes with a swing!
Santa will be making time in his hectic schedule to visit Grosvenor Garden Centre every day in December before Christmas, to read a magical Christmas story. Available at various times each day, Storytime with Santa tickets are available from reception and include a delicious cookie and drink, together with a memento for children to take home.
Grosvenor is inviting everyone to complete their Christmas shopping at a special Open Evening on Wednesday 3rd Dec 2008 from 6pm – 9pm where there will be many special offers available for one night only! Whilst enjoying complimentary mulled wine and mince pies, customers will be able to pick up handy hints and tips with in-store demonstrations and delicious tasty nibbles from some of Grosvenor’s most popular food department ranges.
Festive late night openings will take place every Thursday and Friday throughout December before Christmas when Grosvenor Garden Centre will stay open until 8pm. From 6pm onwards, enjoy popular demonstrations every Thursday, and food tastings every Friday with plenty of ideas from resident expert staff.
And Grosvenor will be holding two extra special weekends of festive fun to suit all the family! On Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th Dec, staff will be illustrating how to dress a stylish, eye-catching tree for Christmas to coincide with National Tree Dressing Day (6 – 7 December) and National Tree Week (26 November – 7 December), and there will be lots more craft activities throughout the weekend including candle dipping to keep everyone entertained!
And visit Grosvenor for a Christmas party with a difference on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th Dec with popular stilt walking juggler, James Bazley, and free face painting.
Throughout December, Grosvenor is offering an extra special boost for customers who spend £10 in the garden centre. Grosvenor will then give them a £1 voucher to spend on anything in January! Excluding sale items, cafe, gift vouchers and concessions, the £1 vouchers will soon mount up and help out with post Christmas purchases for the home and the garden.
Grosvenor’s popular Farmers’ Market will once again take place on the second Friday of the month, Friday 12th December. With delicious produce available from mouth watering venison reared on the Eaton Estate, to organic lamb, buffalo meat, fruits and vegetables, Cheshire cheeses and organic eggs to name but a few – all the delicacies on offer have been grown, reared or picked by the very best farmers and producers in Cheshire and North Wales, many of which sell out very quickly so please don’t be disappointed!
Grosvenor Garden Centre
Wrexham Road, Belgrave, Chester CH4 9EB
Tel: 01244 625200
Christmas Trees For Sale
Delamere Forest Park provides a great family Christmas experience with the Forestry Commission's largest Christmas tree sales point in the North West. The Forestry Commission only sells trees that are grown in a sustainable manner in the UK. For every tree harvested another is planted.
Christmas tree sales will be open from Saturday 6th December 2008 from 9am - 5pm at Whitefield Car Park. Last sales day is Sunday 21st December. Try and avoid the weekend queues and visit on one of our late nights - Thursday 11th and Friday 12th December 5pm - 8pm.
Also visit Santa's Grotto where Santa will be happy to see children of all ages every weekend and weekday in December from Saturday 6th to 21st. Santa will be in his grotto from 9am until 5pm (weekends) and 3pm – 5pm (weekdays).
Trees also available at:
Book Signings
Sat 13 Dec 2008
Local Chester author, Edward H Trayer, will be doing a book signing at Gildas bookshop (on The Wall) in Chester from 11am to 3pm. Edward is the author of the successful children's series, A Wishing Shelf Tale, which follow the adventures of Felicity Brady in a magic bookshop. Get a signed copy and meet the author.
Tue 02 Dec 2008
Nigella Lawson 12:30pm Borders, Cheshire Oaks
Domestic Goddess, Nigella Lawson joins us to sign copies of her new book 'Nigella Christmas' - not to be missed!
Father Christmas will be paying a visit to Borders books at Cheshire Oaks on Saturday the 13th Dec 2008, from 11am to 4pm and Sunday the 14th from 11.30am to 4pm. The event is free and every child that visits Santa will receive a free gift! The Hospice of the Good Shepherd will also be there collecting for both days!
New Years Eve Burlesque Ball
Wednesday 31st December 2008
The Guildhall, Watergate St, Chester
Burlesque dancers from London, LA and New York are jetting in for a special New Year's Eve event in Chester. Former Chester College student Neil Kendall has organised the glamorous evening entitled Fly Me to the Moon at The Guildhall in Watergate St.
Neil has spent several years travelling around the world working on a book about burlesque, featuring original dancers from the 1940's and 1950's. Now back in Chester he has been staging burlesque events at Telford's Warehouse. Speaking about the New Year's Eve ball, he said:
“ We've got dancers flying in from LA and New York and we're pushing out all the stops to get a really amazing night. As there is still no theatre we're trying to establish something really good and people can dress up in vintage clothes. We want people to come along and have a great time. It's new and different and hasn't happened on this scale in Chester before. It's a really quirky, alternative cabaret night for people that don't want to spend New Years Eve 20-people deep in a bar. People are usually a bit wary of burlesque thinking it's going to be like pole dancing but it's not, it's a lot more kitsch and theatrical. ”
The night will feature 20 burlesque acts, a DJ from Manchester and table service. Tickets are £40, available from Billy and Gruff and The Vintage Shop, both on Watergate St, or directly from Neil Tel: 07776 198332.
To add your local Cheshire events contact us here
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy contained in this guide, we cannot accept responsibility in respect of any error or ommission which may have occurred. Please check with the event organiser's website for latest information, times and dates. |
