Christmas events in Cheshire – There are lots of lovely things to do at Christmas in Cheshire this year, from pantomimes to Christmas tree festivals and Christmas markets.
I shall try and update this page as the year goes on, but do check with the individual venue for the most up to date info.
The Snowman
Thursday 21st December 2023 – 1.45pm, 4.00pm, 6.30pm
The iconic Christmas film, The Snowman is being shown in Chester Cathedral this Christmas. We saw it in York a few years ago and it truly is a magical experience. The film is projected onto a large screen and has a live orchestra accompanying it. They have a local child singer to sing ‘Walking in the Air’.
Make it a Christmas to remember with a very special performance featuring two of the UK’s best-loved and iconic animated films, The Snowman and Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, with live accompaniment from an outstanding professional orchestra.
Presented by Carrot Productions – the world’s leading performers of The Snowman film with orchestra, currently celebrating their 10th anniversary – their award-winning show is brought to life in spectacular fashion by the UK’s finest musicians.
Alongside The Snowman film, a whistle-stop Christmas guide to the orchestra and a visit from the Snowman himself, join everyone’s favourite cheese-loving inventor, Wallace and his trusty companion, Gromit in Aardman’s multi award-winning film, The Wrong Trousers (including the best train chase sequence ever created).
After the performance, everyone is welcome to come down to meet the musicians, see their instruments and admire their amazing costumes too!
This magical award-winning show is guaranteed to create cherished memories for the whole family. Book soon, as tickets sell out quickly!
Chester Christmas Market
Town Hall Square, Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HJ – 17 Nov 2023 – 21 Dec 2023
A magical Christmas all wrapped up! Chester Christmas Market will be back in the heart of Chester this year. Get the festive feeling this winter spoil yourself at Chester Christmas Market. A handmade, historical, magical experience awaits you with traditional wooden chalets surrounding the iconic sparkling tree in the heart of the city centre. Discover unique, locally made produce and with handmade crafts, jewellery, accessories and stocking fillers, you’re sure to find the perfect presents in Chester, we have your Christmas all wrapped up!
Chester Christmas Market is open seven days a week and is located in the city’s beautiful Town Hall Square opposite Chester Cathedral.
Chester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival
23rd November 2023 (not sure when this runs to)
Our annual Christmas Tree Festival returns for its tenth fabulous year in 2023.
Join us for a delightful family event where, from the end of November, until the beginning of January, over 50 Christmas trees will sparkle and shimmer throughout the Cathedral.
Open daily. Open normal Cathedral opening hours.
If you are travelling especially to see the Christmas Tree Festival, please call us to ensure the event is fully open for the day of your visit.
Free entry – donations welcome
We visited the Christmas Tree festival and loved it!
See our review of Chester Christmas Tree Festival.
Tatton Park – An enchanting Christmas Event in Cheshire
One Snowy Night – dates to be announced.
Tatton Park -Tatton Park’s winter gardens hosts a magical event for families this Christmas. Inspired by ‘One Snowy Night’ from renowned children’s author, Nick Butterworth, the gardens bring to life the tale of friendship and kindness.
Let the beautiful wintery scenes and tasty treat from Percy make you feel festive and full of cheer.
Christmas Carols in the Stableyard
Meet up with friends and family in Tatton Park’s Stableyard for our much loved ‘Christmas Carols’. Sing-along to classics with the King Edward Musical Society Band and choir. The Gift Shop and Housekeeper’s Store will be open for last minute gifts and warming food and drink to takeaway will be available from the Stables Restaurant (Free event, £8 vehicle Parkland charges apply).
A Christmas Carol
28 Nov 2023 until 29 Nov 2023 at Chester Cathedral
Chapterhouse Theatre Company is proud to bring you A Christmas Carol, Charles Dicken’s timeless tale of hope and redemption, this Christmas at Chester Cathedral. A Christmas Carol follows the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge as he embarks upon a journey through his past, present, and future, learning along the way to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas.
With dazzling musical sequences and authentic period costuming, this production promises to be the perfect accompaniment to the festive season. Join family and friends at the most magical time of the year and be swept back in time nearly two centuries to the world of Scrooge’s London.
Magical Woodland At Christmas – Blakemere Village
Blakemere Village, Chester Road, Sandiway, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 2EB
Friday 24th November – Sunday 24th December 2023
Find Father Christmas in a unique outdoor theatrical experience set in the heart of our magical Cheshire Woodlands featuring wonderful festive characters Entertainment by woodland characters Meet Father Christmas in his Sorting Office and receive a gift Build you own cuddly toy with Mrs Claus in her Toy Workshop A small gift for each adult Meet Snowy the owl and friends Unlimited outdoor family skating Magical wand whittling.
With the woodland as a natural backdrop, you will experience a lighting and audio experience that is truly magical. This is a walking experience where you will embark on a journey through a 15 acre magical woodland.
A truly magical start to the Christmas celebrations for all the family. An enchanting event which is open during the evenings in December, this takes place in 15 acres of woodland and incorporates cutting edge lighting and sound to bring a touch of wonder and magic to this stunning location.
The Magical Woodland experience will fully immerse you in a world of pure imagination
See the review of the Magical Woodland here.
The Nutcracker – A Magical Family Adventure at Arley Hall
Wednesday 20th December – Sunday 24th December 2023
Sneaky Experience returns to Arley Hall this December with a brand new festive tale!
It’s midnight on Christmas Eve, Clara and her beloved Nutcracker doll, sleep peacefully as snowflakes descend from the twinkling starry sky. But hold on tight, the night soon takes an unexpected turn; the evil Mouse King has invaded their dreams!
Share in Clara’s thrilling adventure, as she and her Nutcracker Prince set off to defeat their foe. Visit the enchanting Land of Snow, journey through the Land of Sweets and be captivated by the presence of the famous Sugar Plum Fairy, who will teach you the art of dance!
And that’s not all – your epic journey concludes with a visit from Father Chrismas. You’ll have the opportunity to receive a present from the jolly man, capture the moment with photos, and place a wish on Christmas Wishing Tree.
‘Cinderella’ at Crewe Lyceum
8th – 31st December 2023
Returning by popular demand! Cinderella stars Crewe’s treasured dame Malcolm Lord as the Fairy Godmother and the hilarious Ste Johnston as Buttons, with further star casting to be announced.
Poor Cinders works night and day but dreams of a very different life and with an invitation to the royal ball it looks as if her wish may be granted. Will her Wicked Stepsisters succeed in ruining Cinderella’s dreams of happiness or will her Fairy Godmother and loyal friend Buttons be able to thwart their devilish plans? Pop on your glad-rags and join us at the ball to find out!
Cinderella is the hilarious family pantomime suitable for all ages, with tons of slapstick comedy and stunning musical numbers that you are guaranteed to be singing for days afterwards. The clock is ticking so grab your tickets now to the show that proves that a pair of shoes really can change your life!
We recently visited Chester and reviewed our stay at The Moxy. Also have a look at our What’s on guides to Manchester, the Lake District and Yorkshire.
While you are here, check out this post on where to buy real Christmas Trees in Cheshire.