Chester BID and Eastgate Square join forces to make Christmas extra special

Bookings are now open for Grotto on the Square as Chester BID and Eastgate Square unveil a magical new festive experience, featuring Santa's Enchanted Elevator and an all-new gingerbread-themed grotto in the heart of Chester.

Christmas in Chester is set to be more magical than ever this year, as Chester BID and Eastgate Square join forces to deliver Grotto on the Square, an enchanting festive experience that promises unforgettable memories for families from Friday 20th November until Christmas Eve.

The partnership will see a beautiful gingerbread-themed grotto take centre stage within the heart of the shopping centre, complemented by a programme of festive entertainment.

At the heart of this years’ experience is Santa's Enchanted Elevator, an immersive journey that transports families on a magical adventure through the North Pole before arriving at Santa's gingerbread home. As the elevator doors close, guests will be surrounded by twinkling lights, festive music and Christmas magic, building anticipation before a personal visit with Santa and a special gift for every child.

Designed to create a truly memorable festive tradition, Grotto on the Square combines storytelling, imagination and immersive experiences, offering families a magical journey from the moment they arrive.

Accessible SEN sessions will be available as well as rates for school groups, helping ensure that all children can enjoy the experience in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Carl Critchlow, Chief Executive Officer at Chester BID said:

“For the past five years, Santa's Enchanted Grotto has become a Christmas tradition for many, welcoming thousands of families into Chester city centre and selling out year after year. This year, by partnering with Eastgate Square to create Grotto on the Square, we're creating an even more magical festive attraction that strengthens Chester's Christmas offering, encourages more people to spend time in the city centre, and supports our fantastic businesses during one of the most important trading periods of the year. Collaboration like this is exactly what helps keep Chester one of the UK's leading festive destinations.”

Lisa Rogers, Centre Manager at Eastgate Square, said:

"This has been an incredible year for Eastgate Square. From welcoming exciting new brands such as H beauty and Mango to delivering a fantastic programme of events and continued improvements across the centre, we've been focused on creating memorable experiences for everyone who visits.

Working alongside Chester BID has allowed us to take Grotto on the Square to the next level. We wanted the journey to Santa to feel just as magical as meeting him, and Santa's Enchanted Elevator brings that story to life in a truly immersive way. We can't wait to welcome families to Eastgate Square this Christmas."

Grotto on the Square will run from Friday 20th November until Thursday 24th December at Eastgate Square in Chester.

Bookings are now open at: 

https://tr.ee/GrottoOnTheSquare

About Chester BID Company

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led, business-funded body created to improve a defined commercial area. Chester BID is funded solely by the businesses within the city.

There are over 430 businesses in Chester’s BID area with a rateable value of more than £18,000. Each of these contribute a levy equal to 1.5% of their business premises rateable value every year to fund a wide range of improvements identified by the businesses themselves. It is expected that approximately £2.5m of private sector funds will be generated over the five-year BID term and this money will be reinvested back into the city centre.

In June 2024, hundreds of businesses voted in favour of the plans to renew the BID’s term in Chester and on September 1st, 2024, Chester BID Company will start a third five year-term with the intention of continuing to deliver a more vibrant and successful trading environment for Chester city centre.

For more information visit:

www.ChesterBID.co.uk