Chester’s Winter Watch Parade

Chester’s festive celebrations are well underway with the Winter Watch Parade taking place on Thursday 5th December at 7pm and a second chance to see it on Thursday 12th December. Both parades start from the Christmas Market in Town Hall Square.

The origins of the Winter Watch Parade can be traced back to archive records from the 1400’s when the early police force, Chester’s City Watch looked after the keys of the city at Christmas. They marched around Chester to make sure it was secure; this was followed by a banquet and celebration of Christmas by the city leaders. 

The Winter Watch parade includes characters from the Midsummer Watch Parade also dating from the 1400’s with the additions of Jack Frost, an Angel, Fire Skeletons, Dragon, Ice Queens, Devils, Cooks with their Victorian Christmas Dinner. The parade is led by Chester’s Karamba Samba dressed as a ghost band. Both the Midsummer Watch and the Winter Watch parades are unique to Chester.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said:

“Starting with the 12 Days’s of Christmas parade and the Lantern Parade we now welcome the Winter Watch Parade, unique to Chester and always popular.  Chester’s Karamba Samba lead both the Midsummer Watch and the Winter Watch parades, but for the night parade they turn into a ghost band. 

“The Chester Christmas Market stays open until 8pm so there is a chance to visit the Market as the parade arrives. If you miss the first Winter Watch parade, there is a second one on Thursday 12 December when the night is shared with the Roman Legion celebrating Saturnalia.” 

Chester Park and Ride is running late night services over Christmas, the last bus from Foregate Street will be 9pm on Thursdays and then during Christmas week Monday 16, Tuesday 17, Wednesday 18, Thursday 19, Friday 20 December, Monday 23 December to 9pm. 

Pictured - Winter Watch Parade (2023)