The countdown to Christmas in Chester

Chester’s Christmas tree has arrived, the lights have been tested and the Christmas market chalets are being prepared for opening on Friday 17 November.

The Chester Christmas Market will be open seven days a week; Sunday to Wednesday 10.30am to 6.30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10.30am to 8pm.

The festive favourites are all set to return this year:

Thursday 23 November 7pm
12 Days of Christmas parade, starting from Bridge Street.

Thursday 30 November 7pm
Lantern Parade, starting from Town Hall Square

Thursday 7 December 7pm
Winter Watch Parade, starting from Town Hall Square

Thursday 14 December 6.30pm
Roman Saturnalia Parade, starting from the Grosvenor Museum

Thursday 14 December, 7pm
Winter Watch Parade, meeting the Romans in Town Hall Square

Councillor Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future (Poverty, Public Health and Mental Health) said:

“This is a magical time for all ages to enjoy, not only are we welcoming back the family favourites, but this year Chester Indoor Market celebrates its second Christmas with a staggering 2million visitors since it opened last year. The Christmas selfie spot to be seen at will be the giant Christmas bauble in Exchange Square in front of Chester indoor Market. Just in time for Christmas, we’ve also now welcomed the opening of Picture House.

“It will be getting festive across the borough from this weekend with Hoole starting a series of light switch on events followed by the Garden Quarter, Winsford, Neston, Northwich and Frodsham. Then continuing into December with Ellesmere Port and others on 1 and 2 December.”  

Carl Critchlow, CEO of Chester BID added:

“There is nowhere more festive than Chester at Christmas and our businesses can’t wait to give shoppers a true Chester welcome.  With our mix of high street names, independent stores and world class food and drink offer, Chester has something for everyone.”

Chester Park and Ride will be running late night services over Christmas, the last bus from Foregate Street will be 9pm on Thursdays from 23 November and then each night during Christmas week 18 to 22 December up to 9pm.

Starting from 17 November for the five weeks to Christmas the security bollards in Chester will be raised preventing access to vehicles after 10.30am until 8pm.

Christmas lights events:

November

18        Hoole Christmas lights switch on
23        12 Days of Christmas Parade – Chester
24        Garden Quarter Christmas
24        Winsford Christmas Street Festival
25        Christmas in Neston
25        Christmas in Frodsham
25        Northwich Christmas Extravaganza
26        Christmas in Malpas

December

1          Ellesmere Port Christmas Light Switch On                    
1          Willaston Christmas Lights Switch On
1          Hartford Christmas Lights Switch On
2          Davenham Tree Lighting and Christmas Market
2          Huntington Christmas Light Switch On
2          HO HO Helsby
2          Tarporley Christmas and Santa Fun Run
2          No Mans Heath Christmas Light Event