A family Christmas in Chester

Perfect for a family Christmas escape, there’s a host of magical festive events and things to do in Chester this year. 

This Winter, Chester Zoo and Sony Music present Lanterns and Light, which promises to be bigger and brighter than ever with never seen before light and sound experiences that will surround you in festive magic.   

The streets will be transformed by enchanting parades throughout the season and Santa Claus will, of course, be visiting the city. Enjoy brunch with the big man at the stunning Chester Cathedral, or visit him in his Enchanted Grotto to make those Christmas wishes. And watch out for Cinderella as she makes her way to Storyhouse for the festive season. With family friendly festive menus and places for the whole family to stay, the city is the perfect place to spend some family time together this Christmas. 

Travel the world with Lanterns and Light 
 

A firm festive favourite in Chester for young and old alike, The Lanterns are back with a twist from 17 November – 31 December 2023. Explore new captivating light installations and be transported into enchanting lands filled with colour and festivity, where you can meet orangutans, lions, dolphins and woolly mammoths as you make your way along the trail! Wonder at the colour changing displays stretching as far as the eye can see, while birds and stars adorn the zoo’s winding paths and trees. Take a walk through the spectacular Winter Cathedral tunnel of lights and even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas in his sleigh. 

Take a journey with the Snowman 

Making its welcome return to Chester Cathedral on 21 December is The Snowman Tour and this year he is bringing his friends Wallace and Gromit with him. 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. 

Also at Chester Cathedral is their magical annual Christmas tree festival. Explore the forest of locally sourced Christmas trees decorated in the theme of sustainability. A delightful family friendly event. This is the annual crowd pleaser and the highlight of the Cathedral's events calendar.  Walk around the venue and soak up the heritage in the Refectory cafe… perhaps over coffee and a cake! Free entry for children 5 and under. 

Find Santa in his Enchanted Grotto 

Santa’s Enchanted Grotto invites you to Alice in Winterland from 24th November to 24th December. ‘Santa has fallen down a rabbit hole and is lost, can you help Alice and her friends find him? Don’t be late!’ 

Make some sweet Christmas memories at The Ice Cream Farm 

There’s a lot happening this Christmas at The Ice Cream Farm from 25 November – 24 December. At the world’s largest ice cream parlour, just a stone’s throw from the city centre, kids can visit santa and his elves in the magical workshop, have breakfast with the man himself and make cookies with Mrs. Claus. 

See a real Chester spectacle 

A wonderful spectacle for the family, Chester is renowned for its parades and this year will see the return of some of the very best. On 30 November there’s the Lanterns Parade where hundreds of school children parade through the city centre with their hand made lanterns. Then, on 7 and 14 December the Winter Watch parades will take place. Dating back to the 1400s, it’s a spectacle of lights and colourful characters. 

Stop in for brunch with the big man 

The festivities continue in Chester Cathedral as every Sunday from 27 November to Christmas Eve – change from 3 December  Santa will be hosting brunch in the Cathedral’s 13th century refectory. Recommended for kids aged 1-10, Santa will make the rounds giving gifts while you enjoy a delicious brunch. 

Have a ball with Cinderella 

Let Storyhouse whisk you away to the ball this Christmas with a seasonal spectacular which celebrates the most famous fairy-tale of them all – Cinderella from 1st Decmber to 6th January 2024. 

Packed with pop favourites and overflowing with magical moments, this enchanting family-friendly Christmas show promises to send you home with a smile on your face and joy in your heart, and with plenty of dancing, clapping and laughing along the way. Glass slippers are optional – but a great time is guaranteed. Oh yes it is!

Enjoy a Family Festive Menu 

To top off all the excitement of Christmas in the city there are a host of family friendly restaurants serving up some of the finest festive fayre. You can join Santa for brunch at Hickory's down by the river and just outside the centre there’s the Ring O’ Bells, who’s Christmas menu always excites, plus there’s options for the littler ones and festive cocktails for the grown-ups. 

See more family-friendly pubs and restaurants in Chester here → 

Make a break of it and stay for a night or two. Find family friendly hotels and hotels near the zoo here →