What's on in Cheshire this Christmas?

There’s no shortage of things to do and see this Christmas, with light displays, performances and several opportunities to give Santa your Christmas list.  

Why not begin your Christmas shopping spree in Chester’s historic rows, or just outside the city at Cheshire Oaks designer outlet, find all your favourite brands in one easy to reach location. For a more boutique shopping experience head to Tatton park’s grand tenants hall for their Christmas gift fair, where local vendors will be showcasing their unique off-the-high-street gift ideas.  

Experience magical moments under the sparkling lights of Chester Zoo’s infamous Lanterns and Lights Parade, Gulliver’s World’s new spectacular Land of Lights displays, or explore the woods at BeWILDerwood lit up by thousands of sparkly lights. Can you find those silly snowmen or giant Christmas puddings hiding in the woods? After all your exploring settle down to find out what Santa is doing in the woods in BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas: A Sparkly Light & Panto Trail.

Head to the Ice Cream Farm where there are multiple opportunities to see and spend time with the big man! Settle down for a special storytime, visit him in his grotto or join him for bottomless brunch and don't forget about Mrs Claus, she will also be on hand to help little ones to make their own cookies. There are also separate SEN sessions at the grotto for families who want to explore, socialise and have fun in a safe and relaxed environment with reduced numbers.

Things are busy this Christmas at Tatton Park with lots of activities for everyone. Explore the Alice in Wonderland themed Christmas mansion, if you’re lucky you might be able to have a Queen of Hearts Afternoon Tea, with seasonal savoury treats, cakes, pastries and of course tea.  

Take in the glittering displays of Yuletide, new for this year, in the gardens before settling down to roast marshmallows and listen to winter folk tales or join in the carolling in the stable yard, sing along to Christmas classics and familiar favourites led by the King Edwards Musical Society Band and Choir.  

Get into the Christmas Spirit with the Northern Chamber Orchestra’s Christmas Concert, listen to the sounds of Christmas, and sing along with the choir. For more singing and dancing head to Storyhouse to watch a pop twist on the family fairytale of Cinderella, showing all through the Christmas season.  

If you’re looking to say hello to Father Christmas, you’ll be sure to find him here in Cheshire, we’ve put together a list of places he’ll be stopping by to say hello and give out presents. We know for a fact that he will be visiting Anderton Boat Lift for their popular Santa Cruises where you can join him in singing carols and taking pictures with his helpers, he may even have a gift for you!  

We also have it on good authority that he will be making a pitstop at National Waterways Museum’s Grotto. Help the elves' collect presents which have fallen along the canal, before returning them to Santa’s grotto. Along the way join in singing some jolly tunes and listening to the elves hilarious Christmas jokes. 

For all the craft enthusiasts don’t miss out on an opportunity to learn how to make your own Christmas Wreaths with workshops taking place at Tatton Park and Biddulph Grange Gardens.  

And don’t let the cold weather or long nights stop you from enjoying the outdoors, many of Cheshire’s National Trust Places are hosting special events. Join the team at Dunham Massey for 30 minutes of storytelling fun with the Jolly Robin, and discover the iconic giant glowing deer of Dunham Massey at Christmas time, along the mile long trail of light installations, a tunnel of stars and light displays on lawns.  

Step back in time at Little Moreton Hall to discover Christmas time during the Tudor period, enjoy side-splitting entertainment from a jovial jester and marvel at the musical talents of the Tudors performers. Wonder in the simplicity of a historic Christmas. 

The animals have taken at Lyme! Search the house to see if you can find any stray eggs, some singing badgers or maybe some Christmas cows? This Christmas the Strange Train company take over Lyme house for some mischief.  

Bring your little ones along to Quarry Bank Mill for a fun-filled 30-minute session, packed with interactive songs and stories, craft making and a chance to say hello to Santa Claus. For a quieter, neurodiverse friendly visit with Father Christmas, Quarry Bank will be hosting calmer morning sessions. And follow the brand new 12 days of Christmas trail spotting the gifts from the famous 12 days of Christmas carol.   

There’s something for everyone this Christmas, with many more events and activities taking place around the county.