Across the county of Cheshire, communities are preparing to celebrate Christmas 2024. We shake the snow globe and look at festive events, shopping and dining in our city, towns and villages
Swanderland
The Tarporley lights switch on November 23 kicks off a series of events, where visitors can pop in for a drink at The Swan in Tarporley to celebrate the start of the festive season. Once again Swanderland includes the ever-popular 12 Days of Christmas event, a winter wonderland featuring a DJ, dancing, six courses of festive gourmet plates and six festive drinks. Events are held in the historic Tarporley room with its own bar and roaring fire.
From November 23, The Swan, Tarporley, tickettailor.com/events/bearinnsltd
Prepare to be whisked away into a world of enchantment and enthralling performances as folklore stories come to life through storytelling and live music, transporting visitors into the heart of Yuletide tales. The highlight of the event is the Glittering Trail, where illuminated puppets and performers bring legendary stories of Yuletide to life as you wander through the park's winter landscape.
As the night falls, discover the beauty of Tatton Park after dark, with the Japanese Gardens illuminated. The event is produced by Wild Rumpus CIC, known for magical events such as The Lanterns at Chester Zoo and Just So Festival.
Until December 23, Tatton Park, Knutsford, yuletide.org.uk
Christmas at Dunham Massey
When the frost forms and the leaves fall, the Dunham Massey is the perfect place to venture for a winter walk. The silhouettes of the fallow deer are easier to spot through the ancient trees, and the historic buildings take on a new beauty. In the gardens, the winding paths of the UK's largest Winter Garden beckon visitors.
The ever-popular light trail returns, alongside a host of festive activities. Wander through the shimmering tunnel of lights, discover hidden treasures along the trail and be captivated by dazzling displays that bring the spirit of Christmas to life. The trail is approximately one mile long, so allow up to two hours. Food, drink and fairground rides.
Until January 1, Dunham Massey, Altrincham, nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey
Get into the festive spirit with choirs singing festive tunes, family activities and the house dressed for the season, as Animal Crackers returns to Lyme this Christmas. From November 29 up to Christmas Eve, there's interactive fun for all the family: monkey around as you learn to wassail, sing carols with the birds, and join the Lord of Misrule for a festive feast. Enjoy the house decked for the season with Christmas trees laden with decorations and Christmas stockings hanging over the fireplace in quirky animal shapes. It's included in the general admissions price, or free for National Trust members.
Sensory bags and ear defenders are available to borrow from the entrance hall in the house, designed to help visitors with additional needs. The Chapel has been transformed into a sensory space with soft lighting and comfortable seating for visitors to step away from the busy house and into a relaxing environment.
November 29-December 24, Lyme Park, Disley, nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme
Luminate
Nestled within the Arley Hall Estate is an enchanting illuminated trail, filled with wonder and designed to captivate the senses.
As dusk settles, begin a magical excursion along a captivating light trail that snakes through the Arley estate's woodlands. Embark on a mile-long journey, bathed in brilliant lights and interactive installations, choreographed to music. A timeless adventure beckons, ideal for delighting both the young and those young at heart.
At both the trail's start and conclusion, treat yourself to a selection of hot food and drinks. Along the way, savour mulled wine and roast marshmallows over open fire pits.
November 30-December 24, Arley Hall, luminate.live/arley-hall
Christmas at Bolesworth
On the outskirts of Chester, Bolesworth Castle, which plays host to some of Cheshire’s most popular large-scale events, is once again inviting guests to a magical winter wonderland. As dusk falls its dog-friendly Christmas lights trail comes to life and Bolesworth is bathed in seasonal colour, its beautiful grounds lit with thousands of stunning lights and effects, projections and interactive installations. Brave the 240sqm ice skating rink, open on selected dates from November 24 to December 31, with 30-minute bookable slots.
There are fairground rides and attractions for all ages, plus a Christmas Village packed with festive treats.
December 1-31, Bolesworth, Tattenhall, bolesworth.com
Journey through vibrant lands and meet costumed characters and new animal puppets including meerkats, peacocks, red pandas and snow leopards as Chester Zoo opens after dark for its biggest event yet. There are animal lanterns, such as dragonflies hovering over water, elephants in permafrost and exotic birds flying overhead, as well as a new soundscape. Plus, all the old favourites such as the glowing cathedral tunnels of light, and a festive menu at food and drink markets stationed in various locations. Ticket sales help to support the conservation zoo in its efforts to protect some of the planet’s most threatened species.
Until January 1, Chester Zoo, Chester, chesterzoo.org/lanterns-and-light
The Christmas Tree Festival
Chester Cathedral's annual Christmas tree light festival offers a forest of 80 locally sourced Christmas trees decorated by schools, community groups and local businesses. A delightful family-friendly event, it's a chance to reflect away from the hustle and bustle and walk around the space, stopping in for coffee and a cake in the Refectory Café. Children under five can go in for free.
Until January 5, Chester Cathedral, St Werburgh Street, Chester, chestercathedral.com
Christmas at the Ice Cream Farm
The world’s largest ice-cream parlour hosts a Santa’s Grotto & Elves’ Workshop. Meet Santa in his festive lodge, choose a gift from the Elves’ Workshop and enjoy Christmas activities. There's a bottomless breakfast with Santa Claus handing out a gift for each child, a photo opportunity with the big man, and cookie-decorating sessions with elves Trixie & Mixie. Head down to an interactive story reading with Santa and make the most of free entry to Europe’s biggest indoor sand and water play area. Until February 14, entry to Honeycomb Canyon will be free, although visitors need to pay for an entry ticket to The Ice Cream Farm.
Various dates, The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall, theicecreamfarm.co.uk/christmas
READ MORE: Meet the stars of panto in Cheshire and Manchester this Christmas
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to panto we go with Chantelle Morgan, who stars with Maureen Nolan, Corrie's Emrhys Cooper, and panto royalty Leanne Campbell in this year's festive spectacle. Also lending their voices are Johnny Vegas, Joel Ross, Pete Price, Craig Phillips, Louis Emerick, and John May.
November 30-January 12, Theatre Royal, St Helens, sthelenstheatreroyal.com
Sleeping Beauty
Join the team at Storyhouse for a dreamy Christmas show, taking audiences on an enchanting journey into the land of nod. Based on the timeless fairy tale, the Chester theatre's Christmas show promises to be a spectacular experience for all ages. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure packed with pop favourites, audience interaction and fun for all the family.
December 5-29, Storyhouse, Chester, storyhouse.com
Reality TV stars Katie Price and Kerry Katona are headlining this year’s Northwich Christmas panto. The pair play the wicked stepsisters, joined by Northwich panto legends Ryan Greaves as Buttons, and Steve Moorewood as Dame Hard-Up, together with Mary Shanker as Fairy Dotty and Cara Healy as Cinderella.
December 8-30, Northwich Memorial Court, brioentertainment.org/event/cinderella
Beauty and The Beast
The Chase's Vixen, Jenny Ryan, swaps the screen for the stage when she plays the Enchantress. When an arrogant prince is cursed to live as a beast, his only hope of salvation is to find love before the last petal falls from a magic rose. Can village girl Belle see beyond appearances and learn to love a beast?
December 13-January 5, Lyceum Theatre, Crewe, trafalgartickets.com
Cinderella
Comedian Ben Nickless and Stockport’s Jason Manford reunite for this season's Opera House panto, alongside Myra Dubois as Cinderella’s Wicked Stepmother. They will be joined by musical theatre’s Wendy Mae Brown as the Fairy Godmother and Sarah Vaughan as Cinderella. Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients, it promises a night filled with laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.
December 14-January 5, Opera House, Manchester, Manchester, atgtickets.com
