Christmas in Chester is one of the most magical times to visit the city – a day out in November or December could easily include the markets, a parade, plenty of shopping and even a trip to the theatre.
“Christmas officially starts in Chester with the opening of the Christmas Market,” said Cllr Lisa Denson.
“All of the popular parades are back this year – 12 Days of Christmas, Lanterns, Winter Watch and Saturnalia.
She added: “There is a magical Christmas grotto and the traditional festive show at Storyhouse is Beauty and the Beast.”
Here is your guide to what’s on and when in the city centre…
Christmas Market 2025
This year’s Chester Christmas Market opens on Wednesday 19th November, marking the start of the Christmas celebrations.
The market is open seven days a week:
– Sunday to Wednesday, from 10.30am to 6.30pm
– Thursday to Saturday, from 10.30am to 8pm
Festive parades
The Twelve Days of Christmas parade on Thursday 20th November starts on Bridge Street at 7pm. It is the first of four parades returning this year.
Community groups and local artists will parade through the city centre from Bridge Street, travelling towards The Cross, Eastgate Street, St Werburgh Street, past the town hall and ending in Watergate Street. Father Christmas will also be joining the parade.
Here is a full list of Chester parades taking place this Christmas:
- Twelve Days of Christmas parade, starting from Bridge Street (Thursday 20th November, 7pm)
- Lantern Parade, starting from Town Hall Square (Thursday 27th November, 7pm)
- Winter Watch Parade, starting from Town Hall Square (Thursday 4th December, 7pm)
- Roman Saturnalia Parade, starting from the Grosvenor Museum (Thursday 11th December, 6.30pm)
- Winter Watch Parade, meeting the Romans in Town Hall Square (Thursday 11th December, 7pm)
Father Christmas
Father Christmas will be in his grotto at Eastgate Square (previously known as the Grosvenor Shopping Centre) from 21st November until 24th December.
He will also be visiting Chester Town Hall with a traditional grotto on 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th and 21st December.
Inside the festive Assembly Hall, children can meet Santa’s elves Sparkle and Jingle who will help youngsters create a Christmas tshirt ready to wear on Christmas Eve, as well as a festive gift bag before they get ready to meet the big man himself.
Children will then climb the staircase to meet Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a photo plus a gift. Click here for more details.
Chester Market
Chester’s indoor market will be open every day, including Mondays, in the run-up to Christmas from 1st December to 24th December.
There will be choir performances, and the Christmas bauble for selfies in Exchange Square, plus a makers market each weekend in the run-up to Christmas from 22nd November to 21st December.
Shop mobility
Shop mobility in Chester can be pre-booked for late night shopping until 7.30pm on Thursdays (20th and 27th November plus 4th, 11th, and 18th December).
Appointments must be made at least one day in advance. Click here for more details.
Chester Park and Ride
Chester Park and Ride is running late night services over Christmas, and the last bus from Foregate Street will be 9pm on Thursdays from 20th November until 18th December. Click here for more details.
Road closures
From 19th November until 24th December, the security bollards at Town Hall Square will be raised to prevent access to vehicles during the following times:
– Sunday to Wednesday, from 10.30am to 6.30pm
– Thursday to Saturday, from 10.30am to 8pm
From 22nd November until 21st December, the bollards by Hunter Street (opposite Storyhouse) will be prevent vehicle access at the following times:
– On Saturdays, from 10.30am to 8pm
– On Sundays, from 12pm to 6pm
