Christmas will officially arrive in Chester on Thursday, 22 November.
To mark the start of the festive period an outdoor market will open at 4pm at Town Hall square. Opening to the sounds of Dee Radio the market will feature Santa’s Christmas grotto and stalls to help inspire your Christmas shopping.
At 6pm to enchant and delight, there will be ten pockets of activity from music to dance all designed to whet the appetite before a Christmas parade bursts on to the streets of Chester.
Building on the city’s great tradition of parades the switch on will happen as part of a new Christmas parade that will feature school children and music and dance from home grown professionals.
Councillor Stuart Parker, Portfolio Holder for Culture, said: “Parades are a traditional part of Chester’s festive offer, so what better way to begin this year’s festivities.
“A mix of community involvement and local professional groups will create a spectacle that families and friends will enjoy and remember.
“During the successful summer Olympic event we learnt that Chester people love to get involved – so we are building on this lesson to enhance and reshape our Christmas offer.”
Christmas in Chester
Programme of entertainment
Thursday, 22 November
- 4pm – the Christmas market will open at Town Hall Square
- 6pm – ten exciting pockets of activity will begin – featuring music, dance and acrobats
- 6.30pm – the Christmas parade will burst from Abbey Square and parade through the city.
…stay in Chester and explore its late night shopping opportunities
Thursday, 29 November
- 6.30pm – A Christmas Carol – a taste of Dickens – in the City Centre
Thursday, 6 December
- 7pm – Winter Watch Parade
Thursday, 13 December
- 7pm – Winter Watch Parade
Thursday, 20 December
- 7pm – Saturnalia Parade