A round up of all the best events in and around Cheshire during the festive period

THEATRE AND DANCE

19th-23rd November

A Christmas Carol

Northern Ballet Theatre presents this Christmas treat for everyone, combining traditional ballet and captivating theatre in a production that has delighted ballet audiences for over a decade.

The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 7660

28th November

The Nutcracker

Moscow City Ballet present this classic festive ballet, with Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable musical score, combining with magical choreography.

The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, 0844 871 7649

29th November-11th January

Wanted! Robin Hood

Join Robin Hood and his merry men in this magical, fun-filled adventure with music which promises to be a thrilling show for all the family.

The Lowry, Salford, 0844 815 4873

3rd-8th December (and then 17th-Jan 5th, 2014)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Jonathan Wilkes teams up with Christian Patterson in this year’s family pantomime.

The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, 0844 871 7649

5th December - 11 January

The Snow Queen

This musical adapatation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale is sure to delight and enchant you.

Theatre in the Quarter, St Mary’s Centre, Chester, 01244 500959.

6th December-5th January

Dick Whittington

London’s streets of gold are calling out for a hero and there’s only one boy who can fit the bill…Dick Whittington.

The Plaza Theatre, Stockport, 0844 815 4873

7th December

Snow White

The Vienna Festival Ballet present this magical performance of their brand new production of Snow White,

Pyramid and Parr Hall, Warrington, 0844 847 2277

7th-30th December

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Tip Top Productions presents its annual traditional pantomime.

The Forum Studio Theatre, Chester, 01244 341296

13th December-Jan 12th, 2014

Beauty and the Beast

Fun-filled family pantomime starring Amy Diamond from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s BBC talent show Over the Rainbow and Andy Moss from Hollyoaks.

The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360

17th-24th December

The Night Before Christmas

A mnischievous elf is pretending to be hard at work in Santa’s workshop, but he is secretly hiding toys away for himself. When Father Christmas finds out he explains to the elf what Christmas is all about through song, poems and stories.

The Lowry, Salford, 0844 815 4873

MUSIC AND CONCERTS

16th November

Opera Gala

Operatic prelude to Christmas with a mixture of well-loved opera arias and duets and a selection of lighter material to delight audiences.

Clonter Opera Theatre, Congleton, 01260 224514

30th November

Handel’s Messiah

Chester Bach Singers present Handel’s Messiah with the 18th century Sinfonia.

Chester Cathedral, 0845 241 7868, www.chesterbachsingers.org.uk

1st

Christmas with the Rat Pack

A trip back in time to the glamorous, glitzy nights of Vegas in the late 1950s and early 60s.

The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 7660

6th December

Christmas Concert

A mix of Christmas music and carols performed by the Wirral Singers and Ringers.

National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, 0151 373 4373

6th

Spirit of Christmas

A truly magical evening of festive readings and music in aid of the Neuromuscular Centre hosted by Matthew Kelly.

Chester Cathedral, 01606 861733

7th December

Northern Chamber Orchestra

A festive treat of 20th century harmonies, from the balletic swirl of Cinderella, to Tallis Fantasia – an all-time favourite popular classic - and Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, sung by Kinder Children’s Choir. Chetham’s students make a welcome return in the Vaughan Williams’ masterpiece.

Heritage Centre, Macclesfield. 01625 378123

8th December

Carol Service

Festive carol service in the Medieval undercroft, booking is essential.

Norton Priory, Runcorn, 01928 569895

13th December

Christmas Concert

Chester Male Voice Choir perform a festive programme. The evening starts with a walk through the White Christmas mansion and a warming winter drink.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400

15th December

Christmas Family Concert

The Halle present this festive family concert with conductor Jamie Phillips and presenter Alasdair Malloy.

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0844 907 9000

20th December

Christmas Cracker

The Halle present this concert with conductor Roderick Dunk and vocalist Lance Ellington, winner of the Halle Corporate Choir Competition.

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0844 907 9000

21st December

Carol Concert

Frodsham and District Choral Society and Vale Royal Schools Concert Band present this carol concert with Robert Woods accompanying.

Frodsham Community Centre, 01829 751867/01928 733247

22nd December

Family Christmas Carols

Join in the Christmas carol singing with the King Edward Musical Society Band and choir in the stableyard.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400

FAIRS, FESTIVALS, DAYS OUT AND CHARITY EVENTS

21st November-15th December

Chester Christmas Market

Chester’s Christmas market has a new look for 2013 and aims to bring a traditional, high quality market to the city centre, with focus on local traders, crafts people and food and drink producers.

City centre, Chester, 01244 405631

24th November

Christmas Fair

With gifts, local produce and crafts in the Medieval undercroft.

Norton Priory, Runcorn, 01928 569895

25 November - 11 January

Dazzle

The world-famous contemporary jewellery exhibition moves from the Royal Exchange Theatre to a new venue, Manchester Art Gallery on Mosley Street.

As well as presenting beautiful original modern jewellery Dazzle will be exhibiting alongside a programme for the gallery which includes

All That is Solid Melts in Air – a brand new exhibition curated by the acclaimed artist Jeremy Deller, as well as The Vanity of Small

Differences – a series of six tapestries by Turner prizewinner Grayson Perry.

Dazzle at Manchester Art Gallery, 0161 235 8888.

27th November-1st December

Broughton Celtic Christmas Fayre

Around 100 stalls offering quality, authentic foods and crafts in marquees and wooden cabins, with demonstrations, festive music and Father Christmas in his grotto.

Broughton Shopping Park, Broughton, 07974 121063

29th November

Christmas Lantern Parade

See Father Christmas arrive at Tatton Park, meet the reindeer and bring your Christmas list to post and any no longer wanted toys to donate to a children’s charity.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400

29th-30th November

Middlewich Christmas Fayre

Starting on Friday with the arrival of Santa’s reindeer, Christmas tree light switch on and Primary School’s carol concerts in St Michael’s Church and award-winning artisan market on Saturday.

Various locations across Middlewich, 01606 833434

30th November-December 1st

Knutsford Christmas Market

A range of fantastic local crafts and purveyors of fine foods will be selling tempting treats and perfect presents.

Princess Street, Knutsford

30th November-6th December

Arley Christmas Floral Extravaganza

See the hall decorated with fresh flowers, expertly arranged by local florists and colleges.

You can enjoy candlelight and carol evenings and two floral demonstrations by the renowned florist Carl Wilde.

Arley Hall, Northwich, 01565 777353

7th-8th December

Yuletide Celebrations

Enjoy an atmospheric taste of a Tudor Christmas with decorations, music and storytelling for all ages.

Little Moreton Hall, Congleton, 01260 272018

8th December

Christmas Art and Craft Fair

With more than 27 quality exhibitors, with exciting works to tempt buyers for that unique Christmas gift.

Doubletree Hilton, Chester

21st December

Traditional Victorian Christmas

Visit the Victorian classroom for a themed Christmas lesson with Ma’am.

Learn to write with a pen and ink and write your loved ones a traditional Victorian Christmas card. Also Christmas craft sessions (£6 per child) and meet Victorian Father Christmas.

Macclesfield Heritage Centre, 01625 613210