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