Chester is a busy city all year round, with packed programmes of cultural, historic, theatrical and artistic events held in venues across the city. These are 12 of the best on the diary for December.
Christmas Lantern Parade From 7pm on the 30th November, Chester city centre will be lit by hundreds of children as they parade through the streets carrying handmade lanterns for the annual Lantern Parade. The parade will leave from the Forum Shopping Centre, walking past the Cathedral along St Werburgh Street, turning into Eastgate Street, down Bridge Street, back up Northgate Street and ending at the Christmas Market in the Town Hall Square.
The Snowman On December 1st-2nd, Chester Cathedral will again host a production of The Snowman accompanied by a live, 25-piece professional orchestra . Plus The Bear and the Piano an exclusive animated film of the award winning book by David Litchfield.
Chester Christmas Market More than 70 wooden chalets around Town Hall Square offering quality local and regional products including crafts, clothing, jewellery, giftware and local food and drink until December 20.
Chester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival The festival will run until January 6th and will feature more than 50 Christmas trees, transforming the cathedral cloisters into astonishing tree-lined winter walkways.
Lantern Magic at Chester Zoo Journey through the Chester Zoo gardens, and follow the illuminated trail to find an incredible selection of animal lanterns. From November 24th - December 30th
The Secret Seven Storyhouse’s first ever Christmas explodes into life with the world’s first ever stage show of Enid Blyton’s children’s classic. December 1st - January 14th. Adults: £26, Children (under 12): £19.50, Aged 12 - 26: £19.50
Santa Dash Chester will be filled with Santa’s dashing through the streets to raise money for two local charities: the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Hospice of the Good Shepherd. December 3rd.
Cinderella The classic fairytale performed by the team at Tip Top Productions at the Forum Studio Theatre from December 8th – January 5th. For tickets call 01244 341296.
A Christmas Carol: A Folk Opera, Grosvenor Museum The musical duo GreenMatthews bring you a brand-new retelling of the best-loved Yuletide adventure of them all, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. 7th December 7.30pm - 9.30p
Winter Watch Parade The parade will start at the Forum Shopping Centre and will continue around the city, including: St Werburgh Street, Northgate Street and Bridge Street. There will be dancers, fire breathing and sword fights along the way as they celebrate the Winter solstice from 7-8pm on December 7th
It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas Join the Chester Operatic Society for the annual Christmas concert in St Mary's Creative Space in Castle Street. December 8th - 9th. Tickets £10
Chester Cathedral Choir presents Joyeaux Noel! Chester Cathedral Choir, directed by Philip Rushforth, sing a selection of traditional carols for all to enjoy. There will also be seasonal readings and a chance for all to join in and sing some festive songs and carols. 9th & 16th December, 7.30pm
Christmas Crackers Join the Chester Music Society Choir and Chester Philharmonic Orchestra at Chester Cathedral for a joyous celebration of Christmas carols and seasonal music, with readings and introductions by Rev Richard Coles. December 20th -21st Tickets £16, £8 Concessions
