THE countdown to Christmas is on in Chester, with the arrival of the Christmas tree and market traders ready to sell seasonal treats this week.

The city centre Christmas market chalets are being prepared for opening on Friday, November 17. It will  be open seven days a week; Sunday to Wednesday 10.30am to 6.30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10.30am to 8pm.

These festive favourites are all set to return this year:

  • Thursday 23 November 7pm - 12 Days of Christmas parade, starting from Bridge Street.
  • Thursday 30 November 7pm - Lantern Parade, starting from Town Hall Square
  • Thursday 7 December 7pm - Winter Watch Parade, starting from Town Hall Square
  • Thursday 14 December 6.30pm - Roman Saturnalia Parade, starting from the Grosvenor Museum
  • Thursday 14 December, 7pm - Winter Watch Parade, meeting the Romans in Town Hall Square

Councillor Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future (Poverty, Public Health and Mental Health) said: “This is a magical time for all ages to enjoy, not only are we welcoming back the family favourites, but this year Chester Indoor Market celebrates its second Christmas with a staggering two million visitors since it opened last year.

"The Christmas selfie spot to be seen at will be the giant Christmas bauble in Exchange Square in front of Chester indoor Market. Just in time for Christmas, we’ve also now welcomed the opening of Picture House.

Chester and District Standard:

“It will be getting festive across the borough from this weekend with Hoole starting a series of light switch on events followed by the Garden Quarter, Winsford, Neston, Northwich and Frodsham. Then continuing into December with Ellesmere Port and others on 1 and 2 December.”  

Carl Critchlow, CEO of Chester BID added: “There is nowhere more festive than Chester at Christmas and our businesses can’t wait to give shoppers a true Chester welcome. 

"With our mix of high street names, independent stores and world class food and drink offer, Chester has something for everyone.”

Chester Park and Ride will be running late night services over Christmas, the last bus from Foregate Street will be 9pm on Thursdays from 23 November and then each night during Christmas week 18 to 22 December up to 9pm.

Starting from 17 November for the five weeks to Christmas the security bollards in Chester will be raised preventing access to vehicles after 10.30am until 8pm.

Christmas lights events:

November

  • 18 Hoole Christmas lights switch on
  • 23 12 Days of Christmas Parade – Chester
  • 24 Garden Quarter Christmas
  • 24 Winsford Christmas Street Festival
  • 25 Christmas in Neston
  • 25 Christmas in Frodsham
  • 25 Northwich Christmas Extravaganza
  • 26 Christmas in Malpas

December

  • 1 Ellesmere Port Christmas Light Switch On                    
  • 1 Willaston Christmas Lights Switch On
  • 1 Hartford Christmas Lights Switch On
  • 2 Davenham Tree Lighting and Christmas Market
  • 2 Huntington Christmas Light Switch On
  • 2 HO HO Helsby
  • 2 Tarporley Christmas and Santa Fun Run
  • 2  No Mans Heath Christmas Light Event
  • 5 Westminster Park Lights Switch On