Chester BID Unveils Exciting Christmas Activities for 2024

Chester BID is excited to announce a spectacular line-up of festive activities for 2024 aimed at spreading Christmas cheer while supporting local businesses.

The array of activities includes a visit from Paddington Bear, the return of Santa’s Enchanted Grotto, a spectacular parade, free parking incentives, and holiday-themed shopping experiences.

Paddington Bear Comes to Chester

In a heartwarming addition to this year’s events, Paddington Bear fans can catch a Paddington statue on Foregate Street, funded by Chester BID as part of a UK and Ireland-wide Paddington Bear trail. This festive tribute celebrates the upcoming release of Paddington in Peru, set to hit cinemas on November 8th. Locals and visitors alike are invited to snap a selfie with the marmalade-loving bear and share in the holiday joy.

Santa’s Enchanted Grotto: A Festive Favourite

One of Chester’s most popular seasonal attractions, Santa’s Enchanted Grotto, will once again take up residence in St. Michael’s Row at the Grosvenor Shopping Centre from November 22 to December 24. Now in its fourth year, the grotto features the theme “A Journey Through Fairytales and Storybooks,” inviting families and children to step into a magical world. More than 4,000 people visited last year, and it has become a cherished part of Chester’s holiday festivities.

Bookings for Santa’s Grotto are now open, with proceeds supporting the local charity Platform for Life, reflecting Chester BID’s commitment to community engagement alongside holiday celebrations.

Festive Parade and Free Parking

Kicking off the season on November 21, the 12 Days of Christmas Parade will fill the streets of Chester with music, costumes, and decorations. Organised by Cheshire West and Chester Council and funded by Chester BID, this year’s parade is anticipated to draw over 10,000 attendees.

To encourage visitors to explore the city, Chester BID is once again offering free parking at Chester Racecourse every weekend from November 23 through December 22. The initiative aims to alleviate parking costs while promoting local shopping and dining throughout the season.

Christmas Shop Front Competition

In the spirit of fostering a vibrant holiday atmosphere, Chester BID’s Christmas Shop Front Competition returns, challenging businesses to showcase their creativity. Chester’s high street retailers will decorate their storefronts with festive displays, with residents invited to vote on their favourite designs via Chester BID’s social media channels.

The Chester Gift Card and Gift Guide

To make holiday shopping easy, Chester BID is promoting the Chester Gift Card, which is accepted at various local shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues across the city. Available online or at the Visitor Information Centre, the gift card encourages spending at both independent and national businesses.

Additionally, Chester BID’s free digital gift guide, Spend Christmas In Chester, offers a curated selection of gift ideas from popular local brands, giving shoppers plenty of options to find the perfect present.

Carl Critchlow, CEO of Chester BID, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s festivities:

“Our goal this Christmas is to enhance the visitor experience and ensure Chester continues to thrive as a top city for the festive season. Through our wide range of activities, we aim to ensure that the entire city feels alive with Christmas cheer. Not only are we promoting Chester as a must-visit destination, but we’re also supporting local businesses by encouraging footfall and increasing dwell time across the Christmas period.”

With an extensive lineup of events, Chester BID is eager to bring Christmas magic to the city while strengthening its community and local economy. Full details on Chester’s Christmas events can be found at experiencechester.co.uk/christmas.