Chester’s Christmas Market opens this Friday

The countdown to Christmas begins in Chester as the city’s Christmas Market opens on Friday, 15 November.

Running until 22 December, the market will be open seven days a week, with stalls offering seasonal gifts, food, and drink. Opening hours are 10.30 am to 6.30 pm from Sunday to Wednesday and extended until 8.00 pm from Thursday to Saturday.

Chester’s festivities will be officially launched with the Twelve Days of Christmas parade on Thursday, 21 November.

Organised by Cheshire West and Chester Council, the parade begins at 7.00 pm on Bridge Street and will travel through the city centre, finishing on Watergate Street.

Local community groups and artists will bring the parade to life, and Father Christmas will make a special appearance to delight the crowds.

For those hoping to meet Father Christmas, he will host events in December at Chester Town Hall’s Assembly Hall.

Children can craft baubles, package magical reindeer food, and write letters to Santa before climbing a magical staircase to meet him.

Additional opportunities to visit Santa include his grotto at the Grosvenor Shopping Centre, Chester Cathedral, and the Grosvenor Museum.

A series of festive parades will accompany the Christmas season in Chester:

• 21 November: Twelve Days of Christmas Parade (7:00 pm, Bridge Street)
• 28 November: Lantern Parade (7:00 pm, Town Hall Square)
• 5 December: Winter Watch Parade (7:00 pm, Town Hall Square)
• 12 December: Roman Saturnalia Parade (6:30 pm, Grosvenor Museum)

Councillor Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future, commented:
“Our Christmas Market is a magnet for residents and visitors alike. As soon as the stalls open, you can feel the Christmas excitement starting. Across the borough, festive events are kicking off, including light switch-ons and markets in communities like Hoole, Frodsham, and Ellesmere Port.”

Chester’s festive atmosphere will extend to the city’s popular Indoor Market, celebrating its second anniversary.

The market will feature choir performances, Christmas-themed decorations, and weekend maker markets in Exchange Square.

Local businesses, including Aaron & Partners and Bennett Brooks, are sponsoring Chester’s Christmas lights, adding sparkle to the city. Meanwhile, Park and Ride services will run late-night buses to make visiting easier for shoppers and visitors.

With enhanced security measures in place, Town Hall Square will restrict vehicle access from 10:30 am to 8.00 pm during the market’s opening hours.

Additional bollard closures near Hunter Street will ensure pedestrian safety during peak festive times.