Christmas is a magical time of the year, especially for kids, so if you are looking to make this one extra special, here is a guide to Christmas events for kids in Chester 2024. We have events such as shows and light trails to Christmas shopping and dining for individuals and families to enjoy.
Lanterns and Lights at Chester Zoo
This year, Chester Zoo’s iconic light trail will return with its festive wonderland of illuminated trails, partnered with an immersive sound experience powered by Sony. Kids – and adults – can enjoy a cosy stroll through dazzling life-size, brightly lit animal figures. Its impressive figures will consist of bright elephants and vibrant lions to even a giant woolly mammoth projection. This can be followed by a hot chocolate and bite to eat at one of the many food stalls. The event is also host to iconic fairground rides, such as the helter skelter or carousel.
Tickets start at just £12 for kids, with children under 12 months old going completely free.
Shows and pantomimes
The perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit and have your kids actively engaged in theatre is to see a classic pantomime. This Christmas, from 5 – 29 December, Sleeping Beauty will be performed at the Storyhouse at the heart of Chester. Littered with pop favourites and audience interaction, this original production is guaranteed to entertain the kids this Christmas. Tickets for the panto start at just £15.
For a more traditional Christmas production, Chester Cathedral will present a musical rendition of The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra on 23 December. This event is returning for its 11th year, attracting families of all ages. Kids can experience the joy of an immersive live orchestra from Carrot Productions, the world’s leading performers of this particular Christmas classic. Alongside The Snowman, audiences will also enjoy The Snowman and the Snowdog or The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle. Tickets can be acquired for as little as £13.
Christmas at BeWILDerwood Cheshire
BeWILDerwood is hosting a family- and children-friendly event this Christmas on their enchanting grounds. After following a sparkly light trail, described as light and panto, kids can meet Father Christmas himself and receive a personal sweet treat. This event will have its own ‘Munch Bar’ for refreshments and food, as well as a storytelling stage. Perfect to engage with kids, this stage will host its own 20-minute pantomime.
The event will run from 30th November to 23rd December with tickets at just £17.50.
Meet Santa in Chester
There are plenty of opportunities for kids and families to meet Santa Clause himself in Chester this holiday season. This includes special Grottos at Grosvenor Shopping Centre from November 22 – December 24, as well as the Ice Cream Farm located not far from Chester city centre. Chances to meet Father Christmas can even be enjoyed at special themed breakfasts at both Rowton Hall Hotel & Spa and Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa.
Chester Christmas Markets
A Christmas tradition that welcomes all ages but is perfect for a family outing of food and gifts. This year, Chester will run its traditional Christmas markets around the square outside the town hall. Around 70 traders will present locally produced handmade goods such as jewellery, crafts and, most importantly, stocking fillers.
Other Events at Chester Cathedral
This Christmas, Chester Cathedral will be jam-packed with Christmas events suited to children. As well as ‘The Snowman’ being performed to a live orchestra, the cathedral presents its Annual Christmas Carol Concert on December 14. A child ticket, starting at just £10, includes juice and a biscuit. The public is also invited to join the cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival light switch on, taking place on the November 21. Another show it will host is a Christmas musical ‘Dreamcoat Stars’, consisting of family festive favourites and the seasonal classic ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ stars. The musical will be hosted on November 19, with tickets starting at £25.
Festive Chester Charity Run
This iconic Santa Dash will return to Chester’s historical centre for the thirteenth year. With money going to the Countess Charity and The Hospice of the Good Shepherd, this event will see around 2000 runners dressed as Father Christmas loop around the city for 3.3km. Kids will get the opportunity to see a sea of running Santas. The event will take place on Sunday, December 1.
Chester is the home of plenty of exciting events designed for children, helping to make every Christmas more special in and around the city.
