As the spiritual centre of the city, winter will see Chester Cathedral holding seasonal services and carol singing. However, it also has an abundance of specially designed Christmas events planned on its festive calendar designed to appeal to residents and city visitors of all ages. Read on to see which one is right for you.
The Christmas Tree Festival
Launched on November 28 and running until January 26, the Christmas Tree Festival is returning to Chester Cathedral. Now in its 11th year, the festive extravaganza features more than 80 Christmas trees on display in the grade listed landmark. Visitors can embark on the “Nativity Trail” to track down all the trees decorated to perfection by local schools, businesses and residents.
Christmas by candlelight events
With its astonishing acoustics, Chester Cathedral has become a mecca for music lovers. Perhaps its most popular event series is “Concerts by Candlelight” and its event organisers have pulled out all the stops for the festive season with shows lit by LED candles featuring accomplished acts.
On December 10 and 11, Bublé Christmas takes centre stage. Promising big band thrills led by the UK’s leading tribute to Micheal Bublé, audiences can enjoy festive hits made famous by the crooner like “Santa Baby”, “All I Want for Christmas is You” and “Holly Jolly Christmas”.
Christmas by Candlelight will arrive on December 18 and 19 from 7.30, where a live band will join a West End Cast to perform Christmas classics like “Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” and White Christmas”.
The Music of Coldplay comes to the Cathedral on November 20 and 21, with an act dedicated to the much-loved rock band. Coldplay fans can hear their favourite songs performed live on stage with a set-list that includes “Yellow”, “Hymn for the Weekend” and “Sky Full of Stars”, among others.
On Monday, December 22, a Las Vegas-style concert awaits guest of the Cathedral with a show called “Rat Pack – A Swingin’ Christmas”. Following sold-out performances at Adelphi Theatre in London the fun-filled show is full of old-fashioned festive mischief and holiday classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” alongside iconic numbers like “New York, New York.”
The Christmas concerts by candlelight at Chester Cathedral typically have a start time of 7.30, and tickets are available at different prices depending on seats selected.
Dining with Santa
On Sundays until December 21, Chester Cathedral will be inviting families with little ones aged one to 10 years old to meet and dine with Santa Claus at special brunches and afternoon teas. Festive menus at the Cathedral’s refectory will offer a selection of delicious dishes, and children attending are encouraged to bring along their letters to Santa to put in the post box. There will be an additional Brunch with Santa Claus on Christmas Eve for an extra chance to make festive memories before the big day.
The Snowman Tour
The magical animation The Snowman has become a highlight of a classic Christmas in the UK. Based on the picture book by Raymond Briggs, the animated film about a snowman who comes to life on Christmas Eve was commissioned by Channel Four in 1982 to show on Boxing Day. On December 23, a show called The Snowman Tour will come to Chester courtesy of Carrot Productions. The show combines a screening of the symphonic poem with a performance from a live orchestra playing its score and the classic song “Walking in the Air”. This will be the 11th year that the beloved event returns to the cathedral, and ticket holders will be introduced to the orchestra and get to enjoy a visit from the star of the show, The Snowman himself. Those coming down to the show will also be treated to music from the film’s sequel “The Snowman and the Snowdog”.
Attending events at Chester Cathedral is always an enchanting experience at Christmas. However, the city landmark is perfectly placed for adventures before or after concerts, exhibitions and shows. Located on Werburgh Street, it’s in easy reach of The Chester Rows and Chester Christmas Markets for seasonal shopping, as well as many fine restaurants and pubs for festive get-togethers with friends and family members.