Chester is renowned for its extravagant parades in wintertime that see the city centre teeming with residents and visitors alike, and 2025 will be no different.
The first event, the “12 Days of Christmas Parade” launched the season on November 20 featuring Father Christmas himself, while seven days later, the Lantern Parade arrived in Chester. Beginning at the Town Hall the parade winds its way through the heart of city lit by handcrafted lanterns carried by Cheshire schoolchildren. Fortunately, for those unable to attend the occasions, there is still plenty to look forwards to.
The next event takes place on December 4, the Winter Watch Parade. Dating back to the 1400s, this grand tradition involves a procession headed up by the City Watch and Chester’s leader. Designed to combine seasonal fun with the pageantry of the medieval era, those attending can enjoy a carnival atmosphere with colourful characters like the Lord of Misrule, fire skeletons, angels, the Tree of Life, Karamba Samba drummers, Victorian Cooks, dragons and more.
On December 11, the Winter Watch returns to the city, but is joined by the Saturnalia Parade for what is often referred to as the pinnacle of Chester’s festive calendar. The evening event starts outside the Grosvenor Museum and recreates Saturnalia’s ancient ritual and Saturn’s midwinter feast. Revellers can relive Roman Emperor Domitian retaking the city and delivering a powerful address, accompanied by his 20th Legion bearing flaming torches.
The epic procession also features firebreathers and the characters of the Winter Watch Parade, and concludes with spectacular fiery finale.