Food Experiences, Activities, Exhibitions – There are so many things to do in Chester Christmas 2025
I’m going to start by saying that this year Chester is the place to visit! I have family coming to stay and one of them is under ten, so we have to to the Christmas activity itinerary seriously!
You will not be disappointed whether you’re either visiting Chester over the festive season or if you’re a local. Look at what we have on offer! Christmas markets (one of the best in the UK), light trails, entertainment and most definitely food! It took me a while to plan them, but our Chester on a Plate Food Tours are going to be a hit!
Things to do in Chester this Christmas: A run down
- Festive Chester Food Tour & Winter Cheese & Wine Tour
I can’t not mention the opportunity to book a few fantastic tours this Yuletide with Chester on a Plate Food Tours! Chester is at it’s best, albeit chilly, at Christmas. It’s all lit up, the clock looks glorious, it’s basically a great time to book onto a food tour. Christmas is manic, so before give yourself a treat, bring friends and family if you fancy a big catch up, and enjoy the best seasonal dishes from amazing independents.
The Winter Cheese and Wine Tour takes in THREE stops, including 5 wines (one that adds genuine spoarkle!) and a cheese lovers dream feast. A wonderful way to sample some top class wines, try artisanal cheese and enjoy a few snacks and treats. Plus, you get to see a bit of Chester at Christmas.
The Festive Chester Food Tour visits SIX of our favourite Chester restaurants and bars. Seasonal dishes, festive cheer and some discounts for guests at Chester’s Christmas Market. Perfect if you want to get in the Christmas spirit, wrap up warm and enjoy a cosy, fun, food lovers day out. Discover some new places to take friends and dine out this Christmas.
2. Chester Christmas Markets
Chester’s Christmas Market is now up there in the UK’s top five best Christmas markets and it all descends on the 22nd of November. Along with the usual mulled wine, festive food and merriment, Chester Christmas markets boasts many independent stalls. The Christmas tree will be up, you can enjoy a few at the bar before having a meal or an extra drink at one of Chester’s superb independent retaurants and bars. A full day out.
More activities For Children & Adults Over Christmas in Chester 2025
3. Chester Zoo at Christmas – Lantern Parade
The Chester Zoo Christmas Lantern Parade is an experience like no other. It is not only a light trail, it also has a laser garden to marvel at and so much more. The Lantern parade has been goign for years and never fails to enchant children and adults alike. I’m dragging my nephew! Not only are there immersive light installations, there are immersive walk through experiences, festive fairground rides, food and drink to warm you up and a wave at santa. A big shout for this in Chester at Christmas.
4. Chester Cathedral at Christmas
The Cathedral boasts their beautiful, twinly, magicful Christmas Tree Festival again in 2025. Children have the chance to follow a trail around th ecloisters, filled with decorated trees and bursting with light. This is a special time of year for th eCathedral and a wonderful opportunity to visit it in all its Christmas glory.
The Snowman with orchestra – I can’t lie, this is one of my favourite events. The Snowman will be shown at the Cathedral alongside a full orchestra. A stunning performance the last 11 years, and something special to share over the festive season. Get booking it sells fast.
5. All the Santas in Chester this year
Santa gets around, and this year he’s spreading joy (him and his elves) at the Townhall, where you can also find Scrooge and some wonderful Christmas concerts, Chester Castle on Chester Boats with a Santa Special, at Rowton Hall (Mrs Claus hosting Afternoon Tea), at the Grosvenor Pulford he’s having breakfast. all this and then lastly, at the Cathedral you can enjoy a bit of brunch with him. Please, don’t wear Santa out. He also has the Santa Dash on December the 7th for the Hospice of the Good Sheperd and Countess Charity
Best of the Rest Christmas Things to do in Chester 2025
We excel at Christmas Parades in Chester. What with our medieval streets to march down and the world famous rows and Roman walls to watch from. We go for it. From Lanterns to Pagan, here’s the schedule.
- 12 Days of Christmas Parade: 20th November 7pm
- Lanterns Parade: 27th November 7pm
- Winter Watch Parade: 4th December 7pm
- Saturnalia Parade: 11th December 7pm
There will be a lot to take in this Christmas in Chester, and so many activities. Remeber to support your local independent bars and restaurants and take advantage of any special offers they have on over the festive season!
Join us on a jolly, food and drink fuelled Christmas Tour in 2025. Take a look at what’s on offer from Chester on a Plate Food Tours, both for tours and gifts! Think Vouchers.
Steph x
