Christmas In Chester 2008

Christmas Markets, Christmas Light Switch On and Festive Events for 2008

There are plenty of reasons to visit Chester in the run up to Christmas this winter, with a great line-up of attractions.

The magic starts on 13th November 2008, when you can join in the festive countdown with the traditional Christmas Lights Switch On. The Frost Fair is back, and there are plenty of opportunities to pick up wonderful gifts and Christmas essentials in magical Christmas Markets.

Details of the planned events for Christmas 2008 in Chester are listed below:

Christmas Lights Switch On

6pm Thursday 13 November 2008

Join Chester’s Lord Mayor Cllr Brian Bailey officially launching Christmas in Chester with a parade around the city.

 

Frost Fair

27 November 2008 – 11 January 2009

Chester Zoo opens its ice rink, craft stalls and of course Father Christmas will be there to welcome
you.

 

Hoole Christmas Lights Switch On

November tbc

 

Chester Lantern Parades

7pm Thursday 20 & 27 November 2008

Starting from the Cathedral and winding around the City Centre. School children parade with their hand made lanterns.

 

Italian Market

November dates tbc

Returning by popular demand to Chester Town Hall Square between 9am and 5pm.

 

Local Cheshire Producers Christmas Market

9am - 4pm Wednesday 3 December 2008

A special market in Town Hall Square, offering some of the finest fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy products, fish and meats.

 

Continental Christmas Market

December 6 – 21 tbc

Another Christmas favourite, back in the Town Halll Square. From tasty bites and warming drinks to
gifts and presents.

 

Winter Watch Parades

7pm Thursday 4 & 11 December 2008

Chester’s Lord of Misrule leads his mediaeval parade of cooks, devils, angels and assorted revellers around the city centre.

 

A Medieval Christmas

Saturday 6 December 2008

Medieval pilgrims visit Chester Cathedral Chapter House for the festive season; with music, mumming
plays and much more.

 

Something Wishful

Friday 12th December 2008

The spectacular closing celebration for Cheshire’s Year of Gardens 2008. Based on the Thai, Loy
Krathong or floating candle ceremony, on and around the River Dee.

 

A Tudor Christmas

Saturday 13 December 2008

Help us prepare for Christmas with characters from a Tudor household, and see how herbal remedies
were used to keep people hale and hearty. Stanley Palace, Watergate Street.

 

Silent Night -Theatre in the Quarter

December tbc

 

Christmas Walking Tours

December 2008

Fun-filled look at customs, origins and traditions of Chester’s festive season.

 

Ice Sculptures

December 2008 tbc

 

Carols & Concerts

November and December 2008

There are Carol Services and Concerts across Chester throughout November and December.

 

Christmas Shopping Times

From Thursday 13 November 2008 the following shops will be open until 6pm each night of the week and until 9pm each Thursday:

- Marks and Spencer

- Boots

- New Look

- Next

- Debenhams

The Grosvenor Shopping Centre will open from 1 December 2008 onwards.

For more information on Christmas in Chester click here.

 

Information courtesy of Chester City Management.