Experience Christmas in Chester City Centre!
As the Christmas festivities begin to take shape, we are gearing up for “a cracker”.
Christmas shoppers and visitors revelling in Chester’s vibrant mix of national and independent retail stores, bars and restaurants can not only enjoy free parking on key shopping days during Christmas 2023, but this year will see the return of their popular Santa’s Enchanted Grotto, Storyhouse’s Cinderella and the Christmas Market! Plus shoppers will be able to support the high street by using the Chester Gift Card.
Carl Critchlow, CEO of Chester BID, said the city is the perfect place to gather loved ones and enjoy the festivities. Carl Added: “Chester is such a beautiful place to shop, dine, drink and dwell – even more so at Christmas time. With our brilliant offering of independents, high street names and some of the best hospitality spots in the North West, the city is a great place to gather together and get into the Christmas Spirit – The More The Merrier!”
In the run-up to Christmas, Chester BID will be funding free parking every weekend at Chester Racecourse, providing over 4,000 parking spaces. This festive parking perk begins on November 25th, 2023, starting at 10am, offering the perfect incentive for family and friends to visit Chester for a day of shopping and celebration.For those seeking a truly magical experience, Chester’s only Christmas grotto is a must-see attraction. This year, the grotto will transform into a whimsical ‘Alice in Winterland’ theme. Opening its doors from November 24th through to Christmas Eve, the grotto can be found in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre.
Carl said: “This highly anticipated attraction is a treasure for all ages and is already 70% sold! Booking in advance is recommended to ensure you don’t miss out as the grotto is expected to sell out.”Additionally, Chester BID is reminding shoppers about their Chester Gift Card – as the perfect solution for your Christmas gifting needs. With over 125 participating businesses, the Chester Gift Card provides a wide range of options, making it an ideal choice for sharing the great offering in Chester with your loved ones.
Carl added: “Chester BID is fully committed to ensuring that the city radiates with the spirit of the season and supports the 450 businesses within the BID area. We have curated an array of delightful experiences and opportunities for you to explore and celebrate the city’s unique charm this Christmas and by funding free parking, we can help make a day out in Chester more affordable for those travelling to the city by car. We look forward to welcoming you!”
Chester’s Christmas Market opens on Friday 17 November. The ever-popular market will be back in Town Hall Square and to ensure a festive feel, the Christmas lights will be lighting up across the city centre. Deont forget whilst visiting the markets, be sure to walk around the stalls to visit city centre businesses such as Northgate Bar, Francis Thomas, My Funny Valentine and more…
Just across the way you will also be able to visit Exchange Square, where you will be able to take a Festive Selfie in their Giant Christmas Bauble.
Key dates for the diary:
- Christmas Market – Friday 18 November to Wednesday 21 December
- Makers Market – 2, 9, 10, 16 and 17 December
- Twelve Days of Christmas Parade – 23 November
- Chester BIDs Santa’s Enchanted Grotto – 24 November until 24 December
- Free Parking from Chester BID – 25 November – 24 December
- Lantern Parade – 30 November
- Santa Dash – 3 December
- Winter Watch Parade – 7 December
- Saturnalia Parade plus Second Winter Watch Parade – 14 December
For more information on events and Christmas in Chester click here https://bit.ly/ExperienceChesterChristmas
