Chester Christmas Market 2024 in England

Every year between late November and late December, Chester Christmas Market celebrates the holiday season in the very heart of the city, next to Chester Town Hall and Chester Cathedral. Nearly 70 glowing stalls are scattered around the magnificent Christmas tree. The vendors sell Christmas gifts and stocking fillers, as well as arts and crafts goodies. Several stalls also offer hot dogs, hog roasts, mulled wine, and other local spirits, so you won't get cold or hungry.

Market Attractions

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Chester Cathedral and Chester Town Hall, the Christmas Market welcomes visitors to experience a festive atmosphere through a variety of vendor offers. Ranging from hand-made wood crafts and carving to unique jewelry and art pieces, the market is filled to the brim with gift options for your friends and family.

To make your holiday shopping experience even more pleasant, some stalls sell mulled wine and steaming hot cocoa to warm up during a cold winter evening. Food enthusiasts will enjoy embarking on a gastronomy tour through the market, tasting delicious seasonal dishes, as well as fresh local produce.

Admission

Admission to the market is completely free, no tickets are required for entry. The only thing you may want to budget for is the variety of vendor goods, seasonal treats, and thrilling attractions.

Opening & Closing Times

Chester Christmas Market operates daily, but the hours vary. From Sunday to Wednesday, the stalls are open between 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. From Thursday to Saturday, you can enjoy holiday shopping from 10:30 am to 8 pm. Consider arriving at least two hours before closing to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere and taste delicious treats from local vendors.

Location

The market itself takes place in the city center, in the square near the Chester Town Hall. On your way there, you'll also stumble upon the Chester Cathedral, the Storyhouse, and other landmarks, worth visiting after the market. Chester lies only 27 miles (44 km) south of Liverpool and can be easily reached by car within 40 minutes.

The city is also 41 miles (66 km) southeast of Manchester, the trip from which will take slightly more than an hour. You can stop at any of those cities for your winter getaway. Note that Liverpool and Manchester also have Christmas markets, and maybe you would like to see all three in a row.

Chester Winter Watch Parade

During December, visitors can experience the Chester Winter Watch Parade, a tradition dating back to the 1400s. This vibrant street spectacle features lively dancing, dramatic sword fights, and an impressive fire-breathing finale, bringing the historical charm of Chester to life in a festive celebration.