Chester Christmas Market 2025 Guide

At a glance

Why Chester’s market is special

Chester’s Christmas Market radiates old-world charm beneath the cathedral and historic town hall. Eighty wooden chalets form a sparkling circle around the city-centre tree, offering artisan jewellery, local produce, handcrafted decorations and seasonal treats. The city’s famous Rows—double-decker medieval walkways—add to the storybook setting, while the nearby Grosvenor Museum and Cathedral host concerts and carol services through December.

The market is a key part of the “12 Days of Christmas” festivities, including the parading of the Winter Watch, lantern processions, and late shopping nights. Expect street performers, choir pop-ups and the return of the bustling mulled wine chalet in front of the town hall steps.

Getting there

Need-to-know details

• Tell me something unusual: Chester’s Roman soldiers return for the Winter Watch parades, a tradition dating back to medieval times when the city baton was passed to its guardians.
• Year established: 2010.
• Typical attendance: Around 500,000 visitors each year.
• Official opening: The Lord Mayor of Chester leads the lights switch-on with local choirs.
• Entry cost: Free.

Top things to do

• Shop local: Pick up Cheshire cheese hampers, gin from local distillers, handmade candles and unique homeware.
• Festive flavours: Sip mulled wine, spiced cider and hot chocolate while tucking into hog roast baps, churros and vegan street food.
• Christmas at the Cathedral: Visit the Christmas Tree Festival inside Chester Cathedral or book a carol concert.
• Explore the Rows: Wander the city’s two-tier shopping galleries for independents and boutique finds.

Make a weekend of it

Combine your market visit with Chester Zoo’s Lanterns event, a stroll around the Roman walls, or a cruise along the River Dee. Foodies should head to Chester Market’s new foodie hub, while day trips to the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet or the Welsh border villages round off a festive break.

At a glance

Why Chester’s market is special

Chester’s historic core is a ready-made Christmas card backdrop. Eighty wooden chalets ring the Town Hall, cathedral and Victorian market hall, with the city’s famous black-and-white Rows surrounding the square. Traders are hand-picked from across Cheshire, North Wales and the North West, bringing handmade jewellery, artisan gin, home fragrances, leather goods and gourmet food.

The nearby cathedral hosts a Christmas Tree Festival with more than 50 themed trees, and the city’s 700-year-old Walls offer a scenic stroll between market visits. The whole area glows with Chester’s seasonal lighting scheme, Santa parades and lantern processions.

Getting there

Need-to-know details

• Tell me something unusual: The market’s chalets are designed to echo Chester’s medieval Rows, complete with decorative garlands and lanterns.
• Year established: 2010.
• Typical attendance: Around 500,000 visitors per season.
• Official opening: Led by the Lord Mayor of Chester, often alongside the cathedral choir.
• Entry cost: Free.

Top things to do

• Shop indie: Pick up Cheshire cheeses, handcrafted soaps, winter knitwear and luxury chocolate truffles.
• Mulled wine bar: Warm up with mulled cider or local ales at the festive bar on Northgate Street.
• Cathedral events: Visit the Christmas Tree Festival, attend an Advent concert or take part in candlelit carol services.
• Storyhouse: Catch a festive performance or film at Chester’s cultural hub just steps from the market.

Make a weekend of it

Walk the two-mile circuit of Chester’s Roman walls, explore the Eastgate Clock, and take a winter river cruise. Combine your visit with a trip to Chester Zoo’s evening lantern experience or nearby Tatton Park’s festive mansion. For boutique shopping, head to the Rows and Bridge Street.