Whilst in the city, you can also explore Chester Cathedral, which has free entry. Just next to the town square where the market is, the cathedral has a Christmas tree festival which runs until January 5, 2025. The exhibition costs £4.50 per adult to see over 80 decorated trees
One of the smallest Christmas markets in the UK is located in a pretty city, but also benefits from less crowds.
Chester Christmas market, which is smaller than most in the UK, has over 70 stalls to peruse which sell stocking fullers, sweet treats, locally crafter spirits and handmade arts and crafts. What is particularly pleasant about this Christmas market is that it spirals out from a twinkling Christmas tree centrepiece in the city’s square, around the town hall.
One visitor stated on TripAdvisor: “Great add on to a day out. Wish it was a bit bigger, not sure you could get more then half a day out of it unless you were staying for a drink. But looked so cute, little xmas decorations all over. There was a good variety of bits and bibs, managed to get some fun bargains sorted!”
Another visitor shared: “Chester Christmas Market is a lovely market based right in the centre of the city. The wooden stalls are very homely and comforting. Especially when you’re holding a mulled wine or sat in the Market Bar listening to live music and looking out the window. Large selection of traders and Artisan goods. Loved the Moonshine and Kin Toffee Vodka Stalls. Food is excellent too with Gold-Award Winning Burgers from The Lake District! That paired with a luxury Baileys Hot Chocolate just makes Christmas.”
A final visitor added: “Wonderful festive evening with my two boys. We loved walking around soaking in the festive mood, with the twinkle lights, and baubles walls. Boys loved the Churros and mini pancakes, I love the hot Mulled rum. Not the biggest market we’ve visited but the variety of traders was fabulous highly recommend a visit.”
Whilst in the city, you can also explore Chester Cathedral, which has free entry. Just next to the town square where the market is, the cathedral has a Christmas tree festival which runs until January 5, 2025. The exhibition costs £4.50 per adult to see over 80 decorated trees.
The cathedral also hosts daily tower tours and discovery tours, as well as choral evensong most evenings. The city also has many other places to explore like the picturesque Chester Castle or the grand Eastgate Clock.
The market will take place from November 18 to December 21, and is open Monday to Wednesday 10:30am to 6:30pm, Thursday to Saturday 10:30am to 8pm and Sunday, 10.30am to 6.30pm.
Earlier this month I headed to Newcastle to check out the city’s Christmas market. Newcastle, first and foremost, is a beautiful city. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but the architectural scenes of the place amazed me as I wandered out of the sandstone station. Just outside of the station’s steps, Christmas spirit was evident. Beige tepee tents stood inviting visitors to cozy up, away from the cold. Though tempting, I headed to my hotel to settle in first. My full story can be read here.