Christmas is just around the corner, and Cheshire is ready to welcome the festive season with open arms. From charming local towns to delightful Christmas markets, there’s no shortage of activities to make your holiday season special.
So, join us on a journey to plan the ultimate Cheshire Christmas (complete with a cosy stay at The Swan of course), and to find out more about the festivities in the area, including the big one, our exciting return of SWANDERLAND!
Shopping for Christmas
Start your Cheshire Christmas adventure by exploring the local high streets. When it comes to shopping for Christmas in Cheshire, the options are as diverse as they are delightful.
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, located near Ellesmere Port, offers a premier shopping experience with over 145 designer and high-street brands, making it a haven for those seeking fashionable gifts.
The Grosvenor Shopping Centre in Chester, nestled in the heart of the city, provides a sophisticated shopping experience with a mix of luxury boutiques and well-known brands. And for a unique shopping adventure, visit the historic city of Chester itself, where you can explore The Rows—an iconic shopping district filled with distinctive two-tiered medieval-style shops that add a touch of whimsy to your Christmas shopping excursion in Cheshire.
Do pay a trip to Tarporley high street too, we’re lucky to have lots of lovely independent businesses around here that offer all sorts.
Experience Local Christmas Markets
Enhance your Christmas shopping experience by visiting the local Christmas Markets in Cheshire. Chester Christmas markets starting from 17th November, is like stepping into a winter wonderland. As the festive season begins, these markets come alive with the sights, sounds, and scents of Christmas. Stroll through rows of charming stalls adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Discover unique and handcrafted gifts, savour seasonal treats, and sip on warming mulled wine.
Frodsham’s Christmas Festival begins on 25th November, where you can stroll through historic streets lined with festive traders offering gifts, crafts, jewellery, toys, and delicious food and drink.
Sandbach hosts a special Christmas market on 1st December, with choirs singing carols, brass bands playing, Christmas lights twinkling, chestnuts roasting, and the aroma of mulled wine filling the air. More than 100 stalls cover the town and Market Square, and late-night shopping adds to the festive atmosphere.
Blakemere Village welcomes you on the 18th of November for a market sure to give you that Christmassy feel. Small Street Markets will offer a fantastic selection of gifts, food, and drink to complement the permanent retailers at Blakemere Village.
Embrace the Outdoors
Escape the holiday hustle and bustle by embracing the outdoors in Cheshire. Put on your hiking boots or wellies, bundle up in a warm winter coat, scarf, gloves, and hat, and head to Cheshire’s enchanting forests. The scent of pine in the air around Christmas will awaken your festive spirit.
Delamere Forest, a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, offers various walking routes through pine-filled forests, Blakemere Moss, and Old Pale Hill for panoramic views. You can even reach Delamere via its historic railway station and enjoy a hot chocolate at the Visitors Centre during your walk.
Tatton Park invites you to explore 1000 acres of historic parkland and embrace the festive season. With open spaces and cosy woodlands, Tatton Park offers numerous routes to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. If you’re visiting with kids, don’t miss igniting your imagination and follow Alice’s footsteps through the Duchess’ Garden, the Queen of Hearts’ grand palace, and the amazing Magic Forest.
Enjoy Spectacular Light Trails
A festive evening wouldn’t be complete without a mesmerizing light trail. Cheshire’s picturesque scenery provides the perfect backdrop for several light trails across the county.
You can travel to all corners of the globe with The Lanterns at Chester Zoo. As darkness falls, take a very different tour of this wildlife haven to see illuminations in the shape of endangered orangutans, wolves, and caterpillars, plus zebras, elephants and lions.
Magical Woodland returns to Blakemere from 24th November, transforming 15 acres of woodland into a magical display of lights.
Bolesworth Estate, on the outskirts of Chester, will be adorned with lights and a new light trail from 26th November, offering a lakeside walk with an illuminated castle backdrop.
And for the first time this year, from 2nd December, BeWILDerwood presents Christmas with a sparkly light trail through the woods where you will discover silly snowmen, curious Christmas crackers, a giant pudding, and lots more.
Step into the Enchantment of Swanderland 2023
Now for the most exciting one… After the resounding success of last year, Swanderland is back with a bang!
For four unforgettable weeks, The Swan is transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland, hosting a dazzling array of seasonal events that promise to ignite your holiday spirit. Picture our Tarporley Room, elegantly festooned in festive decorations and steeped in the rich traditions of the season, serving as the backdrop for your Christmas gatherings with colleagues, family, and friends.
From 24th November to 16th December, we have enchanting events tailored to suit every taste. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of Jazz Cabaret, groove to the timeless tunes of Soul and Motown, or relish the humour at Comedy Nights featuring ‘Comedy in a Van.’ With an impressive selection of delectable food and an extensive range of beverages, The Swan’s friendly team guarantees you an unforgettable Christmas experience. So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and book your spot at Swanderland – it’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season in style!
Cosy Accommodation at The Swan at Tarporley
After a day of exploring the enchanting festivities in Cheshire, find comfort at The Swan. Situated just a stone’s throw away from all the holiday attractions mentioned earlier, The Swan invites you to unwind in one of our 16 cosy boutique rooms and a welcoming pub that feels just like home.
As the day winds down, treat yourself to a heart-warming gourmet three-course meal that embodies the spirit of the season. Savour each bite as you sip on our handpicked selection of worldly wines and locally crafted beers, creating a dining experience like no other. At The Swan, you’ll discover more than just a peaceful night’s rest; you’ll find a warm and inviting place to round off your festive adventures. Our availability around Christmastime is always limited, so don’t delay in booking!
