Dates have been confirmed for the return of the “underrated” Christmas Markets that some say rival ManchesterChester Christmas Market seen from above in 2024 – it will be back for 2025(Image: Steve Jones Photography)

While Manchester Christmas Markets are renowned as one of the biggest and most popular festive attractions, last year it was a rival north west city named as hosting one of the best Christmas Markets in the UK.

According to reviews website Which? Chester’s festive extravaganza ranked higher than many other UK cities in 2024, praised for its “peaceful” atmosphere with lack of crowds and ease of getting around.

It also boasts one of the most picturesque locations, set up between the city’s historic Town Hall and Chester Cathedral.

Organisers have now announced the dates and details for the return of Chester Christmas Markets for 2025 – which will have an expanded array of stalls this year.

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The Chester Christmas Market will return from Wednesday November 19 this year, and then run through until Monday December 22.

And for families, there will also be the return of the much-loved Santa’s Grotto inside the Town Hall. Santa will be in residence towards the tail end of the markets run, from December 13 -21.

There will be 80 stalls at the Christmas Market this year, with an array of local producers, craftsfolk and artisans with stalls festooned with twinkling lights.

Bosses say to expect “stocking fillers aplenty, from local, wax-sealed cheeses to handmade fudge, locally-brewed gin and beers, silver jewellery, candles and skin care”.

Chester Christmas Market will be back for 2025(Image: Celynnen Photography)

Festive gifts on offer will include: handmade pottery, tableware and garden ornaments by Josh Johnson Ceramics; candles, diffusers and more by The Cheshire Candle company; and handmade body products, cold pressed soaps and shaving bars by Omeda Crafts.

Foodies can expect hot pulled pork, salt beef sandwiches and Cumberland sausages, while the drinks selection includes mulled wine or gin, hot winter rum, Baileys hot chocolate and hot cider.

Tourism bosses say Chester is “surprisingly underrated” and is “rightly proud of its array of local independent stores, farm-to-fork restaurants, and excellent Market”.

They say that Chester Christmas Market is so special because: “Stalls will be unique, with no overlap on products sold – and the focus is on local North West-based traders.”

There’s a huge Christmas tree at the centre of the markets too(Image: Celynnen Photography)

Chester is also home to the oldest, longest and most complete city walls, the oldest racecourse and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain – plus the medieval network of covered galleries known as The Rows where many shops and restaurants are now based.

Visitors during the festive season can enjoy relaxed strolls along the cobbled streets and can even climb the 216 steps to the top of Chester Cathedral’s tower for frosty views over the city and beyond.

When is Chester Christmas Market?

The dates for the 2025 return of Chester Christmas Market is from November 19 and then running through to December 22.

Opening times are Sunday to Wednesday – 10.30am – 6.30pm and Thursday to Saturday – 10.30am – 8pm.

When is the Christmas Grotto open?Santa will be back at Chester Town Hall in December

The Christmas Grotto at Chester Town Hall has become an annual festive tradition “not to be missed”.

The grand Assembly Hall becomes home to Santa’s helpful elves, Sparkle & Jingle, who are offering arts and crafts workshops for all.

Visitors can create a giant, snow-filled bauble to hang on the tree, package your own bag of magical reindeer food, colour and sparkle a festive gift bag and write a letter to Santa himself.

Then get ready to ascend the magical staircase to meet Santa, take a photo in the stunning setting and receive a present, too.

Tickets must be prebooked and are on sale now for the Santa dates of December 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. For booking see the Chester Town Hall website here.