13 minute read
FESTIVE DIARY
Christmas is always a special time of the year, but what makes it so magical is family time, festive activities and traditions that are enjoyed and live on. Create your own ways to celebrate by planning a visit to some of these twinkling destinations – all geared up to make this your merriest Christmas yet!
MEET SANTA AND SING WITH THE PENGUINS AT CHESTER’S GROSVENOR SHOPPING CENTRE!
Families will be welcomed by Santa’s snow elves at this year’s wonderful, Narnia-inspired Enchanted Grotto opening on the 25th November at Chester’s Grosvenor Shopping Centre. Once there, you can enjoy being serenaded by their singing penguin! Join in the family fun and festive cheer in the heart of Chester where you can find perfect presents for all your loved ones. Many of their stores will be opening late every Thursday from 24th November, as well as staying open late every day from the 19th – 23rd December (check individual store times as some may vary). To book your grotto tickets, visit experiencechester.co.uk/ santas-enchanted-grotto
Christmas is always a special time to visit Chester Cathedral. Alongside annual events, such as the Christmas Tree Festival, Sunday Brunch with Santa and the Christmas Carol Concerts, there are a number of exciting new events too: ‘A Festive Tale with Emma Elf’ – a fabulous story time with the Cathedral’s very own elf, and Wreath Making workshops for parents to name but two! And of course, The Snowman is back in Chester once again! Naturally, Christmas Services are in the diary, including Lessons and Carols for Christmas, Midnight Mass and a wonderful Crib Service for families on Christmas Eve. W: chestercathedral.com/Christmas
CHRISTMAS TREES, DECORATIONS, LIGHTS AND WREATHS AT CHRISTMAS, FIREWOOD ALL YEAR ROUND
Ivy Cottage Tree Farm in Wilmslow has been growing Christmas Trees for over 40 years. Now the biggest Christmas Tree retailer in Cheshire, they sell cut spruce, fir and pine. Potted and rooted trees are also available in various sizes. You can also walk in the plantation and pick a tree that is still growing which they will cut down for you. Open every weekend (10am-3pm) and then 7 days a week from the 20th November (9am5pm), there is also a large decoration shop with a great range on offer, and an onsite florist making wreaths. Model trains run around the ceiling of the shop delivering (miniature!) trees, presents and firewood. In addition, they supply firewood which can be ordered yearround. Open until Christmas Eve. Ivy Cottage Tree Farm, Racecourse Road, Wilmslow, SK9 5LG. T: 01625 531609 E: wadandsriley@aol.com
LIVERPOOL ALPINE VILLAGE BRINGS CHRISTMAS TO LIFE FOR ALL THE FAMILY
There’s a lot to feel jolly about when you head to Liverpool ONE this festive season! Visit the magical ski holiday-inspired alpine wonderland taking over Chavasse Park and enjoy karaoke, curling, shuffleboard, food and drink stalls and festive family events. On various dates from 27th November – 6th December, join delightful, friendly Wreath Making Workshops and create your very own Christmas wreath. And for little ones, on Sundays in December and the week leading up to Christmas, it’s the chance to meet Santa - this family-friendly booking includes a karaoke hütte for one hour, free hot chocolate and colouring pads for the kids, plus the chance to get a picture with Santa Claus. Visit their website to book your chosen activities! W: www.liverpool-one.com/christmas
FESTIVE FUN AND YOUR SHOPPING DONE
Blakemere feels magical at Christmas, you can explore its independent shops, relax in its cosy eateries, and enjoy festive activities. Take time to shop for unique Christmas gifts for the whole family, including artisan crafts, children’s toys, jewellery, homeware, fashion, antiques, collectables and festive houseplants. Blakemere is also brimming with seasonal events for the whole family to enjoy. Create lasting memories at the Magical Woodland, The Playbarn’s Christmas Party or Blakemere’s self-led Yule Ville Christmas Trail. For crafty types, Cheshire Craft Workshop and Crafts in the Corner are hosting several festive workshops. W: blakemerevillage.com
EXPLORE THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF A TIMELESS CHRISTMAS AT LYME
There’s plenty for families to do this December at Lyme. Get your wellies on for a winter wander around Crow Wood, take part in free Christmas crafts, transforming trash into Christmas treasures to take home. In the house, let Phyllis Legh take you back in time to Edwardian Christmas exploring the sights, sounds and smells of Lyme based on her real childhood memories. Families can also book onto an enchanted adventure through Lyme to help save Christmas and meet Father Christmas as Sneaky Experience presents the inaugural ‘A Timeless Christmas at Lyme.’ W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme
© National Trust Images, Arnhel de Serra
DISCOVER THE ENCHANTING SANTA’S GROTTO AT GORDALE
Ready for a magical experience? Santa’s Grotto is returning and Gordale are delighted to have local charity The Hospice of The Good Shepherd, running it again this year. The Grotto opens on Saturday 3rd December with 100% of the proceeds being given to the charity. Advanced online booking is required, so please visit their website to book. Gordale is an award-winning garden centre, conveniently located on the Chester High Road, between Heswall and Chester. It’s easy to find and has ample free parking on their 15-acre site. W: www.gordale.co.uk
CHRISTMAS CHEER RETURNS TO MANCHESTER WITH MASSES OF FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT!
From the 10th November until 22nd December, Manchester’s worldfamous Christmas Markets will bring Christmas cheer to the city centre. Back and bigger than ever, the Winter Gardens will transform Piccadilly Gardens into a festive wonderland. With bars, food vendors, gift stalls, live entertainment, and accessible facilities, expect a magical experience for the whole family. The festivities don’t stop there, Cathedral Gardens will host Skate Manchester’s ice rink and will be packed with fun activities for kids of all ages. Manchester’s beloved giant Santa will take his spot in St Peter’s Square, and there will be light sculptures and wonderful trails to explore. W: www.manchester.gov.uk/christmas
CHRISTMAS ALWAYS BEGINS WITH BENTS
With Christmas just around the corner, Bents has planned some very special festive events to keep the little ones entertained starting with Father Christmas’s arrival on Thursday 10th November at 4pm. Once settled in store he will be hosting a number of different party options for families, tiny tots and even for our four-legged friends; they’re always popular events so be sure to book soon to avoid disappointment! Bents’ Little Face of Christmas Facebook Competition and festive Winter Food Market are also back and, combined with the outdoor adventure play area and indoor beach, there’s every opportunity to treat yourselves whilst the little ones play. W: www.bents.co.uk
CHRISTMAS AT BOLESWORTH DELIVERS A SPARKLING FEAST FOR THE SENSES
Christmas at Bolesworth is truly exceptional as the castle grounds are transformed into a festive paradise from the 2nd–24th December. The enchanted Bolesworth 1.2-mile accessible Christmas Lights Trail features an all-new route where more than 40,000 lights will adorn the trees and paths. The trail winds through enchanted woods where Santa’s reindeer roam freely, running beside a lake with new water features, before crossing over an illuminated pontoon bridge. Christmas markets featuring gift shopping, food and winter warmers, a large fairground, Bolesworth’s unique VIP Champagne Island and Santa’s super grotto will make this a very merry family trip to remember. Visit www.bolesworth.com/christmas for more information.
Liverpool ONE is set to glow this Christmas with a season of festive family fun and
exciting Christmas decorations. Whether you’re visiting to fulfil that Christmas list for Santa, get together with friends and family to catch up and be merry, or just enjoy the Christmassy atmosphere of the city centre, you’ll love what Liverpool ONE has in store. From the moment we launch Christmas, Liverpool ONE will be glowing with our new 25-metre neon Christmas tree located at the centre of the Liverpool Alpine Village, our new Christmas attraction on Chavasse Park brought to you in partnership with Bar Hütte. The arrival of the eight-metre brand-new neon trees to Paradise Street complements the return of the much-loved reindeers and Christmas decorations across Liverpool ONE, bringing the spirit of Christmas to the city centre. Enjoy a stunning free trail of lights for the whole family this Christmas. Enjoy shopping at some of our new glittering high street brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Stradivarius and the huge new Tessuti store on Paradise Street. Dine at the most delicious brands in the UK, whether you’re refuelling on that Black Friday shopping trip or making the most of those festive menus. Visit Santa at John Lewis & Partners for a magical experience. All this to a glowing backdrop of our fabulous lighting scheme. It’s new, it’s different, and it’s magical. And best of all, we’re extending shopping hours in December so you can make the most of your time at Liverpool ONE. See liverpool-one.com for more details.
The star of the show this Christmas is the Liverpool Alpine Village, taking over Chavasse Park and featuring a wonderland of entertainment. Presented by Bar Hütte and including fun activities like karaoke, shuffleboard and curling, the Alpine Village also provides the location for family friendly activities from Santa Claus Club to wreath-making workshops. Our stunning new Christmas tree sits at the heart of this new attraction.
Look out for our Advent Calendar Giveaway in December, with 12 days of prizes from our fabulous brands. Follow us on social media and sign up to our newsletter to be the first one to hear about the giveaway; you could win prizes from John Lewis & Partners, Hilton, JD Sports and so many more stores and restaurants! Fancy sorting everyone out in one go and leaving more time for Christmas Cocktails? The Liverpool ONE Gift Card is accepted in over 150 of our stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, so uncles, aunties, grans and cousins will be delighted to find one in their stocking! Let them spend it their way and pick up a Gift Card in our Information Centre on Wall Street.
For more information on what’s on at Liverpool ONE during Christmas, visit www.liverpool-one.com/christmas
Make Christmas
Memories at Lyme
Pho t og r ap h y © N a tional T rust Im a g e s / Arnhel de Ser r a . © N a tional T rust 2 0 2 0 . R e gis t e r e d C hari t y n o . 2 0 5 846.
Bring the family on a festive day of discovery at Lyme
"The weather didn't matter, how could it, with a house full of delightful visitors and such a house to play in? - Phyllis Legh
nationaltrust.org.uk/Lyme
Kids can visit our singing animated penguin, who will be sharing the festive cheer as well as take part in our Christmas penguin competition. With almost 50 stores and restaurants, find the perfect presents and enjoy late night shopping. Many of our stores will be open late every Thursday from 24th November, as well as Late Night Shopping 19th-23rd December.
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SLEEPING BEAUTY SET TO ENCHANT ALL AGES AT THE GRANGE THEATRE
Sleeping Beauty is sure to dazzle and delight audiences of all ages and is running from Saturday 10th December – Sunday 1st January 2023 at The Grange Theatre, Northwich. The beautiful Princess Aurora will win the hearts of both young and old! But, when the evil Carabosse causes Princess Aurora to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an enchanted sleep, will Prince Harry be able to wake her? Will Aurora’s endearing Nurse O’Dear ever find love? Will Aurora’s best friend Muddles finally get the court Jester job he craves? This classic pantomime will enchant and delight both children and adults! cW: www.kdtheatre.co.uk
ENJOY A GIANT ADVENTURE THIS PANTO SEASON WITH BRIO ENTERTAINMENT!
Brio Entertainment are bringing back the magic this December with two fantastic family fun shows. The shows are produced by Anton Benson Productions who have been a regular favourite at Brio venues Ellesmere Port Civic Hall and at Northwich Memorial Court since 2015. At Northwich Memorial Court this festive season, you can catch Jack and the Beanstalk between 5th – 31st December, whilst at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall, you can watch the amazing Beauty and the Beast between 16th – 24th December. With both shows boasting a super cast line-up, these pantomimes are guaranteed to be packed full of fun! For show times and tickets, simply call or go online. T: 0333 666 3366 W: www.brioentertaiment.org
SNEAKY EXPERIENCE INVITES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ON AN IMMERSIVE FESTIVE ADVENTURE
‘Once Upon a Christmas at Arley Hall’ and ‘A timeless Christmas at Lyme’ are two different, original stories performed throughout these stunning stately homes where guests get the chance to be a part of the story. Go and be transported to a world of make believe, meeting magical characters along the way and becoming heroes of your own winter legend as you restore the magic of Christmas! All experiences end with an opportunity to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift. W: www.sneakyexperience.co.uk
ONCE UPON A PANTOMIME: THE CHRISTMAS MANSION AT TATTON PARK
Step into a work of panto from the 22nd November – 1st January 2023. Nostalgic family favourites are brought to life as Tatton Park celebrates the Great British pantomime! Experience sensational sets and meet their Panto Dame. From Jack and the Beanstalk to Cinderella and Aladdin, there’ll be plenty of sparkle and festive cheer to make your visit a magical one. Tickets available online. W: tattonpark.org.uk/Christmas
