Chester Christmas Market returns: What to expect including costs and attractions

The annual Cheshire Christmas Market, which is back for the festive season has been named as better and more peaceful than the Manchester Christmas Markets in a new survey

Recently crowned a more "peaceful" and "better" alternative to Manchester Christmas Markets by Which?

consumer magazine, Chester's beloved annual Christmas Market has reopened for festive trading.

The much-anticipated Christmas market welcomed visitors at the weekend, featuring 70 charming wooden huts that have rejuvenated historic Newgate Street in the heart of Chester.

Mulling over a cup of hot gluhwein, biting into succulent hot sausages or enjoying mini Dutch pancakes are just some of the delights market-goers can relish at the food and drink stalls. For those on the hunt for unique Christmas presents, there is an abundance of craft and gift stalls.

The iconic Town Hall square is once again graced with the magnificent presence of a towering Christmas tree, creating a scenic focal point for the yuletide festivities. Additionally, little ones can experience the magic of Christmas with a visit to Santa's Grotto.

In a study by Which?, surveying the UK's premier Christmas Markets, Chester placed in the top eight, receiving high marks for its accessibility, parking facilities, and reduced congestion.

It offers a straightforward and pleasant market experience as all the stalls are neatly arrayed along a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare. Backed by the picturesque Town Hall, the setting couldnt be more enchanting and seasonal.

For those contemplating a trip to Cheshire's grandest Christmas Market event, here's an essential guide to help you plan your visit. A journey from Manchester to Chester can be made in around an hour, whether you opt for road or rail transport.

We've also had a crunch of the main food and drink prices you're likely to pay to help you budget accordingly.

How much is food and drink?

As you'd expect on a Christmas Market, there is a raft of options for hot and cold drinks and hot and cold takeaway foods too.

There's also a central bar area, next to the Cathedral wall, where you can also take cover in a tented bar space when the weather turns.

There is no glass deposit scheme in Chester, so drinks are served in plastics or takeaway cups.

These are the prices we found at the main hot food and drink stalls.

Food

Churros - £6 standard, £12 for family size.

Coconut macaroons - 1 for £2, 4 for £6, 8 for £10.

Classic beef burger - £8.

Traditional cumberland sausage in a bun- £8.

Mini Dutch pancakes - £6 with sugar, £7 with sauce.

Chicken/Doner Gyros - £12.

Halloumi fries - £10.

Pork roll - £9.

Beef Brisket bap - £10.

Roast potatoes - £5.50.

Pork Scratchings - £4.50.

Chicken noodles - £9.

Jacket potatoes £5 - £7 depending on fillings.

Drinks

Mulled wine £5.50 regular, £8 large.

Mulled wine with dash of rum - £8 regular, £10.50 large.

Mulled gin - £6.50 small, £8.50 large.

Baileys Hot Chocolate - £7.50.

Classic Hot Chocolate - £5.

Water/soft drink £2.

Pint of Lager/Ale - £6.50, half pint £3.50.

Bottled cider - £6.50.

Prosecco £7 glass, £28 bottle.

Wine £8 glass, £24 bottle.

Gins and rums - £7 single, £9.50 double.

Map of Chester Christmas MarketsHere is the trail map of this year's Chester Christmas Markets which shows the main street section where you will find the markets, sandwiched between the Town Hall and Chester Cathedral on Northgate Street.

The nearest parking can be found at the New Market multi-storey on Hunter Street.

What are the times and dates that it is open?

Chester Christmas Market is now open daily until Sunday December 22, 2024.

The opening times of the stalls are:-.

Monday - Wednesday 10:30 -18:30.

Thursday - Saturday 10:30 - 20:00.

Sunday 10:30 -18:30.

How to get there

Chester Christmas Market is at Town Hall Square, on Northgate Street in Chester. The nearest car park is the New Market multi-storey on Hunter Street.

The city centre is also well-served by park and ride schemes, which can be found on the edge of the city at Upton (at Chester Zoo ), Boughton Heath, Sealand Road and Wrexham Road.

Chester Train Station is around a 20 minute walk away from the Christmas Market.

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