Chester BID Unwraps ‘Christmas In The City’ Plans: with magical new grotto, free parking and parade

Chester is getting ready to welcome the festive season with a magical new Santa's grotto, free weekend parking, sparkling Christmas lights and a whole host of activities designed to bring Christmas cheer to the city centre.

Chester Business Improvement District (BID) has unveiled its plans for ‘Christmas in the City’, celebrating everything that makes Chester a special place to shop, explore and spend time with family and friends during the festive season.

Taking centre stage this year is a creative collaboration between Chester BID and Eastgate Square Shopping Centre, Grotto on the Square, an immersive Christmas experience featuring Santa's Enchanted Elevator and a gingerbread-themed grotto in the heart of the city.

Opening on Friday, November 20th, and running until Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24th), the experience will invite families to follow the scent of freshly baked gingerbread before embarking on an enchanted elevator journey through the North Pole, culminating in a personal visit with Santa and a special gift to take home.

Meanwhile, visitors will also be able to take advantage of free weekend parking at Chester Racecourse every Saturday and Sunday from 21st November until 20th December, making it even easier for families and Christmas shoppers to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

The celebrations officially get underway on Thursday, November 19th, with the return of the much-loved 12 Days of Christmas Parade. The vibrant event, funded by Chester BID, will see community groups and local artists take to the streets of the city centre in a colourful festive procession, marking the start of ‘Christmas in the City’.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, extra Christmas lights will illuminate St John Street, St Werburgh Street and Pepper Street, while a Christmas tree on Foregate Street will bring some seasonal sparkle to the beloved Paddington Bench.

Local businesses will also be getting into the Christmas spirit with the return of the Christmas Shopfront Competition, running from 16th November to 14th December. Visitors can vote for their favourite festive display for the chance to win a £50 Chester Gift Card.

And for those looking to find the perfect present, Chester BID has created a digital Christmas Gift Guide showcasing more than 50 products across seven categories, from fashion and accessories to food and drink, homeware, children's gifts, experiences, health and beauty, and stocking fillers.

Shoppers can also give the gift of Chester itself with the Chester Gift Card, which can be spent at more than 150 businesses across the city centre, including much-loved independent retailers and well-known high street brands.
Available in values from £5 to £500, the card can be purchased online as a digital gift or collected as a physical card from the Visitor Information Centre.

To spread even more festive cheer, Chester BID will also be giving away a £500 Chester Gift Card through its social media channels too. Follow @ChesterBID on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Christmas is such a special time in Chester, and we're incredibly lucky to have a city that really comes into its own during the festive season.

This year, we're delighted to be bringing something new to the city with Grotto on the Square, alongside the return of much-loved traditions like the 12 Days of Christmas Parade. With free weekend parking at the Racecourse, we're also making it easier for people to come into the city, spend time with family, colleagues and friends and support our fantastic businesses. From our wonderful independent shops and restaurants to our high street favourites and major internationally renowned brands, Chester has so much to offer. We'd really encourage everyone to make the most of what's on their doorstep, discover somewhere new and enjoy ‘Christmas in the City.

For the latest Christmas events, shopping inspiration, festive offers and places to eat, drink and celebrate, visit www.chesterbid.co.uk/discover/christmas-in-chester/.

Tickets for Grotto on the Square can be booked at https://tr.ee/GrottoOnTheSquare.