As winter settles, the historic streets of Chester become home to one of the UK's standout Christmas markets. Right outside of Chester Town Hall on Northgate Street, the Chester Christmas Market is a blend of traditions and modern delights.
We can help you organise your 2024 trip to this popular festive destination. From travel to the itinerary, this guide will give you everything you need for a wonderful wintry time.
How to get to the Chester Christmas Market
From London, the train journey to Chester takes a little over two hours. If you're travelling from Manchester Piccadilly, the journey to Chester takes about one hour and 30 minutes.
Those setting off from Birmingham New Street can catch a direct train to Chester, which takes little more than two hours. Visitors coming from Liverpool Lime Street can reach Chester in a direct train journey of 45 minutes.
Once you’ve touched down at Chester Station, it’s a 20-minute walk to the market. But if you want to avoid the walk in the wintry air, there are regular buses from the station to the centre of town.
Visitors planning to drive to the Chester Christmas Markets can park for around £5 at a number of local car parks. Chester Racecourse is also a free place to park on weekends in the run-up to Christmas, thanks to the Chester Race Company and Chester BID.
Those who live locally could also take advantage of Chester’s Park & Ride service, for just £2 a return ticket.
What to do at the Chester Christmas Market
Prepare for a heartwarming, nostalgic experience at the Chester Christmas Markets. With a backdrop of Chester’s historic town hall and Chester Cathedral, it’s an annual tradition for many. The Chester Christmas Market 2024 returns with over 70 traders set up in charming traditional wooden chalets.
And as you wander the Chester Christmas Market, you'll find yourself beneath a dazzling Christmas tree that stands in the heart of the square. The surrounding stalls beckon with a promise of local crafts, delicacies, jewellery, and more.
If you get thirsty while walking through the market, you can enjoy mulled wine or regional cask ales at the Real Ale Bar. But if you prefer something stronger, there’s the gin and rum cabin.
If you're looking for a bite to eat, you can enjoy the many food stalls that populate the market. You’ll find the festive favourites, hog roast aromas, an array of sweet treats, and more.
For an added dose of festivity, consider pairing your visit with a show. Christmastime often brings an array of festive family performances. This year, you can catch Sleeping Beauty at Storyhouse.
About the Chester Christmas Market
Since its establishment in 1999, the Chester Christmas Market has become a centrepiece of the town's festive calendar. With its rich history and yearly success, it has gained a reputation as one of the top UK Christmas markets outside of a major city.
For 2024, the market will be open from Friday 15th November to Thursday 22nd December. The market’s opening hours are:
Sunday to Wednesday: 10:30am to 6:30pm
Thursday to Saturday: 10:30am to 8pm
With its central location, situated right outside Chester's town hall, finding the market will be effortless:
Ways to save on your train ticket to the Chester Christmas Market
Plan your Chester Christmas Market 2024 trip without hurting your pocket. Families going to the market can book Family tickets, offering bundled savings for up to two adults and three children.
For solo travellers or smaller groups, consider purchasing your tickets in advance or using a Railcard. Remember, Off-Peak hours also offer reduced fares, and if you’re heading to Chester with friends, band together and grab a Group ticket.
Get the app
Let Avanti help you to organise your journey to the Chester Christmas Market with ease. By downloading our Avanti app, you can enjoy the best ticket fares, seat selection, and effortless payments.
With no booking fees and the instant ability to change your journey, this is the perfect travel companion for your trip to Chester.
