Christmas in Cheshire

Christmas in Cheshire and in particular the city of Chester will attempt to ignore the doom and gloom that has been hanging over the country's heads for the past few months. The county is planning numerous festive events during this year's Christmas period. Even more than exciting events are planned over the past few years to help raise the spirits of both local people and the county's many visitors alike. One major focus for Christmas events will be Cheshire's Tatton Park, which has an amazing selection of events and activities to delight Christmas revellers. For the little ones Father Christmas will be found at the park's well-stocked farm, including a beautiful month-old calf. The Mansion House will be home to numerous events as well as being fully decorated with traditional floral garland tributes all freshly collected from the spectacular gardens. Throughout the interior of the house, there will be large numbers of special Christmas displays as well as demonstrations of how to create traditional Christmas decorations. Each weekend through Christmas and New Year there will be live music in the state rooms for people to enjoy as they pass through the house. Visitors who choose the evening to tour the wonderful state rooms will enjoy doing so in candlelight offering a feel of a traditional Christmas complete with a choir singing Christmas carols. In the lead up at Christmas there will be multiple concerts featuring the Northern Chamber Orchestra, Mart Rodger's Manchester Jazz, The Rat Pack Is Back and others. In addition, the stable yard will play host to carol concerts where the King Edward Musical Society will invite the public to sing along. In Chester, the public can enjoy the traditional Christmas Carol Concert - The Joy of Christmas at Chester Cathedral. Chester Zoo will also be offering traditional entertainment in the form of their 2008 Frost Fair. A Frost Fair is a nearly forgotten British Christmas tradition that dates back to the 15th century when Londoners used to enjoy skating on the frozen River Thames. Chester Zoo will be recreating the feel of these colder times along with entertainment, as well as a selection of festive food and a huge Christmas tree. On Northgate Street in Chester you will find an Italian Christmas with locals celebrating Christmas in the Market Town Hall Square, here you will be able to sample some delightful Italian food offerings amongst other activities. The UK's largest Christmas tree was lit up in a spectacular show which featured former X factor star Shayne Ward. The tree can be viewed at Ellesemere Port’s Cheshire Oaks shopping facility. It should not be too difficult to find as it stands nearly 100 feet tall, and is decorated with over 80,000 baubles and an incredible 100,000 light bulbs. The Christmas experience in Chester has been widely publicized across the region and will offer an incredible selection of entertainment for the Christmas period including a stunning light show around the city centre as well as Santa and his Reindeer. You may also be able to spot some Fairies and win yourself £1000. After 3 PM visitors will be able to park for free and make use of the city's Park 'n' Ride facilities.