Get an overview of the holiday season in Runcorn! Our guide includes all the key festive events. For those who know Runcorn's every corner and those just beginning to explore, our guide reveals hidden holiday gems.
One of the highlights this season is the enchanting Chester Christmas Market, featuring quaint wooden chalets brimming with artisanal gifts and delicious seasonal treats. The vibrant atmosphere and twinkling lights make it a lovely spot to soak up the festive spirit. Another standout is Tatton Park Gardens Christmas, where beautifully illuminated gardens create a magical winter wonderland. And don't forget the Magic of Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo, which transforms the zoo into a spectacular display of lanterns and illuminations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Runcorn
- Magic of Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo (Chester)
- Tatton Park Gardens Christmas (Knutsford)
- Chester Christmas Market (Chester)
- Land of Lights Lantern Festival (Warrington)
- Santa's Enchanted Grotto (Chester)
- Knutsford Christmas Weekend (Knutsford)
- Elf the Musical (Northwich)
- Knutsford Christmas Light Switch On (Knutsford)
- Festive Boat Trips and Santa’s Grotto (Ellesmere Port)
- Santa’s Christmas Cracker, The Brindley Theatre
See these and even more events listed below!
Runcorn Holiday Light Displays
Magic of Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with interactive animal puppets.
Description:
At Chester Zoo, Lanterns and Light transforms the zoo into a vibrant, illuminated trail featuring life-sized animal lanterns, interactive puppets, and festive treats. Journey through vibrant lands where orangutans, elephants, and lions roam, and enjoy the glowing tunnel of lights and Father Christmas's workshop.
Where: Chester | More Info: Magic of Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo
Knutsford Christmas Light Switch On
What to Expect:
Community-led Christmas light switch-on with local entertainment.
Description:
Join the Knutsford Town Council for a free Christmas Light Switch On event in Knutsford Town Centre on 30 November. The evening will feature local entertainment and conclude with the big Christmas Light Switch On at 6 pm.
Where: Knutsford | More Info: Knutsford Christmas Light Switch On
Wilmslow Christmas Light Switch On
What to Expect:
Local artisan market and stage performances.
Description:
The Wilmslow Christmas Light Switch On is a festive event featuring a Christmas Artisan Market on Alderley Road and stage performances at Bank Square. The event promises a lively atmosphere with local entertainment and shopping opportunities.
Where: Wilmslow | More Info: Wilmslow Christmas Light Switch On
Land of Lights Lantern Festival
What to Expect:
Unique lantern festival with natural wonder displays.
Description:
Land of Lights Lantern Festival at Gulliver's World Resort in Warrington features a stunning trail of gigantic lanterns, natural wonders, and festive displays. Journey through realms like Fantasy Forest, Ice Kingdom, and Winged Wonders, enjoying local food and drinks along the way.
Where: Warrington | More Info: Land of Lights Lantern Festival
Runcorn Holiday Markets and Shopping
Chester Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional wooden chalets with unique gifts and local produce.
Description:
Chester Christmas Market is a bustling event in the heart of Chester, featuring over 70 wooden chalets filled with unique gifts, homemade crafts, and delicious seasonal treats. The market is surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations, including a stunning 40-foot Christmas tree. Visitors can enjoy live music, local food and drink, and activities like Santa's Grotto and a traditional carousel.
Where: Chester | More Info: Chester Christmas Market
Knutsford Christmas Weekend
What to Expect:
Local artisan market with Santa’s Grotto and live entertainment.
Description:
Knutsford Christmas Market is a two-day street market featuring local artisan food, drinks, art, jewellery, crafts, and special gifts. Enjoy Santa’s Grotto, live entertainment, a funfair, and street food stalls.
Where: Knutsford | More Info: Knutsford Christmas Weekend
Frodsham Christmas Crafts and Gifts Fair
What to Expect:
Local artisans selling handmade crafts and gifts.
Description:
Explore a variety of handmade crafts and unique gifts at the Frodsham Christmas Crafts and Gifts Fair, showcasing local talent and festive spirit.
Where: Frodsham | More Info: Frodsham Christmas Crafts and Gifts Fair
Runcorn Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at Norton Priory
What to Expect:
Interactive adaptation of A Christmas Carol with live performances.
Description:
Celebrate the start of Norton Priory's festive season with concerts, theatre performances, and a Christmas Fair featuring a special visitor. Enjoy an evening concert of well-known carols and festive favorites led by Runcorn Community Choir, and experience a multi-award-winning adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
Where: Runcorn | More Info: Christmas at Norton Priory
Santa’s Christmas Cracker, The Brindley Theatre
What to Expect:
Interactive family show with festive songs and a special meet-and-greet with Father Christmas.
Description:
Join Father Christmas and friends for a fun, interactive family show where they meet a lost penguin and teach him about Christmas. The show features festive favourites like Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and each child gets to meet Father Christmas and receive a special wrapped present.
Where: Runcorn | More Info: Santa’s Christmas Cracker, The Brindley Theatre
Runcorn Community Choir Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Special carol concert with mulled wine and festive music.
Description:
The Runcorn Community Choir presents an evening concert of well-known carols and festive favourites at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens. The event includes a glass of mulled wine or orange juice, celebrating the season with a range of Christmas carols and festive music.
Where: Runcorn | More Info: Runcorn Community Choir Christmas Concert
Santa's Enchanted Grotto
What to Expect:
Whimsical journey through classic fairytales with iconic characters.
Description:
Step into a world where storybooks come to life at Santa's Enchanted Grotto in Grosvenor Shopping Centre. Guided by jolly enchanted elves, families embark on a whimsical journey through classic fairytales, meeting iconic characters along the way. The experience culminates in a heartwarming visit to Santa, where children receive a special gift.
Where: Chester | More Info: Santa's Enchanted Grotto
Santa's Grotto at Quarry Bank
What to Expect:
Private family visits with Father Christmas.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas at Quarry Bank for a special 30-minute session of festive activities and crafts, including a private family visit to receive a gift.
Where: Wilmslow | More Info: Santa's Grotto at Quarry Bank
Elf the Musical
What to Expect:
Delightful characters and catchy songs by a talented 12-piece live band.
Description:
Elf the Musical is a heart-warming and hilarious tale of Buddy the Elf, who leaves the North Pole to find his real father in New York City. Featuring delightful characters and catchy songs performed by a talented 12-piece live band, this show is guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit.
Where: Northwich | More Info: Elf the Musical
Runcorn Other Holiday Activities
Fab-Yule-Ous All-Inclusive Party Nights
What to Expect:
All-inclusive festive celebration with a three-course meal and disco.
Description:
Join us for a night of celebration with a three-course meal, disco, and an all-inclusive bar offering house wine, spirits, mixers, lager, alcopops, and soft drinks. The event is strictly for over 18s and features a smart dress code.
Where: Runcorn | More Info: Fab-Yule-Ous All-Inclusive Party Nights
Festive Afternoon Tea with Santa
What to Expect:
Luxurious holiday tea experience with Taittinger Champagne.
Description:
Indulge in a luxurious holiday afternoon tea experience at The Chester Grosvenor, featuring seasonal sweet creations, finger sandwiches, and clotted cream, paired with Taittinger Champagne and strawberries.
Where: Chester | More Info: Festive Afternoon Tea with Santa
Festive Boat Trips and Santa’s Grotto
What to Expect:
Interactive boat trip with Santa's Grotto experience.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas at the National Waterways Museum in his Grotto, with the option to take a festive boat trip along the canal. Enjoy singing, games, stories, and a treasure trail with some of his elves.
Where: Ellesmere Port | More Info: Festive Boat Trips and Santa’s Grotto
Tatton Park Gardens Christmas
What to Expect:
Immersive Wizard of Oz-themed mansion experience with festive decorations.
Description:
Explore Tatton Park's historic mansion transformed into a festive celebration of The Wizard of Oz, featuring beautifully decorated staterooms and iconic scenes from the beloved story. Enjoy festive decorations, special teas, and unique shopping experiences amidst the park's gardens and farmyard.
Where: Knutsford | More Info: Tatton Park Gardens Christmas
Macclesfield Christmas Event
What to Expect:
Delicious 3-course menu and live rugby match.
Description:
Join Macclesfield Rugby Club for a festive 3-course Christmas lunch, followed by a thrilling rugby match against Hornets.
Where: Macclesfield | More Info: Macclesfield Christmas Event
Magical Malpas Christmas Experience
What to Expect:
Personalized Father Christmas visits with no queuing.
Description:
At Magical Malpas, experience a warm and personal Christmas celebration with a festive tractor ride, gingerbread decorating, hot chocolate, games, role play areas, and animal meets.
Where: Malpas | More Info: Magical Malpas Christmas Experience
Christmas Alpine Retreat, Castaway Play
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas experience with Santa and festive characters.
Description:
At Castaway Play's Christmas Alpine Retreat, embark on a festive journey filled with activities like meeting Santa, exchanging gifts, and enjoying snowfall in various play areas. Meet beloved characters, participate in unique activities, and capture memorable photos.
Where: Congleton | More Info: Christmas Alpine Retreat, Castaway Play
Barnstondale’s Magical Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive festive activities for all ages.
Description:
Barnstondale’s Magical Christmas is a family-friendly event featuring an enchanted sensory garden, Santa's Grotto, and creative stations where you can make your own Christmas decorations.
Where: Barnston | More Info: Barnstondale’s Magical Christmas
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Widnes (1 miles)
- Great Sankey (5 miles)
- Huyton (7 miles)
- Prescot (7 miles)
- Warrington (7 miles)
- St Helens (7 miles)
- Ellesmere Port Town (8 miles)
- Newton-le-Willows (9 miles)
- Ashton in Makerfield (10 miles)
- Northwich (10 miles)
- Golborne (11 miles)
- Liverpool (11 miles)
- Kirkby (12 miles)
- Birkenhead (12 miles)
- Chester (12 miles)
- Winsford (13 miles)
- Leigh (14 miles)
- Litherland (14 miles)
- Wigan (14 miles)
- Skelmersdale (15 miles)
- Hindley (15 miles)
- Bootle (15 miles)
- Maghull (15 miles)
- Wallasey (15 miles)
- Heswall (15 miles)
- Crosby (16 miles)
- Atherton (16 miles)
- Deeside (16 miles)
- Altrincham (16 miles)
- Tyldesley (16 miles)
- Hawarden (16 miles)
- Westhoughton (17 miles)
- Ormskirk (17 miles)
- Urmston (17 miles)
- Sale (18 miles)
- Flint (18 miles)
- Walkden (18 miles)
- Stretford (19 miles)
- Buckley (19 miles)
- Eccles (19 miles)
- Farnworth (20 miles)
- Formby (20 miles)
- Wilmslow (21 miles)
- Crewe (21 miles)
- Bolton (21 miles)
- Salford (21 miles)
- Chorley (22 miles)
- Cheadle Hulme (22 miles)
- Manchester (22 miles)
- Radcliffe (23 miles)
- Prestwich (23 miles)
- Whitefield (23 miles)
- Wrexham (23 miles)
- Bramhall (23 miles)
- Southport (24 miles)
- Stockport (24 miles)
- Leyland (25 miles)
- Congleton (25 miles)
- Bury (25 miles)
- Macclesfield (26 miles)
- Failsworth (26 miles)
- Droylsden (26 miles)
- Middleton (26 miles)
- Denton (26 miles)
- Rhosllannerchrugog (27 miles)
- Darwen (27 miles)
- Kidsgrove (27 miles)
- Heywood (27 miles)
- Hyde (28 miles)
- Ashton-under-Lyne (28 miles)
- Oldham (29 miles)
- Preston (29 miles)
- Stalybridge (29 miles)
- Royton (29 miles)
- Lytham St Annes (30 miles)
- Blackburn (30 miles)
- Rossendale (30 miles)
- Rochdale (30 miles)
- Rawtenstall (31 miles)
- Newcastle under Lyme (31 miles)
- Rhyl (31 miles)
- Accrington (32 miles)
- Stoke-on-Trent (32 miles)
- Glossop (33 miles)
- Buxton (34 miles)
- Fylde (35 miles)
- Blackpool (35 miles)
- High Peak (37 miles)
- Burnley (38 miles)
- Thornton-Cleveleys (39 miles)
- Nelson (40 miles)
- Colwyn Bay (41 miles)
- Fleetwood (42 miles)
- Colne (42 miles)
- Shrewsbury (44 miles)
- Huddersfield (44 miles)
- Halifax (45 miles)