The holidays are calling, Widnes! Explore our guide for all the must-see events and activities. For both Widnes locals and visitors, our guide is the ultimate resource for holiday activities.
Popular events include the magical Enchanted Walk at Quarry Bank Mill, where twinkling lights and festive displays transform the mill into a winter wonderland. Another attraction, Christmas at Gulliver’s World, features thrilling rides and festive activities perfect for families. And the Knutsford Christmas weekend is something you definitely don't want to miss, promising craft markets and seasonal cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Widnes
- Christmas at Gulliver’s World (Warrington)
- Knutsford Christmas weekend (Knutsford)
- Enchanted walk at Quarry Bank Mill (Wilmslow)
- Santa's Enchanted Grotto (Chester)
- BeWILDerwood presents Christmas (Whitchurch)
- Chester Lantern Parade (Chester)
- Christmas at Magical Malpas (Malpas)
- Step into Christmas (Macclesfield)
- Festive boat trips and Santa’s Grotto (Ellesmere Port)
- Santa and his Sleigh at Golden Square (Warrington)
See these and even more events listed below!
Widnes Holiday Light Displays
Chester Lantern Parade
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with interactive animal puppets.
Description:
Join Chester Zoo for an illuminated trail featuring spectacular scenes and breathtaking displays. Journey through vibrant lands where orangutans, elephants, and lions roam. Explore a glowing tunnel of lights, enjoy festive treats at the Christmas food markets, and greet Father Christmas in his workshop. The event includes brand new captivating light installations, never-seen-before animal puppets, and a mesmerising spectacle of light and sound.
Where: Chester | More Info: Chester Lantern Parade
Widnes Holiday Markets and Shopping
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
Light Up Bramhall
What to Expect:
Unique blend of artisan market, festive activities, and light show.
Description:
Light Up Bramhall is a vibrant Christmas event in Bramhall Village Square, featuring artisan market stalls, Santa's grotto, a fantastic light show, and a Lantern parade. The event includes festive activities and the arrival of Father Christmas.
Where: Bramhall | More Info: Light Up Bramhall
Holmes Chapel Christmas Fair
What to Expect:
Community-driven Christmas market with local vendors and live performances.
Description:
The Holmes Chapel Christmas Market & Fair is an annual event featuring almost 50 charity and commercial stalls selling gifts, novelties, food, and drink. The event takes place along London Road and around the car park behind Tesco, offering entertainment by local musicians and singers, with Father Christmas making a special visit.
Where: Holmes Chapel | More Info: Holmes Chapel Christmas Fair
Stockport Christmas Fair
What to Expect:
Family-friendly Christmas shopping and entertainment with Santa's Grotto.
Description:
Stockport Grammar School's Christmas Fair offers exciting stalls for Christmas shopping, fun games, and refreshments like mulled wine and mince pies. Santa's Grotto and a raffle with amazing prizes add to the event's appeal.
Where: Stockport | More Info: Stockport Christmas Fair
Frodsham Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Local artisan market and live music performances.
Description:
The Frodsham Christmas Festival is a vibrant celebration featuring an artisan market with local crafts, a street food arena, and live music on two main stages.
Where: Frodsham | More Info: Frodsham Christmas Festival
Widnes Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Enchanted walk at Quarry Bank Mill
What to Expect:
Festive garden walk with Mrs. Claus and reindeer food.
Description:
Wander through the Upper Garden at Quarry Bank, illuminated by festive lighting, and keep an eye out for Mrs. Claus preparing the sleigh for Christmas Eve. Enjoy a 30-minute stroll with time to meet Mrs. Claus and warm up with a drink. Suitable for all ages, with children's tickets including reindeer food and a child-sized hot drink.
Where: Wilmslow | More Info: Enchanted walk at Quarry Bank Mill
BeWILDerwood presents Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas event with Father Christmas meet and greet.
Description:
BeWILDerwood presents Christmas is a family-friendly event featuring a Sparkly Light Trail and a mini BeWILDerwood pantomime. Children can meet Father Christmas and receive a festive gummy lollipop. The event includes interactive elements and beloved characters.
Where: Whitchurch | More Info: BeWILDerwood presents Christmas
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 the 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 and his Sleigh at Golden Square
What to Expect:
Meet Santa Claus in a cozy setting with festive activities.
Description:
Santa and his Sleigh at Golden Square offers a special opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself, complete with free hot chocolate for children and colouring pads.
Where: Warrington | More Info: Santa and his Sleigh at Golden Square
Widnes Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Gulliver’s World
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa experience with gift selection.
Description:
Gulliver's World in Warrington offers a variety of Christmas activities, including visits to Santa's Grotto where children can choose their own gifts, festive train rides, and interactive experiences like Elf School and Mrs. Christmas's kitchen. The theme park also features a range of Christmas shows and decorations.
Where: Warrington | More Info: Christmas at Gulliver’s World
Christmas at Magical Malpas
What to Expect:
Personalized Father Christmas visits with no queuing.
Description:
Join us for a personal and family-run Christmas experience at Magical Malpas, featuring a festive tractor ride, gingerbread decorating, hot chocolate, games, and animal meets.
Where: Malpas | More Info: Christmas at Magical Malpas
Festive boat trips and Santa’s Grotto
What to Expect:
Meet Father Christmas in his Grotto while enjoying a festive boat trip.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port, where you can visit his Grotto and enjoy a festive boat trip along the canal with some of his elves. The event includes singing, games, stories, and a treasure trail.
Where: Ellesmere Port | More Info: Festive boat trips and Santa’s Grotto
Barnstondale’s Magical Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive festive activities for all ages.
Description:
Join Barnstondale for a family-friendly Christmas event featuring an enchanted sensory garden, toasted marshmallows, Santa's Grotto, and festive activities.
Where: Barnston | More Info: Barnstondale’s Magical Christmas
Christmas baby and toddler activity
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling and crafts with Father Christmas.
Description:
Join a special 30-minute Christmas baby and toddler activity at Quarry Bank, featuring an interactive story/song, keepsake craft, and toys. Father Christmas will make a special visit, giving each child a gift and offering a photo opportunity.
Where: Wilmslow | More Info: Christmas baby and toddler activity
Step into Christmas
What to Expect:
Bookable Santa's grotto and FREE crafts for kids.
Description:
Step into Christmas in Macclesfield features a day of entertainment with balloon modelling, face painting, live music, and a variety of activities under the town centre Christmas lights.
Where: Macclesfield | More Info: Step into Christmas
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Runcorn (1 miles)
- Great Sankey (4 miles)
- Prescot (5 miles)
- Huyton (6 miles)
- St Helens (6 miles)
- Warrington (7 miles)
- Newton-le-Willows (8 miles)
- Ellesmere Port Town (9 miles)
- Ashton in Makerfield (9 miles)
- Golborne (10 miles)
- Kirkby (11 miles)
- Liverpool (11 miles)
- Northwich (11 miles)
- Birkenhead (12 miles)
- Leigh (13 miles)
- Skelmersdale (13 miles)
- Wigan (13 miles)
- Litherland (13 miles)
- Hindley (13 miles)
- Chester (14 miles)
- Maghull (14 miles)
- Bootle (14 miles)
- Wallasey (14 miles)
- Winsford (15 miles)
- Crosby (15 miles)
- Atherton (15 miles)
- Heswall (15 miles)
- Tyldesley (15 miles)
- Ormskirk (15 miles)
- Westhoughton (16 miles)
- Altrincham (16 miles)
- Urmston (17 miles)
- Deeside (17 miles)
- Hawarden (17 miles)
- Walkden (17 miles)
- Sale (17 miles)
- Stretford (18 miles)
- Flint (18 miles)
- Eccles (19 miles)
- Farnworth (19 miles)
- Formby (19 miles)
- Bolton (20 miles)
- Buckley (20 miles)
- Salford (20 miles)
- Chorley (20 miles)
- Wilmslow (21 miles)
- Radcliffe (22 miles)
- Crewe (22 miles)
- Prestwich (22 miles)
- Manchester (22 miles)
- Whitefield (22 miles)
- Cheadle Hulme (22 miles)
- Southport (23 miles)
- Leyland (23 miles)
- Bramhall (23 miles)
- Stockport (24 miles)
- Wrexham (24 miles)
- Bury (24 miles)
- Failsworth (25 miles)
- Middleton (26 miles)
- Congleton (26 miles)
- Droylsden (26 miles)
- Darwen (26 miles)
- Macclesfield (26 miles)
- Denton (26 miles)
- Heywood (26 miles)
- Ashton-under-Lyne (28 miles)
- Hyde (28 miles)
- Preston (28 miles)
- Rhosllannerchrugog (28 miles)
- Kidsgrove (28 miles)
- Oldham (28 miles)
- Lytham St Annes (28 miles)
- Blackburn (29 miles)
- Royton (29 miles)
- Stalybridge (29 miles)
- Rossendale (29 miles)
- Rochdale (30 miles)
- Rawtenstall (30 miles)
- Accrington (31 miles)
- Rhyl (31 miles)
- Newcastle under Lyme (32 miles)
- Glossop (33 miles)
- Fylde (33 miles)
- Stoke-on-Trent (34 miles)
- Blackpool (34 miles)
- Buxton (35 miles)
- Burnley (37 miles)
- High Peak (37 miles)
- Thornton-Cleveleys (37 miles)
- Nelson (39 miles)
- Fleetwood (41 miles)
- Colwyn Bay (41 miles)
- Colne (41 miles)
- Huddersfield (44 miles)
- Halifax (44 miles)