Things for familes to do at Christmas in Cheshire

Whether you’re chasing elves, festive crafting or basking in lantern-lit wonder, Cheshire offers families countless opportunities to make unforgettable Christmas memories. Discover our favourite local places to make memories at during this time of year:  

Shopping in Cheshire Oaks Retail Park

Cheshire Oaks is a shopper’s haven, especially during the festive season. Whether you’re hunting for designer treasures for a loved one or diving into the post-Christmas sales, this retail venue has it all. It features an undercover space-themed play area with obstacles suitable for kids of all ages too. Adding to the magic, the shopping park transforms during Christmas with fairground rides and wooden market stalls brimming with seasonal delights. Shopping has never felt so festive! Our guests are also eligible for a 10% off Cheshire Oaks voucher which can be collected at reception. 

Make a Polar Bear at The Ice Cream Farm

The Ice Cream Farm is a winter wonderland packed with activities for children. Their snow-themed “make-a-bear” workshops are particularly special, offering kids the chance to create their very own cuddly polar bear or penguin to take home. The farm’s amazing soft play area is ideal for rainy days and for little chefs, the cookie-making classes hosted by mischievous elves are a must. It’s the perfect mix of hands-on fun and festive cheer for your little ones. Our guests can also receive a free children’s play pass for the Ice Cream Farm

Things for familes to do at Christmas in Cheshire

 

Enjoy a Cinema Trip

For a unique cinematic experience head to The Picture House in Chester. This charming pink-themed cinema stands out from the crowd, offering a touch of glamour and nostalgia. With auditorium sizes ranging from intimate 50-seaters to grand 220-seat screens, it offers something for everyone. Adults can unwind with a glass of wine or beer in plush, fuchsia-coloured chairs, making it perfect for date nights or family outings. It’s a cosy and stylish way to enjoy the latest festive films.

Be mesmerised by Chester Zoo Lantern Trail

Chester Zoo’s Lantern Trail is a festive spectacle like no other. Created in collaboration with Sony Music, this enchanting light show is packed with awe-inspiring displays; from candy cane bridges to enormous illuminated animals and interactive puppets. The trail is guaranteed to light up smiles on everyone’s faces – from little ones to hard-to-please teenagers. It’s a magical way to enjoy the zoo and celebrate the season together as a family. We offer a specific discounted Chester Zoo hotel package for those wishing to visit the attraction – however please note this is specifically to extend the fun with zoo entrance before the trail starts. Tickets for the light trail are available to purchase directly from the zoo.

Things for familes to do at Christmas in Cheshire

 

Watch a BeWILDerwood Pantomime

BeWILDerwood Forest’s Cheshire venue brings Christmas magic to life with its mini-pantomimes. Inspired by the whimsical world of their book characters, these 20-minute performances offer charming twists on traditional Christmas stories. They’re just the right length to keep little ones captivated! Beyond the stage, BeWILDerwood’s light trail will transport you to a sparkly wonderland. Make sure you don’t forget to check their schedule: Santa himself is rumoured to make special appearances for meet-and-greets on select dates.

The Carden Park Elf Trail

Santa’s most trusted elves have been sent on a top-secret mission to Carden Park Hotel and it’s your family’s job to uncover their hiding places! The Carden Park Elf Trail is a delightful indoor adventure perfect for younger children. Follow clues, crack the code and win a special prize – all while making cherished memories. After your detective work, why not celebrate with a festive afternoon tea in Goldie’s Lounge? With its cosy atmosphere and seasonal treats, it’s an experience the whole family will adore.

 

Book a festive family break


@cardenpark

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🌸 𝓦𝓘𝓝 an incredible spa escape for 2 🌸

Mother's Day is next weekend and to celebrate, we're in the giving mood. This is your chance to treat the mother figure in your life to a perfectly relaxing 𝗦𝗽𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 2

The prize:
🌿 Morning or afternoon in the spa garden and thermal suite
🌿 Evening meal in either Redmond's Brasserie or The Vines
🌿 Luxurious overnight stay
🌿 Breakfast the following morning

To enter:
✨ Like this post
✨ Follow @cardenpark
✨ Tag who you'd bring
✨ Share to your stories (if you have a private profile just DM us a screenshot)

For a bonus entry, head to our Facebook page

Competition closes at 11:59pm on Sunday 8th March 2026 and the winner will be announced on Monday 9th March. Good luck! 🍀

𝗪𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 - 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀. 𝗪𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁, @𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸

T&Cs
Winner will be chosen at random and contacted directly by @cardenpark on Monday 9th March 2026
Open to UK residents and over 18s only
Prize is a Garden Retreat Voucher for 2 and is valid for 12 months from the date of issue
Prize is subject to availability 
Prize does not include transport to and from Carden Park
Non-transferable and no cash alternative will be given

For full terms and conditions please visit the link in our bio

Competition is in no way endorsed by Instagram, Facebook or Meta
Oh, what a night 🍴🥂🧑‍🍳

Last week's Supper Club in The Vines was a truly spectacular evening. It was an honour to welcome Guy de Rivoire from Champagne Bollinger, who shared his in-depth knowledge of their incredible wines
 and how each glass was perfectly paired with the menu. Our wonderful chefs treated our guests to a journey of flavour, showcasing their exceptional cooking techniques. 

If you missed out on this delicious evening, our next Supper Club takes place on Friday 27th March. Expect another beautiful menu from our Executive Head Chef, Harri Williams, and Head Chef, Cyril Gabriel. Enhance your experience with an optional wine flight created by our Vines team. Tables are limited so book your place now to save disappointment, the link is in our bio 👆

🍽️ The Vines at Carden Park Hotel // Fine dining in Cheshire // 3 AA Rosette restaurants // Where to eat in Chester // Gourmet food // Dining event @champagne_bollinger
Find a little magic just for the mother figure in your life 🪄

From sumptuous dining to sparkling spa experiences, we have everything Mum could need right here 💐

Mother's Day // Spa day in Cheshire // Sunday lunch // Family time // Afternoon tea // Fine dining // Spa treatment // Spa break // The Spa at Carden Park Hotel
Say hello to our 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 🌿

Welcome the new season in the spa garden as it blooms to life and enjoy an escape away this spring. What's included:
💚 A morning in the spa garden and thermal suite
💚 50 minute Rainforest Ritual treatment
💚 Sarti Spritz or non alcoholic alternative
💚 Overnight stay
💚 Evening meal in Redmond's Brasserie or The Vines
💚 Breakfast the following morning

Book your Spring Enchantment retreat at the link in our bio

🌿 Spring spa day // Spa break // Luxury spa hotel // Spa breaks in Cheshire // The Spa at Carden Park Hotel
Bringing you the perfect newlywed celebration 💒

Imagine beginning your marital journey in our iconic spa. For a limited time only, couples who confirm their wedding with us before the end of this year will receive a complimentary full day spa garden experience for two. Available for couples who book either our Classic or Signature wedding packages.

Learn more at the link in our bio ⬆️

Don't forget to save the date and join us for our next wedding open day 🗓️ Friday 27th February ⏰ 3pm to 8pm 💍

Carden Park Weddings // Countryside wedding // Hotel wedding // Bride and groom // Honeymoon // Mini-moon

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