What’s On For Families This Christmas In Cheshire?

Cheshire Oaks – Christmas Shopping

Experience the magic of a festive shopping getaway this winter at Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks, where style meets traditional festive sparkle. With over 145 designer stores offering up to 60% off during the season, Cheshire Oaks is your go-to destination for finding the perfect gifts. Immerse yourself in the outlet’s twinkling Christmas events: glide across the ice-rink winding around the majestic oak tree at “Oaks on Ice” and soar high on The Big Wheel for “Santa in the Sky” with panoramic views. You can also settle into the Winter Village for a cosy hut experience beneath the UK’s tallest tree in the North with bratwurst and festive karaoke fun.

When it’s time to rest and reflect on all your shopping finds, head just twenty minutes down the road to Carden Park Hotel. Our exclusive Christmas Shopping Break package includes a 10% discount voucher for selected stores, a festive drink (mulled wine or hot chocolate), overnight accommodation with breakfast and full use of the leisure club.

BeWILDerwood –Panto Trail

Are you ready for an unforgettable Christmas at BeWILDerwood? A spectacular line-up of events takes over the estate across December just 20-minutes from Carden Park Hotel. The woods will come alive with “BeWILDerwood’s Starry Night of Sparkly Lights & Panto Magic”. As you wander beneath a canopy of twinkling lights, you’ll be immersed in a lively mini-pantomime bursting with seasonal cheer and encounter beloved woodland characters – plus a special appearance from Father Christmas himself.

This magical experience guides you through a beautifully lit trail deep in the forest under a winter sky, followed by an upbeat and family-friendly pantomime designed to delight children and grown-ups alike. Along the way, you’ll meet favourite characters from the BeWILDerwood world and capture a moment to greet Santa before stepping back into the night with memories of laughter. It’s the perfect festive treat – a magical woodland experience wrapped in holiday cheer.

The Ice Cream Farm – Festive Events

One of Cheshire’s most beloved family attractions, The Ice Cream Farm, becomes a festive playground at Christmas – and it’s only a short 20-minute trip from Carden Park. Alongside their famous selection of more than 50 ice cream flavours, the farm transforms into a hub of seasonal magic, offering enchanting experiences for children of all ages.

Visit Sticky Paws Restaurant for Cookie Making with Trixie & Mixie, where little ones can meet the cheeky Christmas elves and decorate their very own festive biscuits. With a cookie kit packed with toppings and shaped cutters, children can craft their creations before they’re baked and wrapped in a special presentation bag. For an unforgettable festive highlight, pay a visit to Santa’s Grotto & Elves’ Workshop. Young guests can meet Father Christmas himself, choose a special gift from the Elves’ Emporium and enjoy a cosy Christmas prep pack complete with a bauble to decorate, a card, hot chocolate and a magical bedtime story. Children can also make their own reindeer food ready for Christmas Eve, before finishing the experience with two scoops of ice cream served in a keepsake Christmas mug.

The Icecream Farm also offers dedicated SEN sessions in a safe, calm and inclusive environment – ensuring everyone can join in the fun.

Chester Zoo – Christmas Lanterns & Lights Event

Get ready to unwrap a magical winter experience as Chester Zoo transforms into a sparkling festive wonderland this Christmas season. Throughout November and December, families can step into a world of twinkling lights, cheerful surprises and heart-warming adventures. Stroll through the zoo’s wintry walkways and discover an enchanting assortment of seasonal treats – from shimmering light installations and cheerful storytelling sessions to cosy festive nooks perfect for sipping a hot drink.

Some festive extras may require a small additional fee like the light trail, but Carden Park is making the season even brighter with an exclusive Chester Zoo Christmas hotel package – pairing discounted zoo entry for the day with a luxurious countryside escape.

Carden Park Hotel – Christmas Breaks

Perfect for extended fun, you can expect spacious refurbished rooms and plenty to do on-site for all ages if you chose to visit the hotel this Christmas School Holidays. You are also in safe hands with family friendly dining options, adored by even the fussiest eaters. The most popular draw is the use of the 20-metre heated indoor swimming pool, creating a balance of fun and relaxation for everyone to enjoy.

On-site you can find entertainment options for children such as our hotel cinema room showing christmas family classics as well as a fun inside elf trail across the hotel. There will also be daily indoor inflatable activities and games great for letting a burst of energy out in the afternoon. There is also activities for older children and teenagers such as axe throwing, segways and a high wire adventure course (booking recommended).

Tatton Park – Spectacular Seasonal Transformation

Christmas events are back at Tatton Park this November and December! Throughout the season, Father Christmas will be making special visits to the farmyard, greeting children with festive cheer as they explore. As evening falls, the enchanting Glittering Winter Garden Trail begins to glow, complete with warming fire pits and magical moments where folklore and storytelling come to life beneath the sparkling lights. Inside the grand Christmas Mansion, families can enjoy beautifully curated festive tale events, bringing classic stories into an opulent seasonal setting. Guests can even get hands-on creating their own Christmas craft keepsakes to take home on selected dates too.

Guests can currently enjoy 10% off parkland and attraction tickets when booking online in advance, making it the perfect time to experience Tatton Park’s Christmas magic.