As the festive season approaches, towns across Cheshire and Greater Manchester are preparing for a dazzling display of Christmas lights and events.
From sparkling Christmas trees to glowing animal lanterns, the regions are offering a wide array of celebrations that will brighten up the winter months for locals and visitors alike.
Cheshire’s Christmas Countdown
Chester will kick off its holiday celebrations with the arrival of its much-anticipated Christmas lights on Friday, 15 November.
The city’s festive atmosphere will be set in motion during the 12 Days of Christmas Parade on Thursday, 21 November, when each street is illuminated as the parade winds its way through the city.
The same day will also mark the Christmas Tree Festival Light Switch-on at Chester Cathedral, where an impressive 80 Christmas trees will be adorned with thousands of lights, creating a stunning spectacle.
But that’s not all Chester has to offer this holiday season. The Lanterns and Light event at Chester Zoo, starting on 15 November, will feature an enchanting Christmas lights trail.
This year’s theme promises to captivate visitors with vibrant animal puppets, including energetic meerkats, colorful peacocks, and playful snow leopards.
In addition to these favorites, giant candy canes, neon walkways, and oversized festive baubles will add to the magic. The lights will be on display each evening from 16:30 to 20:00 GMT, running until 1 January, making it an ideal winter outing for families.
Meanwhile, in Northwich, the Luminate Live illuminated trail will take place at Arley Hall from 30 November to 24 December.
This stunning event is set against the backdrop of the hall’s historic gardens, where visitors will experience a dazzling array of lights and installations.
In Neston, the community-run Christmas lights switch-on, funded by Neston Town Council, will take place on Saturday, 30 November.
This free event promises festive music, a food and craft market, and workshops for children, including gingerbread decorating and lantern making.
Santa will make a special appearance at Neston Library, where he will meet the children before leading a lantern procession to The Cross.
Stockton Heath will follow suit on Sunday, 1 December, with its own Christmas lights switch-on. At 16:30, the lights will be illuminated with the help of local choirs and music from Birchwood Brass Band, creating a festive atmosphere for all.
Greater Manchester’s Glittering Events
Greater Manchester will also be aglow with Christmas spirit, starting with Dunham Massey, which will officially begin its Christmas celebrations on 15 November.
The historic gardens will be transformed with festive lights, installations, and seasonal music, offering a magical experience for visitors through 1 January.
Manchester itself will host the Manchester Christmas Parade on Sunday, 8 December. The event, now in its third year, will see over 400 participants parade through the streets of the city.
This year’s grand centerpiece will be Manchester’s Elf Express, a vibrant and whimsical addition to the festivities.
Although the traditional city centre lights switch-on won’t occur due to ongoing construction works, Printworks in the city centre will be hosting its first-ever Christmas lights switch-on on Friday, 29 November.
The event will feature a laser show and ceiling screens, culminating in a grand lighting ceremony by TV personality Jake Quickenden, who will also illuminate a 16ft Christmas tree. The event will include a festive street party, offering entertainment for all ages from 18:00 to 20:00.
Rochdale will celebrate the start of the festive season with its Ignite Fire Festival from Friday, 22 November, to Sunday, 24 November.
The gardens opposite Rochdale Town Hall will be illuminated with fiery displays, blazing sculptures, and interactive light installations each evening from 17:00 to 20:00.
On Sunday, 24 November, Wigan and Leigh will both hold their annual Christmas lights switch-ons as part of the Frost Festivals.
Leigh will host the Light Up Leigh lantern parade, while Wigan will welcome the Santa Parade, with local community groups and performers joining in the festivities.
In Salford, RHS Glow at RHS Garden Bridgewater will light up the gardens starting 27 November. The illuminated trail will feature a captivating light show and other performances that are sure to charm visitors.
Lancashire’s Festive Highlights
Lancashire’s towns are also set to dazzle visitors with their Christmas lights celebrations. In Blackburn, the annual Christmas lights switch-on will take place on Saturday, 23 November, under the theme Circus of the Moon.
This carnival-style event will feature light projections, circus performers, workshops, live music, and a stage show. Attendees can also visit the Museum of the Moon at Blackburn Cathedral during the event.
On Sunday, 17 November, Chorley will host its Christmas lights switch-on alongside the Totally Locally Christmas Market. The event will feature a performance by Shane Lynch of Boyzone, who will help switch on the lights.
The festivities will begin at 13:00 with performances on the Market Street stage, followed by the lighting ceremony at 17:00.
Darwen will host its Christmas celebration on Saturday, 16 November, with festive markets, brass bands, and storytelling sessions with Father Christmas.
The event will include a special performance by 90s electro-dance group K-Klass, who will perform their iconic hits like “Rhythm is a Mystery.”
In Preston, the Christmas lights switch-on will take place on Saturday, 23 November, at the city’s Flag Market.
The event promises a spectacular celebration, featuring a performance by legendary band The Drifters as part of their UK tour, as well as plenty of festive entertainment. Free parking will be available across the city for those attending.
Merseyside’s Magical Christmas Celebrations
On the Merseyside side of things, Formby will kick off the season on Thursday, 21 November, with its annual Christmas lights switch-on.
The event will start at 15:00, with Father Christmas making a special appearance at 15:30. Entertainment will begin at 16:00, culminating in the grand switch-on at 19:00.
In Liverpool, although there will be no official switch-on event, the city’s Christmas lights will be turned on from Thursday, 14 November. Additionally, Liverpool is set to host a giant game of hide and seek with The Elf on the Shelf.
From 1 December to Christmas Eve, a 15ft elf will appear in various locations around the city centre each morning, inviting visitors to seek him out and snap a selfie.
The Kirkby Christmas lights switch-on will take place on Friday, 22 November, with headline performances by Ian Van Dahl, best known for his hit “Castles in the Sky,” as well as performances by Baby D and Dene Michael of Black Lace. The festivities will run from 15:30 to 19:00.
Finally, Knowsley Safari will host its annual Enchanted event starting on 30 November. The foot safari will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland, where visitors can stroll among illuminated animal sculptures, including camels, giraffes, and wolves. The event will also feature a sparkling light tunnel and a new Santa Panto.
Conclusion
From dazzling parades to magical trails and festive markets, Cheshire and Greater Manchester are bursting with Christmas cheer.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the sparkle of the lights, explore seasonal markets, or simply get into the festive spirit, these events offer something for everyone.
Be sure to mark your calendars for these unforgettable holiday celebrations that are sure to light up your Christmas season.
