Chester Christmas Markets
Regular visitors will know I’ve already mentioned our Chester Christmas Markets in an earlier post. In it I mentioned when they opened and the diary in the run up to Christmas. You can see the original post here.
This post however is a follow up as I’ve now had a chance to have a look around the market stalls myself. I’ve also added a few photos for you to have a look at. A quick look at these may tempt you to pay a visit if you haven’t done so already.
But before I go into what I thought of the market, it’s worth giving a mention to how Chester Christmas Markets are perceived from outside the area.
Chester Christmas Markets
Let’s get right into it and take huge pride in providing this link to the “Christmas Magic and Markets” website. With a website name like that I think it’s fair to say that these folks really know Christmas. And in particular, they know a good Christmas Market when they see one.
So, take a bow all those who helped to organise this year’s event. Have a look at this link HERE for a list of the best Christmas Markets in the UK. Yes, quite rightly, Chester Christmas Markets are listed in the top six on the link provided above. How good is that. Is it a surprise to us Cestrians though?
No, not at all. I don’t say that in a boastful way though. But knowing the hard work and dedication that has gone into providing this year’s markets event, it’s a fitting recognition for the efforts put in by all concerned.
A huge “well done” to all those who have contributed.
Chester Christmas Markets – Well Worth The Trip
I must admit I didn’t count all the stalls myself, but I am reliably informed that there are in the region of 70 stalls – if not more. Wandering through the markets late yesterday afternoon I did recognise some regulars from previous years.
So obviously Chester Christmas Markets works for these regulars as they come back year after year. By the way, this is the 7th year of Christmas Markets in Chester city centre.
My first impressions were that this year there seems to be a better layout and a greater variety of stalls. There are quite a few hot food stalls as normal so you know you won’t go hungry while making your way around the stalls.
One of the many stalls that caught my attention was a Spanish Hamper stall. I’m not sure what it was called but the hamper contents looked very appealing indeed.
Also, being a fan of real ale, a bottled beer stall caused me to slow down and have a closer look. Add other favourite stalls offering cheese, ornaments, jewellery, pies, fudge, women’s accessories, jams, pickles, a family tree research service to name just a few popular niches, will let you see that there is plenty to interest any visitor.
Chester Christmas Markets – Christmas Tree
No Christmas Market is complete without a spectacular festive focal point is it. The 40 feet high Christmas tree is a truly impressive focal point. It really sets the mood.
All in all a visit to Chester Christmas Markets is well worth a trip. Let’s not forget though that a big part of the attraction is the location outside the Town Hall and all the other local businesses mingled in with the stalls or nearby.
Chester Market in the Forum for instance. When you visit the Christmas Markets you should visit the stalls and shops in Chester Market as well.
There are also a good selection of pubs and bars for you to have a quick sherbet or two if you so wish.
And even though there are quite a few hot food stalls, let’s not forget the so very popular chippy, Blackstocks right by the Dublin Packet pub. A big thanks to the young man from Blackstocks standing outside offering a free sample of their chips. How good are their chips by the way!!! I must admit I went back for seconds.
As mentioned above, the markets are right by the Town Hall so you can’t get any more central than that. Which means of course that you are right in the middle of the city centre and the many amenities, shops and facilities Chester city centre has to offer.
Other Useful Info
The markets continue to run until 22nd December. Opening times? See below:
Open: Sunday – Wednesday 10am – 6pm, with Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am – 8pm.
Where can you park? Just check this page out for details of all available car parks and information about the local park and ride services.
Do I recommend a trip to Chester and a wander around the Christmas Markets? Without a doubt it is well worth a visit. I hope this post has helped you decide your next shopping trip. Pop along to the Christmas Markets and spend a day in Chester city centre. You won’t be disappointed.
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Places To Visit In Chester
Without a doubt the Christmas Markets is a must for one of the places to visit in Chester. For a few ideas of other places to visit, have a look HERE.
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