Chester's Twelve Days of Christmas parade will kick off the city's festivities this week.

Taking place this Thursday evening (20 November) at 7pm, the event is the first of four parades returning this year.

Community groups and local artists will parade through the city centre from Bridge Street, travelling towards the Cross, Eastgate Street, St Werburgh Street, past the Town Hall and ending on Watergate Street.

Father Christmas will also join the parade, greeting the audience along the way.

Sponsored by Chester BID, the parade is the start of multiple festive events lined up for the city. Also returning to the city this year is the Lantern Parade, Winter Watch Parade and the Roman Saturnalia Parade.

Chester's Christmas Market officially opened to the public today (Nub News)

Starting from Town Hall Square at 7pm on Thursday 27 November, the Lantern Parade will make its way through Chester's streets, with the Roman Saturnalia Parade following on Thursday 11 December.

Chester's Christmas Market also officially opened to the public today (Wednesday 19 November), featuring an array of local producers and artisans.

Market manager, Kyna Lydon, revealed to Nub News that this year's market is back to its maximum capacity of 80 stalls - something that hasn't been feasible since before Covid. 

She also pointed to the intentional variety of the market's offering, stating each one of the stalls offers something different - from local, wax-sealed cheeses to handmade fudge, locally-brewed gin and beers, silver jewellery, candles and skin care.