What's on in Chester this weekend: Santa's grotto, orchestra concert, gladiators exhibition and more
By Dherran Titherington 11th Dec 2025
By Dherran Titherington 11th Dec 2025
What's on Chester is brought to you by our events sponsor The Deva Tap.
There are lots of events going on in and around Chester this weekend. Find a small selection of some of the things to do below.
Got an event planned yourself? Submit it HERE.
Santa Float - Friday 12 December - Great Boughton
Chester Round Table's annual Santa Float event returns this Friday.
Led entirely by local volunteers, the event raises money to support local causes across the Chester region.
A description for the event reads: "Santa's annual pre-xmas visit to Great Boughton is Friday, 12th December!
"Starting at The Peacock pub at 6pm, travelling around as many streets as possible in one night to raise funds for local charities and good causes. Expect lights, music, a snow machine, and of course the big man himself!
"Be sure to get the kids out to see Santa on his only visit to the suburb before the 25th, and pop a coin in a bucket to support lots of great causes around Chester."
Find out more here.
Santa's Grotto - Chester Town Hall - Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December
This Christmas visit Santa in his grotto in Chester Town Hall for a traditional grotto experience.
A description for the event reads: "Step inside the festive Assembly Hall to meet Santa's helpful elves, Sparkle & Jingle!
"They've set up their arts and crafts workshop and they can't wait to meet you! Create a magical Christmas t-shirt, ready to wear on Christmas eve, then craft a festive gift bag and get ready to meet the big man himself!
"You'll ascend the magical staircase to meet Santa in his enchanting Grotto. You'll get to have a beautiful photo with Santa and receive a present from him too!
"It is highly recommended to book early to avoid disappointment. Bookings cannot be made on the day."
Book here.
Morag Rose: The Feminist Art of Walking - Books on the Walls - Saturday 13 December
Join author and academic Morag Rose for a conversation about her latest book this Saturday. Taking place from 2-3pm, the discussion is a free drop-in event.
A description for the event reads: "The allure of the city is powerful but not universally accessible. For many women, it can be exclusionary, exploitative and dangerous. In The Feminist Art of Walking (Pluto Press, October 2025), Morag Rose shows how women can and do claim their place in the public space.
"Setting off to explore cities and towns across Britain, she traces local histories and personal stories and attunes herself to the wider resonances of women's rights amidst alienating capitalist cityscapes.
"By experiencing the pleasures and pains of pedestrian exploration, she shows us how to reconnect with and become enchanted by our streets."
Find out more here.
Community orchestra winter concert - Caldy Valley Neighbourhood Church - Saturday 13 December
The Chester Community Orchestra invites audiences to celebrate the festive season with its winter concert this Saturday evening.
Taking place at Caldy Valley Neighbourhood Church from 7pm, the programme will feature performances from all three of the orchestra's ensembles, offering a vibrant mix of opera and stage music, uplifting overtures, and folk-inspired pieces.
A description for the event reads: "Works include Verdi's Rigoletto, Coleridge-Taylor's Dance from Othello, Rodney Bennett's Farnham Festival Overture, and Tomlinson's Suite of English Folk-Dances. The evening will also include a selection of festive favourites.
"Tickets are £6 on the door. Entry is free for under 18s."
Find out more here.
Christmas Tree Festival - Chester Cathedral
Chester Cathedral has now unveiled its annual Christmas Tree Festival.
A description for the event reads: "Make memories and create a family tradition by visiting Chester Cathedral's annual Christmas Tree Festival.
"A delightful family-friendly day out. Enjoy over 80 trees decorated in the theme of Christmas Around the World. Free entry for children 5 and under.
"Pre-book your Christmas entry to ensure speedy entry. Last entry 5.30pm. No booking or entry fee for Sundays.
"Between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day the Cathedral closes at 4pm with last entry for the Christmas Tree Festival at 3.30pm. Please check our upcoming closures on the website for other Nave and café closures during the Christmas Tree Festival."
Book your tickets here.
Gladiators of Britain exhibition - Grosvenor Museum
The Grosvenor Museum is currently hosting a free exhibition from the British Museum all about the brutal history of gladiators.
A description for the event reads: "Step into the arena where gladiators once fought and died to thunderous crowds.
"This major touring exhibition brings together rare Roman artefacts that reveal the brutal spectacle of gladiatorial combat in ancient Britain – including extraordinary finds from Chester's own amphitheatre, the largest in the country.
"From the enslaved fighters who became unlikely celebrities to the vendors selling food to eager crowds, Gladiators of Britain reveals the human stories behind the helmets."
The exhibition runs until the new year. You can find out more here.
Winter wonder offer - The Deva Tap
Available via pre-booked tables only, you can get any two dishes (burgers or classics) and a bottle of wine for £39.95 at The Deva Tap as part of its winter wonder deal.
The deal runs until 6pm from Wednesday to Friday. There is a £4 supplement per person for 10oz sirloin.
The pub also offers 10% off from Wednesday to Friday until 6pm, and is also applicable to the pizza offer.
On Sunday from 12-2 pm, you can get two roasts (excluding trio) for £22 if pre booked. Or, you can get any two roasts including a trio and a cauliflower side for £29.95.
You can book here.
CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
chester vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: chester jobs
Share:
