As we all know this time of year can be really expensive, so now that the Christmas school holidays are nearly upon us I thought it would be useful to write a list of festive things happening in and around Chester that don’t actually cost money!!

- The Hotel Chester: On Saturday 18th December from approx 12pm - 4pm ‘snow’ will be falling outside this beautiful building (19 Newgate Street), I plan on casually walking past with the kids to surprise them with it!

- Chester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival (runs until 4th Jan): Every year we visit the Cathedral on Christmas Eve to see the 50+ christmas trees, all individually decorated by various charities, schools & companies. The cathedral also has some carol concerts next week which although free you do need to book a ticket for (see the cathedral’s website).

- Grosvenor Museum: You could visit their Period House which has been decorated for Christmas, and they have a 12 Days of Christmas trail

- Garden Centres: Ok you might end up spending money, but if you can resist then they’re a brilliant festive thing to do. My top shouts are The Hollies, Grosvenor Garden Centre and Gordales. The Grosvenor has singing reindeer and Gordales some singing penguins which the kids will love! If you want to venture a bit further then Bents Garden Centre, inbetween Manchester and Warrington is the mother of all garden centres!!

- The Grosvenor Shopping Centre Festive Fun Zone: Running between 20th-23rd December this isn’t exactly free so excuse it being on the list, but it’s run in aid of local charity Save the Children and all rides welcome donations. It’s split into 3 zones which include a Rodeo Reindeer, Bouncy Snow Globe, Snowball pit, Rocking Rudolph & Build a Santa. If you want to keep hold of your pennies then instead you could do the free competition where the kids have to spot 10 toys which the naughty elves have stolen, around St Michael’s Square for a chance to win prizes.

- Drive by Christmas lights tour: My youngest absolutely loves to spot Christmas lights on houses, so something as simple as getting in the car and having a drive around a housing estate might be enough for them.

- Storyhouse: As usual from 11-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays the library have free children’s crafts and at the moment they are all Christmas based. They also have Christmas Choirs singing over the next couple of days - Sat 18th City of Chester Brass @6pm in the Foyer, Sun 19th Fireflies Choir @12.30pm in the kitchen.

- Chester Christmas Lights: I don’t know about your kids but mine love being out in the dark, so I’ve promised to take them into town next week to look at the Christmas lights and walk around the Christmas markets.

- Cheshire Oaks: Has the UKs largest Christmas tree, so if you can bear the traffic queues then this could be something they’d enjoy.

- Santa Float: Organised by Chester Round Table, this sees Father Christmas himself riding around various Chester suburbs in his brightly decorated sleigh. Unfortunately the last date is today (Vicars Cross) but I thought I’d still keep it in as a heads up for next year.

- Finally don’t forget about all the wonderful walks we have on our doorstep. You can find lots of my website here.

I hope that helps someone. Please do check dates and times before visiting x