It's the beginning of October, the weather has well and truly turned, at least here in Chester, and believe it or not it's time to think about Old St. Nick and that magical "C" word... That's right, Christmas is almost upon us and thanks to both national and local lockdown, you probably think where has the year gone! Well, there's no time to worry about that, whether you're local to Chester or not, it's time to start planning your COVID secure Christmas, and there is no better place than right here in the walled city of Chester in Cheshire. Here at Actuate's top 5 picks for a great Christmas out and about in Chester this year:
<h2 class="list-heading">1. Chester Christmas Market</h2>
When you start to see the small traditional wooden chalets organised around a magnificent tree, you know Christmas has officially arrived in the heart of Chester. With a host of handmade gifts, locally sourced produce not to mention the mulled wine and hot food, Chester Christmas Market is the perfect way to experience the joys and historic beauty of Chester. Chester Christmas Market returns on Thursday, 19th November to Tuesday, 22nd December 2020 dependant on government guidance and takes place outside of Chester Cathedral, Storyhouse and Chester's historic Town Hall. Visit the Chester Christmas Market Facebook page for the latest news and announcements at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChesterChristmasMarket/">https://www.facebook.com/ChesterChristmasMarket/</a>
<h2 class="list-heading">2. A Christmas Carol at Chester's Storyhouse</h2>
Christmas isn't cancelled! That's the promise made by Chester's very own Storyhouse theatre as they prepare to host their Christmas show Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. One of a handful of venues around the UK still operating this Christmas, the show has been designed around social distancing rules with less than half of the regular ticket allocations on sale for their shows between 7th November 2020 and 17th January 2021. Act quickly to avoid disappointment and enjoy a little normality this Christmas. Book your tickets now from the Storyhouse website at https://www.storyhouse.com/event/achristmas-carol
<h2 class="list-heading">3. Chester Zoo Lanterns - A Starlit Christmas Experience</h2>
Chester Zoo like you have never seen before with their illuminated winter experience set after the zoos regular closing time. Back for its 9th year, Chester Zoo Lanterns is a beautiful way to spend an evening for the whole family. Escape the worries of 2020 in their eleven magical worlds this year aimed at taking you to faraway lands. The experience created in partnership with Wild Rumpus aids Chester Zoo's vital efforts with wildlife conservation and will be an event you remember for years to come.

Tickets are available from <a href="https://www.chesterzoo.org/events/">https://www.chesterzoo.org/events/the-lanterns-a-starlit-christmas/</a> now for selected dates between Friday, 13th November and Wednesday, 23rd December 2020.
<h2 class="list-heading">4. The Snowman at Chester Cathedral</h2>
The Snowman has returned to Chester Cathedral for its 8th year accompanied by live orchestra for a screening of this iconic British animated adventure. The performance also features a beautiful solo of the famous "Walking in the Air", performed by a local audition winner as well as a visit from The Snowman himself, guaranteed to melt the heart of little ones. Tickets can be booked online from <a href="https://chestercathedral.ticketsolve.com/shows/1173603999/events/428301050">https://chestercathedral.ticketsolve.com/shows/1173603999/events/428301050</a> for the four performances on Monday, 21st December 2020.
<h2 class="list-heading">5. Chester Cathedral's Christmas Tree Festival</h2>
Lose yourself in the lights of Chester Cathedral with their amazing Christmas Tree Festival and forget your troubles. This year Chester Cathedral is determined to bring hope and happiness to everyone who has had such a rough time during 2020, and their annual Christmas Tree Festival will do just that. Especially adapted based on government guidance, this year will see sparkling trees throughout the cathedral. For further information about the festival visit <a href="https://chestercathedral.com/about/">https://chestercathedral.com/about/christmas-treefestival/</a> on the Chester Cathedral website. Know of an event happening in Chester this Christmas that we've missed? Get in touch and let us know.