Chester Christmas Market, taken from Alan Fletcher's Flickr[/caption]- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs poster for Chester Forum Theatre
Here are a few money saving ideas to get everybody in the spirit, and many events are free.
Free Christmas market:
The Christmas market is open until 21 December and while it may be pricey to buy crafts, giftware and accessories from the stalls, it doesn’t cost to have a look around the chalets with the family. The dangling decorations throughout the town make it a merry day out, and it’s even more magical at night. It does cost to park over 30 minutes, but put on a scarf, gloves and a Santa hat and take a scenic walk with some friends. Take a warm coffee in a flask if the thought of being out in the cold scares you.
Theatre show for under £10:
Bring the whole family along to one of the many Christmas shows, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The show is until 30 December and is at The Forum Studio Theatre. Adult tickets cost £9.50 and concessions £8.50. To book now visit tiptopproductions.co.uk or call 01244 341296.
Get crafty with the kids:
If keeping the children entertained for a reasonable price is proving difficult, then these few ideas will help. Don’t throw out old clothes, design Christmas character costumes and put on a film in the background. Make a Santa beard, a Christmas hat, a snowman or elf ears and it won’t matter if they don’t look perfect because it’s fun to do and there is no waste. Or, buy visit www.ebay.co.uk and search for children Christmas outfits to find a novelty costume for less than £10. Take to the city centre and sing to raise money for charity, or if that sounds too intimidating, carol singing is guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. There’s nothing wrong with refusing to buy decorations and making them instead. Paint cashew nuts with a reindeer face, or add glitter stickers to a piece of rope and hang it from the ceiling. Get creative and festive at the same time by adding cute stickers to doors and hold a competition with friends of the best designs and the loser buys everyone a coffee.
Dine in style without the price tag:
There’s nothing like warm soup in a restaurant with the family in the winter, and there are some places to eat in Chester for great value. MC Cafe Bar and Grill on the ground floor of Abode Chester Hotel has a fantastic menu. Enjoy two courses for £10.95. Or if even that’s too much, Bella Italia offers a three course meal for £27, with a variety of foods for all the family.
Celebrate at church:
Christmas is all about coming together. Up until December 21, The Chester Cathedral’s evenings consist of holding Christmas music and seasonal readings. The choir welcomes any newcomers of all ages to join at any time, or tickets cost £12.50 for adults and £5 for children to watch their events of hymns and live bands, plus a complementary buffet. Christmas shouldn’t come with any worries, it should be a time of giving and happiness. Even with just a little bit of cash, or no cash at all, there are plenty of things to do in Chester in the upcoming weeks to Christmas.
Chester Intelligencer reporter, Amy Poole
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