Bumper guide to festive treats available now at visitcheshire.com

1 Food Glorious Food at Tatton Park

A culinary treat is in store at Tatton Park, where the mansion will get a new, larger-than-life foodie makeover this Christmas. Titled Food Glorious Food, the transformed spaces will include the Dining Room, where a full traditional Christmas dinner will provide a lavish display, and the Music Room, with a giant flute-shaped Christmas tree cascading with Champagne-style bubbles. Plus, there'll be lots for visitors to do, such as helping the servants in the Still Room stir the Christmas puddings.

From 27 Nov-2 Dec, 4-9 Dec, 14-16 Dec and 21-23 Dec. 

2 Magic moments at Chester Zoo

Pouncing lions, towering giraffes and giant snails will be among an expanded menagerie of animal lanterns appearing at this year's The Lanterns At Chester Zoo. Local performing arts company Wild Rumpus, specialists in creating extraordinary worlds with exciting interactive events, will transform the zoo at twilight with specially created animal lanterns, some new for 2018, as well as an ice-scape and illuminated rainforest. Plus, Santa and friends will meet and greet.

Various dates, 23 Nov-23 Dec.

3 Arley Hall says it with flowers

Historic Arley Hall, near Northwich, will be adorned with hundreds of fresh flowers for Christmas Floral Extravaganza. On two evenings, choirs will be on hand to entertain visitors as they wander about this stately home, which is famed for its exquisite and elaborate early-19th-century interiors.

From 1-6 Dec.

4 We're off to see The Wizard at Storyhouse

A new production of The Wizard of Oz will take to the stage at Storyhouse this Christmas. The classic tale of the adventures of Dorothy and her crew on the yellow brick road will be performed by Storyhouse's very own repertory company – the largest outside the RSC and National Theatre – at the new multimillion-pound arts centre, which was officially opened in summer by the Queen and the Duchess of Sussex.

Various dates, 7 Dec-6 Jan.

5 Chester's got the Christmas shopping wrapped up

Chester's Christmas Market will champion the region's artisans this year, with more than 70 wooden chalets offering crafts, clothing, homewares, decorations and food and drink, set around a huge Christmas tree in the shadow of the historic town hall and cathedral. Plus there are big-name brands to buy in the unique medieval shopping galleries, The Rows, as well as the stores in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre and surrounding streets, and savings of up to 70 per cent at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet on the edge of the city.

Christmas Market, daily, until 22 Dec.

6 Christmas present, Christmas past

Reindeer, steam engines and a choir will offer a noisy yet warm welcome to visitors to a Victorian Christmas at the Lion Salt Works Museum near Northwich. The festive week of family-friendly events with a yesteryear twist includes free craft activities, a Christmas Market and appearances by Father Christmas.

From 4-9 Dec.

7 Eat breakfast with Santa

Early risers can join Santa for a Full English at Blakemere Village near Sandiway, where he'll be telling stories and giving out gifts. Late risers won't miss out either, they can join him at a special banquet a little later on one of the days. Plus there'll be a Christmas Woodland event set amid the trees, a special theatrical experience starring Jack Frost, who will go on a quest with his forest friends to find Father Christmas.

Breakfast with Santa, from 14-16 Dec; Christmas Woodland, various dates, Dec.

8 Take to the water with Father Christmas

Santa will set sail on Cheshire's canals this Christmas. He'll be telling stories, singing seasonal songs, listening to Christmas wishes and, of course, giving out treats to a captive audience of eager children at the National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port and the Anderton Boat Lift near Northwich.

Various dates, Dec.

9 Raise your voice in Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral has a packed festive calendar. Highlights include a Christmas Tree Festival with more than 50 garlanded trees lining the medieval cloisters, as well as carol concerts, and screenings of The Snowman with orchestral accompaniment.

Various dates, Dec.

10 And finally...

Families can save money on a variety of days out through the Favourite Days Out campaign, with lots of free tickets and discounts available at major attractions across the county.

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Notes to editors:

Marketing Cheshire is the agency for promoting Cheshire and Warrington nationally and internationally to investors, business and leisure visitors, and residents. It offers core marketing services including PR, marketing, event management, social media and brand consultancy to public and private sector clients.