Santa will be very busy this Christmas! Not only with delivering presents and visiting various Grottos around the county, but also waiting in curious locations in our lovely village of Malpas, and in the wider Cheshire area, anticipating your visit.
At Christmastime, many of the stately homes that scatter the Cheshire landscape come to life in a way that uniquely captures the joy, traditions, and anticipation of the season.
This Christmas, why not visit one of the towns or villages (just like ours in Malpas) of Cheshire, where you can complete all your Christmas shopping, relive a traditional Christmas at one of the area’s wonderful historic attractions, stroll through glorious gardens or experience the beauty of the dramatic landscapes on a white winter walk?
Many places in Cheshire are hosting some sort of festive event this year, here are a few of our favourite Christmas activities near Malpas.
Chester Christmas Markets
Check out all the Christmas markets taking place across Chester and Cheshire this festive season. These festive set ups are the perfect place to find unusual and unique gifts, with everything from candles, jewellery, clothing, ceramics and more available. Many of which are even homemade locally.
The markets are often packed full of delicious treats to choose from for a gift for someone special, or even to treat yourself! Food and drink wise, you can expect to find locally brewed beer, spirits and moonshine, fudge, gingerbread houses, pies, cakes and more.
Warrington is even holding a ‘green’ market this year, showcasing traders who make, create or sell vegan, free from, gluten free, ethical, sustainable and/or environmentally friendly food, drink and gift items.
If you’re not super local, then why not plan a visit to one of these markets and treat yourself to an overnight stay at The Lion too? It’s Christmas, after all!
Pantomimes and Christmas Performances
It’s lovely to see venues opening up again and what better way to celebrate the return of our beloved theatres than a good old-fashioned pantomime? There are lots of great performances coming to Cheshire this year, including Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty!
You could head over to Storyhouse for their production of the Dickens favourite, Oliver Twist, see what present Sarah gets from Santa at Crewe Lyceum’s performance of Dear Santa, or, join Chapterhouse Theatre Company and celebrate Winter 2021/22 with the most heart-warming production imaginable to melt the hearts of even the sternest of Scrooges.
Find a comprehensive list of pantomimes and festive performances taking place across Chester and Cheshire here.
Christmas Light Trails
‘Light trails’ have become increasingly popular in recent years, and that trend doesn’t appear to be slowing if our list of trails is anything to go by…
Ghoulies, ghosties, and long-legged beasties will take over Chester at the Winter Watch and Saturnalia Parade. When the sun goes down, dance through the streets to the beat of drums with the Lord of Misrule and his motley crew of torch-bearing, fire-breathing devils, skeletons, and other horrible creatures.
Fantastic beasts are also the stars of the show at The Lanterns at Chester Zoo. As darkness falls, take a very different tour of this wildlife haven to see illuminations in the shape of endangered orangutans, wolves, caterpillars, zebras, elephants, lions and more.
Crewe’s annual illumination festival will transform into a self-guided trail, Lumen Lite, this year. But it will be no less an eyeful. The folk responsible for the much-loved Blackpool Illuminations have created the twilight adventure, which will feature “Moon Folk”, a TARDIS, and a son-et-lumière on the Municipal Buildings in Earle Street.
Gaze at the sparkling treetops in Delamere Forest, which will be hung with millions of lights for the first time this winter. There’s a Christmas cathedral and a Neon Tree to discover deep in the woods, too.
You can see Bolesworth Castle in glorious technicolour for its very first Christmas Light Trail. Follow the route along the edge of the lake for a real wow-factor view of the kaleidoscopic mansion before dipping into the woods to meet a reindeer or two.
Watch out for dinosaurs in the Christmas Magical Woodland at Blakemere. They’ll be lurking in the shadows of dazzling cathedral canopies of fairy lights, showers of glow-in-the-dark stars, and gyrating tunnels of borealis-style lasers.
You’re promised a sensational experience at Luminate. The sound-and-light spectacle will bombard your senses as you journey through the grounds of Walton Hall.
Finally, catch a spellbinding experience at the new Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience at Arley Hall & Gardens. Expect to experience some of the famous forest scenes from the movies in the depths of a dark forest roamed by Centaurs, a Hippogriff, and other mystical beings. You can cast a spell, too, bringing this make-believe world to life.
Christmas at Bolesworth
Due to the spectacle it is set to be, we thought this event deserved another mention. Bolesworth Castle grounds will be transformed into an illuminated winter wonderland this December. The aforementioned magical 1.2-mile light trail promises a dazzling after-dark experience for all of the family. You’ll travel alongside the lakeside with the backdrop of the castle lit to spectacular effect, then follow the winding pathways through the woods where you may spot a reindeer or two, travelling over bridges and through the spectacular grounds.
Not only that but you can also visit Santa’s North Pole Grotto as well as the Champagne Island and maybe even stop for a spot of ice skating. Don’t miss out on the arena light show or the Christmas markets either!
We’re less than a 15 minute drive from Bolesworth, so are the perfect place to stop over for a festive drink and a warming meal on your way home.
Chester Road
A couple from Whitchurch who adorn their house and garden with Christmas lights every year are once again opening their gates. Sheila and Keith Chase, who live on Chester Road, famously raise money for the West Midlands Air Ambulance, by turning their house into an outlandish display of Christmas every year and it doesn’t stop growing!
The pair have decorated their house for more than a decade and last year were honoured by the air ambulance charity. Over the years they have raised nearly £70,000 for the charity by inviting people to look at the lights adorning their home and driveway.
Winter Walks
If you’re in the mood for something right on our doorstep in Malpas, then why not embark on a walk through some of our beautiful surroundings? With the weather we’re having right now, it may even be blanketed in white – so remember to wrap up warm!
If you are unfamiliar with the trails around Malpas, just ask a member of staff and we will be able to guide you to the perfect trail for you. Don’t forget to bring along your four-legged friends too, they’re always welcome here!
Eating & Staying at The Lion
After a long day of enjoying the best Christmas activities near Malpas and in Cheshire, how about a lovely meal with us? Take shelter from the cold and get of your feet whilst enjoying a warm meal made with locally sourced, winter produce.
Or there is of course, also the option to stay the night in one of our 16 beautiful rooms. Located in the courtyard cottage garden, with charming views of the village, our bedrooms are the perfect base for all of your festive activities.
To enquire about a stay in one of our rooms please email us at info@thelionatmalpas.co.uk Alternatively, you can book directly on our website. Have fun and stay safe!
