Annual family-friendly Christmas festival with more than 80 real trees decorated by schools, charities and businesses, plus a tree-decorating session.
Chester Cathedral's Christmas Tree Festival returns from Wednesday 25 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, taking over the nave and the cloisters with more than 80 real trees. It's a long-standing festive fixture in the city, and this year it's a family-friendly one, so it works just as well with the kids in tow as it does on your own.
The trees aren't all the same. Schools, charities and local businesses each decorate their own, with the cathedral providing the tree, the fairy lights and a sign with the organisation's logo. The decorations are put up in aid of local charities, so there's a bit of community work behind the scenes. If you're feeling festive yourself, you can also decorate your own tree to go up in the cathedral grounds.
The night before it opens, the cathedral holds a 'Special Preview After Dark', with Rock Choir Chester singing and the bar open for mulled wine and mince pies. It's a good way to see the trees before the crowds arrive, and the music and drinks set the mood for the rest of the run.
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On the practical side, adults are £6 (£5.45 without Gift Aid), children aged 6-17 are £1 (90p without Gift Aid), and under-fives go free. Sundays are free for everyone, with no booking needed. Last entry is 5.30pm, though that moves to 3.30pm between 24 December and 1 January when the cathedral closes at 4pm. Pre-booking is advised on paying days, so it's worth sorting your tickets in advance if you're planning a visit during the week.
