I visited Christmas market named one of UK’s best and could barely believe the prices

Consumer magazine Which? recently released its pick of the top UK Christmas markets to visit this winter. And one of those named among the very best was Chester, especially for those seeking “a peaceful festive day out”.

Chester was but it “scored higher for its ease of getting around, parking and lack of crowds”.

So, off to Chester I went with the kids, eager to discover what makes its Christmas market so great. The first thing I noticed was the ample parking options, with two multi-storey car parks within a short stroll to the market itself.

I took a wrong turn and missed the entrance to the shiny, clean multi-storey, ending up in a somewhat dingier old car park beneath the Crowne Plaza hotel. Nevertheless, I managed to snag a parking spot, so no grumbles there.

A brief stroll led me to Northgate Street, where the market awaited.

The Chester Christmas market is conveniently laid out along a single street, sparing visitors the hassle of navigating through various “zones” as one might in larger city markets. It’s also framed by the majestic gothic architecture of the town hall.

The historic essence of Chester is further accentuated by the black and white buildings flanking the market, which faces the magnificent Chester Cathedral. Perfectly situated, the market seamlessly integrates with a day spent exploring the city’s ancient rows and cobblestone lanes.

The festive atmosphere was palpable from the get-go, with fairy lights twinkling above the stalls and fir trees and baubles adorning their roofs. Dominating the scene was an enormous Christmas tree, creating an idyllic, postcard-worthy scene.

With 70 stalls, Chester’s Christmas Market offers a more intimate experience than others, which can have well over 200. It is predominantly gift-focused, a stark contrast to others like Manchester, with only a sprinkle of foodie spots. They’ve doubled-down on local crafters, making it a haven for one-of-a-kind treasures.

One stall that caught my eye was bursting with vibrant textiles, from playful cloth toys to tree-hanging letters. The kiddos were similarly spellbound by a Viking horn vendor, and let’s not overlook the eccentrics like adoptable porcelain spectres and Chester Zoo’s cuddly critter collection.

There are also ample alcohol gift and cheese stalls, interspersed with stands showcasing jewellery, seasonal baubles, aromatic fudge and delicate macaroons.

At the heart of the market, where the Christmas tree stands tall, we hit the epicentre of the food and drink stalls. And this is where Chester isn’t all that different from any other Christmas markets: the prices are high.

It’s almost as if Britain’s Sausage Council has come together this season to declare a nationwide mandate: all sausages nestled in bread under the open sky shall fetch a princely sum of £8. Because wherever I’ve been so far this year, whether it be garden centre, Christmas Markets, light trails, they all seem to be pricing sausages at £8.

Indeed, I found myself parting with another £8 for a Cumberland sausage. Regrettably, this was when the weather decided to play spoilsport, exposing another downside of Chester – the dearth of sheltered spots to protect oneself (and one’s sausage) from the elements.

The result was a less than appetising soggy sausage and bun that had lost its appeal by the time it cooled down enough to eat.

On a brighter note, the children were overjoyed with the dessert stalls. My eldest son indulged in mini Dutch pancakes smothered in chocolate sauce, which, at £7, cost £1 more than they would have in my local Christmas market in Manchester.

My youngest opted for chocolate-dipped strawberries, which he thoroughly enjoyed. These were priced at £7 in Chester, while the same treat can be had for £6.50 in Manchester.

Amid the rain, I felt I needed to drown my sorrows so I headed to the hot drinks stand where I could barely believe my eyes at the price of a Baileys hot chocolate at £7.50. This is £1 more than the stalls at Manchester Christmas market.

Chester also lacks a Christmas mug or glass deposit scheme, meaning your mulled wine or hot chocolates are served in decidedly un-festive paper cups. This made me long for Manchester’s charming cartoon mugs, if I’m being honest.

The Chester Christmas Market Bar, a cosy haven adorned with baubles and tucked beside the cathedral wall, offers shelter and festive drinks. Here, visitors can savour mulled wine at £5.50 or a pint at £6.50. Prosecco lovers are looking at £7 a glass.

Seeking refuge from the elements, we huddled in a doorway and I found myself wishing for more covered spaces for those enjoying their food and drink.

While my children were pleased with their meals, the market seemed to lack additional attractions for the younger crowd.

Despite the map’s promise of a Santa’s Grotto, it remained elusive to us. The relentless downpour towards the end of our outing had us darting about in search of dry ground.

As highlighted by Which?, this market offers a “peaceful” alternative to the bustling crowds typical of larger city markets. Its layout along a single street also ensures a seamless experience, leaving no fear of missing out on hidden gems.

While the weather could have been more favourable, I left Chester feeling that I had shelled out significantly more than I usually would in Manchester, without gaining much more in terms of experience.

If you’re on the hunt for unique Christmas gifts, Chester’s intimate market with its array of quirky stalls might be more to your liking than those in bigger cities. The picturesque backdrop of the town hall certainly adds to the charm.

However, if you’re looking forward to indulging in festive food and drinks, there are more budget-friendly options.

The prices for food and drink at Chester Christmas market

Here’s a comprehensive list of the food and drink prices we encountered at Chester Christmas market:

• Churros – £6 standard, £12 for family size.
• Coconut macaroons – 1 for £2, 4 for £6, 8 for £10.
• Classic beef burger – £8.
• Traditional Cumberland sausage in a bun- £8.
• Mini Dutch pancakes – £6 with sugar, £7 with sauce.
• Chicken/Doner Gyros – £12.
• Halloumi fries – £10.
• Pork roll – £9.
• Beef Brisket bap – £10.

• Roast potatoes – £5.50.
• Pork Scratchings – £4.50.
• Chicken noodles – £9.
• Jacket potatoes £5 – £7 depending on fillings.
• Drinks.
• Mulled wine £5.50 regular, £8 large.
• Mulled wine with dash of rum – £8 regular, £10.50 large.
• Mulled gin – £6.50 small, £8.50 large.

• Baileys Hot Chocolate – £7.50.
• Classic Hot Chocolate – £5.
• Water/soft drink £2.
• Pint of Lager/Ale – £6.50, half pint £3.50.
• Bottled cider – £6.50.
• Prosecco £7 glass, £28 bottle.
• Wine is priced at £8 per glass and £24 per bottle.
• Gins and rums are available at £7 for a single and £9.50 for a double.

Chester Christmas Market opening times

It is currently open every day until Sunday, December 22, 2024.

The stalls operate during the following hours:

• From Monday to Wednesday, they’re open from 10:30 to 18:30.
• From Thursday to Saturday, they’re open from 10:30 to 20:00.
• On Sundays, they’re open from 10:30 to 18:30.
• To get there, head to Town Hall Square on Northgate Street in Chester where the Christmas Market is located. The closest car park is the New Market multi-storey on Hunter Street.

The city centre also benefits from several park and ride schemes, located on the outskirts of the city at Upton (near Chester Zoo), Boughton Heath, Sealand Road and Wrexham Road.

Chester Train Station is approximately a 20-minute walk from the Christmas Market.