HALTON’S ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS GUIDE: WORKSHOPS, MARKETS, CAROLS & MORE…
Looking for festive fun for the whole family this December? Halton has festive cheer sprinkled all over the borough. Get creative with Christmas craft sessions, go wreath making with help from professional florists, immerse yourself in magical stories, sing Christmas carols, explore Halton’s Christmas markets or even become Santa’s little helper at The Catalyst. There are sacks full of activities for kids and families this December, that are guaranteed to get you in the festive mood! Scroll down to discover the full list of festive activities and events happening this Christmas near you!
Christmas Workshops, Films and Theatre
Celebrate the season of giving and sharing with a mix of creative workshops, festive performances, and magical, family-friendly activities across Halton. Whether you’re crafting a wreath, watching a Christmas classic, or singing along at a carol concert, unforgettable moments are happening in the borough to make Christmas jolly and truly special!
Field28
4th December | £65 | 2pm & 6:30pm | Chester Rd, Daresbury, WA4 5LR
Spruce up your home and get festive with a hands-on wreath making workshop led by the professional florists at Field28. All materials are provided alongside seasonal refreshments and step-by-step guidance to help craft your own Christmas decoration.
Book your Wreath Making Workshop today!
Norton Priory Museum & Gardens
Tudor Rd, Runcorn, WA7 1SX
Step into history and holiday cheer at Norton Priory to get involved in celebrating festive traditions. From Victorian Christmas Carols in the candlelit undercroft to an award-winning retelling of A Christmas Carol, this historic venue offers a truly enchanting experience which brings the spirit of Christmas to life. Key dates are listed below!
Book your Norton Priory days out
Christmas Fair
23rd November | £5 Admission Fee
Step into the festive spirit and kick off your Christmas shopping by exploring a variety of local stalls filled with handmade gifts, delicious treats and stocking fillers. Enjoy live music, festive food and drink, and soak up the seasonal atmosphere. The fair ticket also includes access to the museum, ruins and woodlands, so why not finish your visit with a winter walk around our grounds?
Father Christmas: A storytelling Show!
5th December | From £7 | 5:30pm & 7:30pm
This December, with the help of his cheeky Elf, Father Christmas is making a special stop at Norton Priory Museum & Gardens for a magical storytelling show filled with silly stories, festive fun and nonsense that’ll get you and your little ones giggling.
Victorian Christmas Carols with VML Theatre
6th December – 7th December | £12 | Starts at 7pm
VML Theatre Ltd returns to Norton Priory with a festive carol concert featuring beloved Christmas classics. Set inside the 12th-century undercroft, the choir performs in Victorian costume, adding a touch of historical charm to the evening.
Runcorn Community Choir Christmas Carol Concert
13th December | From £7 | 4pm
This special annual carol service fills Norton Priory with festive favourites and classic carols. Enjoy the music in a magical setting with a free glass of mulled wine or orange juice served at the end of the event.
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
18th December – 20th December | From £9 (Family £45) | 6pm & 7:45pm
The award-winning A Place for Us Theatre are back at Norton Priory for its sixth year of hosting Charles Dickens’ classic screenplay, A Christmas Carol. Hosted in the Priory’s magical atrium, join Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come in an enchanting retelling that combines music, storytelling and spooky chills with the Priory’s magical atmosphere to create an unforgettable experience which is always a sell-out!
Winter Solstice Celebration
21st December | £20 | 6pm until 8pm
Dance the new solar year into being, honour all that nature has given us in the past months and welcome what awaits in the year ahead with a joyful gathering at Norton Priory. Join Mima the HedgeRose Healer and Myrriadad Dance and embrace the spirituality of meditation, reflection and the joyful energy of circle dancing. Refreshments included.
‘Sir Gawain and the green knight’ by gav cross
29th December | From £14 | 6:30pm | Age Guidance 14+
Coming off the back of The Monkey’s Paw… and More, join master storyteller Gav Cross for a gripping retelling of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, set in the heart of King Arthur’s court between Christmas and New Year. Thought to have been written in Cheshire, this 14th-century epic is filled with adventure, terror, promises and human frailty, as Young Gawain must honour his vow to the dreaded Green Knight.
The Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
Mersey Rd, Widnes, WA8 0DF
Discover a science-filled Christmas at The Catalyst in Widnes! Enjoy festive, hands-on workshops that make it one of the top places for children’s Christmas activities in Halton. From making lactose-free milk for Santa to exploring the chemistry of fireworks and snowstorms, The Catalyst offers some of the best Christmas activities for a fun and educational holiday experience. Key dates are listed below!
All tickets are just £2.75 per person on top of standard admission. Book your spots today!
Mission: Milk for Santa
6th, 7th, 13th and 14th December | 11:30am and 2pm
Santa has got tummy troubles, learn about digestion and make your own lactose-free milk inside The Catalyst Lab!
Frozen
6th, 7th, 13th and 14th December | 12:30pm and 3pm
Carrying on from November, Elsa is still at the catalyst, bringing a science lesson about ice and snow! At this fun family workshop, be amazed by hot ice and make your own snowstorm in a jar!
Ferocious Fireworks
22nd December – 5th January | 12:30pm & 3pm
What makes fireworks colourful? Why do they wizz and bang? How was the first firework made? Find out in our fizz-tastic Ferocious Fireworks show! You don’t want to miss out!
Kinder Christmas Cracker Crafting
20th December – 5th January | 11:30am & 2pm
Find out about a smart material called CAPA. Heat it up to make a mouldable, reusable and biodegradable plastic treat to place inside your crafted paper cracker!
The Brindley Theatre
High St, Runcorn, WA7 1BG
The Brindley Theatre transforms into a festive wonderland this December as Cinderella is coming to town for the Pantomime season! Oh no she isn’t, Oh yes she is! With shows throughout December, parties with Santa and timeless Christmas classics on the big screen, The Brindley is your go-to destination for winter entertainment and unforgettable Christmas experiences in Runcorn. Key dates are listed below!
Book your Brindley tickets here.
Cinderella
11th December – 11th January | Tickets from £16.50 | Times Vary
Celebrate the festive season with Cinderella, a magical pantomime full of dazzling costumes, singalong songs, and family fun. Starring Simon Grant (CBBC), Nicki French (Eurovision), and Brindley favourite Matt Dallen.
Don’t delay, book your pantomime tickets today!
Santa’s Christmas Party
12th December – 16th December | Tickets from £15 | Ages 2 – 7 | Times Vary
Join Santa for a festive family show filled with music, magic and fun! Little ones can sing, dance and celebrate at this Christmas party packed with classic Christmas songs and a special meet & greet where every child receives a special present from Father Christmas!
A Christmas Carol
19th December – 20th December | Tickets from £15 | Ages 7 – 99 | Times Vary
Bah Humbug! Experience a one-man show like no other as Award-winning actor Craig Cowdroy brings Charles Dickens’ classic to life in a humorous and emotional one-man show adaptation, with a few surprises that make it a festive favourite for the whole family!
Christmas Films at the Brindley
21st December – 24th December | Tickets from £10 | Age Ratings Vary
Miracle on 34th Street (1994) | Sunday 21st December at 3pm
Die Hard | Sunday 21st December at 7pm
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation | Monday 22nd December at 7pm
The Polar Express | Tuesday 23rd December at 3pm
The Nightmare Before Christmas | Tuesday 23rd December at 7pm
It’s a Wonderful Life | Wednesday 24th December at 1:30pm
…SPACE Runcorn
50 Regent St, Runcorn, WA7 1LJ
Sleepy Yoga with Olivia | Wednesday 3rd & 17th December at 7pm
Christmas Wreath Making with The Poppy Stop | Sunday 7th & Saturday 13th December at 3pm
Crystal Bowl Sound Bath with Shell McKee Wellness | Monday 8th December at 7pm
Shamanic Drumming Circle with Rob Watson | Wednesday 10th December at 7pm
Paint ‘n’ Sip Night at Society | Thursday 11th December at 7pm
Depresso Club | Every Tuesday at 10am & Every Thursday at 5pm
SPACE walks with Active Halton | Every Sunday at 10am
Gentle Flow Adult Yoga | Every Sunday at 6pm
Hazlehurst Studios
73a High Street, Runcorn, WA7 1AH
Hazlehurst Christmas Market | 5th – 7th December
Runcorn Repair Café | 6th December
Christmas Themed Pottery Sessions | 12th – 14th December
The Bakehouse
2 Highlands Rd, Runcorn, WA7 4PR
Festive Stitch and Sip & Christmas Dinner Night | 4th December
Christmas Party Nights | 5th, 6th & 12th December
Festive Sip and Paint | 13th December
Christmas Bottomless Brunch | 19th & 20th December
Children’s Christmas Cupcake Decorating | 23rd December
Christmas Eve Family Brunch | 24th December
Lanterns, Lights and LOCAL DELIGHTS
Experience the magic of Christmas in Halton with dazzling lights, festive markets and family-friendly fun! From lantern parades around Victoria Park to Christmas craft fairs, find local handmade gifts and soak up the festive atmosphere while making memories with loved ones!
Lantern Spectacular at Victoria park
21st December | Free | Lantern workshop requires pre-booking
Step into the glow of winter magic this December and join us for a very special Christmas event happening at Victoria Park, which you don’t want to miss out on! Start by making your own lantern before heading around the park with Ghost Caribou, a night-time act of spectacular illuminated reindeer. Finally, the local choir H’arts and Voices will gather around the bandstand for a festive sing-along.
Keep an eye on Victoria Park Butterfly House and Garden’s social media pages to find out more details on parade timings and how to book workshops.
Christmas at Shopping City
Palacefields, Runcorn, WA7 2EU
Get into the festive spirit early at Runcorn Shopping Centre with a sleigh full of Christmas events! Don’t miss out on the spectacular Christmas Lights Switch on, Santa’s Christmas Grotto and the popular Christmas Craft Fair. Perfect for families looking for free festive fun and special gifts in Halton. Key dates are listed below!
Christmas lights switch-on
22nd Nov | Free | 10am until 2pm
Kick off the festive season with the annual BIG Christmas Tree Light Switch On for a day of FREE festive fun for the whole family. Enjoy a live KPOP performance from Rumi, a magic show for the kids, Christmas craft workshops, face painting and a meet & greet with Bluey! Special guests from The Brindley’s Cinderella cast and local school choirs will be spreading Christmas cheer as you browse the artisan Christmas stalls selling handmade gifts.
The big moment? Don’t miss the Christmas Tree Light Switch On at 2pm!
Santa saturdays
6th December – 20th December | Free | 11am until 3pm
All in support of Halton Haven Hospice, Santa and his elves are excited to meet the boys and girls of Halton to make sure they’re on his good list! Meet Santa and his elves in the Christmas grotto every Saturday from 11am – 3pm. The grotto is free, with a gift for every child and plenty of festive cheer!
Christmas Craft Fair
6th December – 23 December | 9am until 4:30pm
Shopping City’s Christmas Craft Fair returns this year as the halls are decked with holly and transformed into a festive marketplace filled with handmade treasures. Support Halton’s small local businesses as you browse beautiful candles, fall in love with handmade jewellery and indulge in delicious, sweet treats… and so much more!
CHRISTMAS FESTIVE PICNIC BOAT CRUISES
21st, 22nd & 28th November and 5th, 6th, 12th & 13th December | From £35 | 12pm
Step aboard a warm and cosy canal boat for a scenic festive themed cruise along the historic Bridgewater Canal. Departing from Top Locks (WA7 1JH), this round trip to Preston Brook promises stunning views and seasonal charm.
Guests will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of prosecco or soft drink, followed by a delicious picnic lunch featuring turkey and stuffing rolls, savoury snacks, sweet treats and your choice of an alcoholic beverage or soft drink. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request.
Widnes Market
Bradley Way, Widnes, WA8 6UE | Closed every Tuesday and Sunday
Outdoor Market | Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 9am
Indoor Market | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 9am until 4:30pm
Flea Market | Every Wednesday from 7am
Find out more about the market stalls
Daresbury Dairy
Penkridge Lake Farm, Newton Ln, WA4 4HZ | Open Friday – Sunday | 12pm until 5pm
Don’t miss out on Daresbury Dairy’s iconic Christmas ice cream range, featuring festive flavours and exciting new creations to make your festive season sweet.
This year’s collection includes: Mince Pie, Cherry & Amaretto, White Chocolate & Hazelnut, Chocolate & Orange, Caramelised Fig & Mascarpone, plus two surprise flavours!
Enjoy by the scoop or take-home tubs, and don’t miss out on the Christmas Tasting Selection Pack, which includes six 120ml tubs showcasing the full festive range, perfect for gifting or indulging at home.
For more information click here
Sports fixtures, Clubs and Activities this December
Get ready for an action-packed month of sport in Halton! Cheer on Runcorn Linnets FC in the Northern Premier League or experience the speed and excitement of Widnes Wild in the National Ice Hockey League. Plus, discover a range of community clubs and activities at Halton’s Libraries.
Runcorn Linnets
APEC Taxis Stadium, Runcorn, WA7 5JQ
Runcorn Linnets vs Congleton Town | Saturday 6th December at 3pm
Runcorn Linnets vs Atherton Collieries | Saturday 20th December at 3pm
Widnes Wild
Planet Ice, Widnes, WA8 0TA | Tickets from £9
Widnes Wild vs Leeds Knights 2 | Sunday 7th December at 5:30pm
Widnes Wild vs Blackburn Hawks | Sunday 14th December at 5:30pm
Widnes Wild vs Telford Tigers 2 | Sunday 21st December at 5:30pm
Get your Widnes Wild tickets today
Clubs and Activities at Halton Libraries
Join weekly sessions, workshops and clubs across Widnes, Runcorn, Halton Lea and Ditton Libraries. Visit the Halton Libraries website for details
Curious about Halton?
Halton is one of the six boroughs within the Liverpool City Region and is located between Manchester and Liverpool. It comprises of six towns: Runcorn, Widnes, Hale, Moore, Preston Brook and Daresbury. Rich in culture, heritage and beautiful scenery, Halton is known for its industrial heritage as a major centre of the UK’s chemical industry. It is also home to the iconic Creamfields Festival, which has been held in Daresbury since 2006, and Norton Priory one of the largest excavated monastic sites in Europe. Historically, Halton holds royal significance as the last Baron of Halton, Henry Bolingbroke ascended to the throne to become King Henry IV.
How to find Halton
Getting to Halton is simple and stress-free, with transport links from Liverpool City Centre, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and other major UK cities via the West Coast Main Line.
If you’re driving, free parking and EV charging points are available throughout the borough, and if you prefer to walk or cycle from the centre of Liverpool, the TransPennine Trail serves as a perfect scenic route passing through famous landmarks and offering incredible views.
Runcorn Railway Station lies on the Liverpool branch of the West Coast Main Line managed by Avanti West Coast. It provides regular direct services to major destinations including London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Chester, Crewe, and Liverpool.
Widnes Railway Station is well-connected with regular services from Norwich, Warrington, and Liverpool Lime Street. The station also holds cultural significance; it’s listed as a Grade II building on the National Heritage List and is widely believed to be the station where Paul Simon wrote the song ‘Homeward Bound’.
Want more Halton?
Explore even more of what the borough has to offer with our latest guides. Find the best places to eat and drink with a Taste of Halton, while Re:Wild takes you through Halton’s most beautiful green spaces and nature escapes. For more information about Halton’s history, culture and heritage, please click here.
