Northwich Christmas Extravaganza - All the details you need

Northwich is gearing up for the holiday season, with a whole host of activities and attractions in the pipeline.

Festivities officially get underway on Saturday (November 23) with the annual Christmas Extravaganza.

Mayor of Northwich, Cllr Kate Cernick, said: “The Northwich Christmas Extravaganza is set to sparkle once again.

“As the mayor, I'm delighted to be part of this wonderful, family-friendly event that grows in size and stature each year.

“There’s lots do throughout the day and the event promises to be a brilliant day out for everyone, thanks to the teamwork of all involved behind the scenes.

“With our fantastic ice rink returning once again too I can’t wait to join the celebrations and let the magic begin!"

The Christmas Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, November 23 (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

Starting at 11am, visitors can enjoy a Christmas crazy golf course, a craft village, face painting, family-friendly games, live music, a funfair and more.

At the heart of the action is Santa’s sleigh, providing a memorable photo opportunity and the chance for children to let him know what’s on their list.

Apple Market Place will be transformed into a Christmas Market with stalls selling everything from sweet treats to homewares and jewellery.

Meanwhile, chef Nigel Brown will be hosting free cookery demonstrations.

There will be live music and entertainment. The cast of the Christmas Panto took to the stage last year (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

As dusk settles, the town will come alive with a lantern parade, starting at Waitrose at 5pm and leading to the Christmas lights switch-on in Barons Square at 5.30pm.

This will be followed by a fireworks display at 6pm.

The Christmas Extravaganza also sees the launch of the Christmas Trail, which sees 17 letters hidden across the town in shop windows.

Visitors just have to find the letters and work out the festive phrase they spell to be in with a chance of winning prizes.

Northwich BID chairman Ellis Wardle said: “The Christmas Extravaganza is an important day for the town and the growth of the event really is testament to the excellent partnerships that Northwich has.

“With lots of Northwich businesses joining the fun it promises to be a great trading day for them. 

“I’d encourage visitors to take a walk through the town to try their hand at one of the many free activities on offer as well as to take part in the trail competition or vote in the hotly contested ‘Christmas Window’ competition too. 

“Voting opens on the Visit Northwich socials from December 1.”

A lantern parade will pass through the town (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

An indoor ice rink will be set up at Barons Quay the following weekend, from November 30 to December 1.

There will then be another chance to purchase presents at the final Artisan Market of the year on December 9.

For further information about what’s on this Christmas, visit www.visitnorthwich.co.uk/christmas/.

The ice rink will make a return (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)