Community together
From glowing shop windows and festive trails to live entertainment, community creativity, music, markets and the much-anticipated arrival of Santa, the festival is a celebration of everything that makes Ellesmere special at Christmas.
Set against the backdrop of our canal, independent high street and the Market Hall, the Winter Festival brings together families, businesses, community groups and visitors for an evening filled with warmth, wonder and festive spirit.
Whether you’re here to explore the lights, enjoy festive food and drink, discover unique local gifts or simply soak up the atmosphere, there’s something waiting around every corner.
Wrap up warm, gather your friends and family, and join us as Ellesmere celebrates the magic of winter together.
A Community working in partnership
Helping bring the magic to Ellesmere
Discover Ellesmere CIC is grateful for all the support of our fellow community groups and especially to Fizzgigs and Ellesmere Carnival. Special mention also to Ellesmere Rotary for their continued help and involvement. We should of course also not forget all the local businesses who's services are used for the delivery of the event.
This year we are also delighted to have the support of the National Lottery's Community Fund without this support the event would not have taken place this year.
Keeping Ellesmere Winter Festival free for everyone is something we care deeply about. With the rising costs of entertainment, lighting, insurance and the essential arrangements that keep the event safe and welcoming, it takes a real community effort to make it happen.
We simply couldn’t do it without the generosity of our sponsors and supporters. Their contributions help bring the lights, laughter and festive magic to our streets—and allow families to enjoy a special evening together, free of charge.
A heartfelt thank you to every business, organisation and individual helping make this year’s festival possible.
Christmas Tree of light
See the Christmas Tree come to life with lights and the decorative street lighting glowing - join in the countdown!
Write your letter to Santa
Pop into the new Winter Festival Post Office and write your letter to Santa - be sure to add your name and address so he can reply!
Parade of Light & Santa's Grotto
See Santa arrive by narrow boat follow his light parade through town and meet him in person at the Black Lion
Street Market
Ellesmere comes alive with its own unique street market - including our Food & Drink dedicated area. Shop, Eat and Enjoy!
Family Entertainment
Experience the Festival with an all new stage full of seasonal entertainment & activities for all the family to enjoy
Independent Shopping
Ellesmere's Shops will be full to the brim with Christmas goodies and dont forget to vote for you're favourite window display.
Expect the Unexpected
Keep your eyes peeled for some surprise guests wandering around the town !
Help us bring the magic to life
Ellesmere Winter Festival is a free community event that brings thousands of people into the town to enjoy live entertainment, the lantern parade, Santa’s arrival, the enchanted grotto, late night shopping and family activities.
As the cost of staging a safe, welcoming festival continues to rise, support from local businesses, organisations and individuals has never been more important. Sponsorship helps cover everything from entertainment and performers to lighting, insurance, traffic management and essential event infrastructure.
Quite simply, the festival could not happen without the generosity of our sponsors and supporters.
We would like to sincerely thank all of our sponsors - every single penny counts and so does having the best locations for the event.
You can also do your part - our Winter Festival Raffle is a way that you can contribute towards the cost of the festival to ensure it continues next year and also gives you the opportunity to win some amazing prizes.
Make sure you get your tickets in the run up to the festival or on the night - the prizes will be drawn on Saturday 28th November. They are just £2 each.
You can buy them from shops and pubs across town that are supporting the Winter Festival and of course on the big night itself.
Contact us
If you are looking for more information or would like to be involved / volunteer to help then please contact