Cheshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spend-your-christmas-money-in-these-stylish-indie-boutiques"><a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/the-best-independent-womens-boutiques-in-cheshire/">Spend your Christmas money in these stylish indie boutiques</a></h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="906" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/09/IMG_3057-906x1024.jpg" alt="Tabernam Tarporley" class="wp-image-6082" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/09/IMG_3057-906x1024.jpg 906w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/09/IMG_3057-266x300.jpg 266w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/09/IMG_3057-768x868.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/09/IMG_3057.jpg 1179w" sizes="(max-width: 906px) 100vw, 906px" /></figure></div>


<p>If you’ve got Christmas money burning a stylish hole in your pocket, Betwixmas is prime time to swerve the high street and go boutique-hopping instead. Cheshire is blessed with a brilliant line-up of <a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/the-best-independent-womens-boutiques-in-cheshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">independent women’s stores</a>, from Wilmslow favourites Black White Denim and Blushing Susie to statement-loving Tabernam in Tarporley, vintage treasure troves like Walk the Line in Nantwich, and polished staples at Tuula and Abi Fisher. Chester’s Styled Boutique and the ever-reliable Edit (with multiple outposts) nail chic-for-less, while MOO BOU delivers capsule wardrobes straight to your door and Dress Cheshire serves up pre-loved designer dreams without the scary price tags. Perfect for sale-rail rummaging, wardrobe refreshing and treating yourself to something you’ll actually wear on repeat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-go-to-the-theatre">Go to the theatre</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/12/54979912999_c7da3b95b8_k-1024x683.jpg" alt="Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch The Lowry" class="wp-image-7538" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/12/54979912999_c7da3b95b8_k-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/12/54979912999_c7da3b95b8_k-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/12/54979912999_c7da3b95b8_k-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/12/54979912999_c7da3b95b8_k-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/12/54979912999_c7da3b95b8_k.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Over at&nbsp;Storyhouse&nbsp;in Chester, the building is aglow with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/beauty-and-the-beast/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23173850594&amp;gbraid=0AAAAApJHVFkUYlfnsME2cvrUNGL5w15DS&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA_8TJBhDNARIsAPX5qxTSRZeFNdHk5xWY2-Ta0HuCqMYu9tPDlZz_5r3Qi0Vu2fSobEldJIIaAi8DEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beauty and the Beast</a>&nbsp;(<strong>5 Dec 2025–4 Jan 2026</strong>), a gloriously warm and musical fairy-tale that makes for the perfect December treat. In Manchester, the&nbsp;Palace Theatre&nbsp;is powering through the season with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/tina-the-tina-turner-musical/palace-theatre-manchester/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TINA – The Tina Turner Musical</a><strong>&nbsp;</strong>(<strong>25 Nov–3 Jan</strong>), a glittering, high-energy hit parade with all her legendary tunes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;HOME Manchester&nbsp;is keeping things contemporary with&nbsp;<a href="https://homemcr.org/whats-on/freaky-friday-yhdl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Freaky Friday</a>&nbsp;(<strong>27 Nov–10 Jan</strong>), a witty, warm-hearted production based on Mary Rodgers’ beloved novel and the hit Disney film, that’s perfect if you’d rather swerve fairy tales for something punchier and modern.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Manchester’s epic&nbsp;Aviva Studios&nbsp;is going full festive fun with&nbsp;<a href="https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/shaun-the-sheeps-circus-show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show&nbsp;</a>(<strong>11 Dec–4 Jan</strong>). Expect acrobatics, silliness and heaps of Aardman charm — a brilliant choice for families or anyone who wants their theatre with a side of spectacle.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/09/54778909182_aacf210687_k-1024x683.jpg" alt="The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" class="wp-image-5967" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/09/54778909182_aacf210687_k-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/09/54778909182_aacf210687_k-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/09/54778909182_aacf210687_k-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/09/54778909182_aacf210687_k-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/09/54778909182_aacf210687_k.jpg 2047w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>And over at The Lowry in Salford, the programme is packed this winter. Step through the wardrobe into the snowy world of <a href="https://thelowry.com/whats-on/the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe-6crb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe </a>(<strong>3 Dec–11 Jan</strong>) or dive into the cheeky, sea-witchy chaos of Unfortunate: <a href="https://thelowry.com/whats-on/little-bear-and-the-christmas-lights-9p45" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch</a> (<strong>5 Dec–11 Jan</strong>). Families can feast on the colourful fun of <a href="https://thelowry.com/whats-on/the-enormous-crocodile-1k4r?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23209156786&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADGMtppLV5i7pK15tG5J1npe_Kz2k&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA55rJBhByEiwAFkY1QC-jUyV3oNMCiBq7EX3ErPYBKiq4JdjKV1F8zwSW05GkfF3bCXIN-xoC2hoQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical</a> (<strong>10 Dec–4 Jan</strong>), while younger theatre-goers have something sweet and sparkling in <a href="https://thelowry.com/whats-on/little-bear-and-the-christmas-lights-9p45" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Bear and the Christmas Lights</a> (<strong>28 Dec–4 Jan</strong>).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-a-bracing-walk-then-warm-up-in-the-pub"><a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/the-best-cheshire-pubs-with-fires/">Take a bracing walk (then warm up in the pub) </a></h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1004" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image5-1-1024x1004.jpeg" alt="Cholmondeley Arms" class="wp-image-1269" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image5-1-1024x1004.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image5-1-300x294.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image5-1-768x753.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image5-1.jpeg 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>Pubs in Cheshire are as ubiquitous as our county’s lush fields and villages but deciphering the great from the good is a tough job. And when it comes to winter, well, it’s all about how cosy they are inside. Have they got the low-slung beams, the creaky floors and that olde worlde feel where you want to lose yourself for a few hours? Most importantly, do they have roaring open fires to curl up beside with a large glass of red and an empty afternoon? The good news, my friends, is there are plenty. Head <a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/the-best-cheshire-pubs-with-fires/">here</a> for our round-up of the best Cheshire pubs with fires…</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-a-sauna-and-cold-water-dip"><a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing/wild-saunas-in-cheshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Take a sauna and cold water dip</a></h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/01/Photo-23-08-2023-17-05-56-2-683x1024.jpg" alt="Hawarden Estate sauna" class="wp-image-1931" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/01/Photo-23-08-2023-17-05-56-2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/01/Photo-23-08-2023-17-05-56-2-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/01/Photo-23-08-2023-17-05-56-2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/01/Photo-23-08-2023-17-05-56-2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/01/Photo-23-08-2023-17-05-56-2-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/01/Photo-23-08-2023-17-05-56-2-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure></div>


<p>If you’ve ever wondered what kind of woman voluntarily strips down beside a lake at 9 a.m. in Cheshire, the answer is: apparently, me. All the better with a Nordic-inspired sauna close by to warm the cockles and boost your circulation. And whilst wild saunas are definitely in their infancy here in and around Cheshire, there are a small collection offering a raw, elemental alternative to traditional spas. From lakeside heated sessions to wood-fired garden sanctuaries, <a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing/wild-saunas-in-cheshire/">here</a> we reveal a collection of invigorating outdoor sauna and cold-water experiences redefining the county’s wellness culture. Dive in&#8230;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-walk-an-enchanted-light-trail"><a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/the-best-christmas-lights-in-cheshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Walk an enchanted light trail</a></h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="734" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/11/Yuletide-2023-126-2-1024x734.jpg" alt="Yuletide at Tatton" class="wp-image-869" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/11/Yuletide-2023-126-2-1024x734.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/11/Yuletide-2023-126-2-300x215.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/11/Yuletide-2023-126-2-768x551.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/11/Yuletide-2023-126-2-1536x1101.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/11/Yuletide-2023-126-2-2048x1468.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>Glowing fireflies, winter witch goddesses and piles of marshmallows. Cheshire is packed with dazzling after-dark trails to spark all those festive feels. From Enchanted at Knowsley Safari to Yuletide at Tatton Park. Get the lowdown of the best Christmassy light trails in Cheshire <a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/spotlight/the-best-christmas-lights-in-cheshire/">here</a> running until the New Year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-head-to-aviva-studios-for-immersive-art">Head to Aviva Studios for immersive art</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/12/VOGUE_-Inventing-the-Runway-courtesy-of-Lightroom-LTRMsut_241108_Show3_4174comp-2-1024x683.jpg" alt=" VOGUE: Inventing the Runway  Aviva Studios" class="wp-image-7567" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/12/VOGUE_-Inventing-the-Runway-courtesy-of-Lightroom-LTRMsut_241108_Show3_4174comp-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/12/VOGUE_-Inventing-the-Runway-courtesy-of-Lightroom-LTRMsut_241108_Show3_4174comp-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/12/VOGUE_-Inventing-the-Runway-courtesy-of-Lightroom-LTRMsut_241108_Show3_4174comp-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/12/VOGUE_-Inventing-the-Runway-courtesy-of-Lightroom-LTRMsut_241108_Show3_4174comp-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/12/VOGUE_-Inventing-the-Runway-courtesy-of-Lightroom-LTRMsut_241108_Show3_4174comp-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>If you’re after something big and immersive, Aviva Studios presents the return of <a href="https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/david-hockney-bigger-and-closer-not-smaller-and-further-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Hockney: Bigger &amp; Closer</a> (<strong>16 Dec–11 Jan</strong>), after rave reviews and sold-out runs in London and Manchester. But one I’m really excited about is <a href="https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/vogue-inventing-the-runway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VOGUE: Inventing the Runway</a> (<strong>17 Dec-10 Jan</strong>) – an immersive experience narrated by Cate Blanchett and created in collaboration with Anna Wintour and Vogue editors. It’s a journey through the history of the fashion runway — from intimate early-20th-century couture salons to today’s unforgettable pop-culture spectacles — brought to life with Vogue’s archives, original animation, immersive sound, and a dynamic score blending classical and pop.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oh-yes-it-is-plenty-of-panto-still-on-the-cards">Oh yes it is! Plenty of panto still on the cards</h2>



<p>At&nbsp;Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre, a towering&nbsp;<a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/lyceum-theatre-crewe/en-GB/event/pantomime/jack-and-the-beanstalk-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jack and the Beanstalk</a>&nbsp;is taking over from&nbsp;<strong>Fri 12 Dec – Sun 4 Jan</strong>, complete with giants, jokes, good old-fashioned chaos and starring Jennifer Ellison.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Northwich is going full festive fever too.&nbsp;The Grange Theatre&nbsp;is tumbling headfirst into a snowy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thegrangetheatre.com/alice-in-winter-wonderland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alice in Winter Wonderland&nbsp;</a>(<strong>5 Dec–3 Jan</strong>), promising a whirlwind of magic, madness and the occasional talking flower. And if you’re craving a classic, glass-slipper moment,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.quaytickets.com/thebrindley/en-GB/shows/cinderella/events/5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cinderella</a>&nbsp;is arriving at&nbsp;The Brindley Theatre&nbsp;in Runcorn from&nbsp;<strong>Thurs</strong>&nbsp;<strong>11 Dec-Sun 11 Jan</strong>&nbsp;— the perfect chance to boo, hiss and cheer to your heart’s content.</p>



<p>Over in Manchester, things are getting seriously merry. <a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/robin-hood-pantomime/opera-house-manchester/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robin Hood</a> is shooting into the Opera House (<strong>6 Dec–4 Jan</strong>) with the brilliant Jason Manford leading the glitz and enough “he’s behind you!” moments to keep everyone on their toes. For something with a cheeky modern twist, <a href="https://contactmcr.com/events/rumpelstiltskin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rumpelstiltskin</a> is spinning trouble at the Contact Theatre from <strong>Thurs 11 Dec</strong>– <strong>Wed 31 Dec</strong>. And in Stockport, families can hop aboard a magic carpet as <a href="https://stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/aladdin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aladdin</a> lands at The Plaza (<strong>Fri</strong> <strong>5 Dec–Sun 4 Jan</strong>), lamp-polishing wishes and all.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing/wellbeing-in-cheshire/">Wellbeing in Cheshire 2026: Events, classes and activities for mind and body</a></li>



<li><a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/the-best-cheshire-pubs-with-fires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The best cosy cabins and cottages in Cheshire for a last-minute escape</a></li>



<li><a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/read/your-winter-reading-list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Your winter reading list</a></li>
</ul>


7 Things to Do During Betwixmas in Cheshire

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