Traders already signed up for Chester Christmas market this year include a fudge maker, a cheese maker, a hat seller and a micro brewery.

Taking place on Town Hall Square, outside the city’s historic cathedral, this year’s event will run from Thursday, November 19 until Sunday, December 20, a week longer than last year.

The market will be open seven days a week from 10am-6pm from Sunday to Wednesday with late night shopping on Thursdays until 8pm and until 7pm on Friday and Saturday.

Building on the success of previous years, the Christmas Market, delivered by Marketing Cheshire, is committed to involving local companies and producers.

Traders that have already signed up from Cheshire, Wirral and North Wales include Middlewich based Ultimate Fudge Co, Orsom Cheese, of Nantwich, The Hat Place of Chester and Llangollen Brewery.

Even the wooden chalets themselves are built by craftsmen at Beaver Log Cabins in Northwich.

Marketing manager Anna Roberts said: “The Christmas market is a fantastic opportunity for local companies to showcase the very best of what they have to offer, and make the most of the thousands of visitors that visit Chester for its unique Christmas experience.

“We also have an outstanding programme of Christmas events on offer in addition to the market offering something for everyone so it really is a chance not to be missed.”

Companies interested in taking a chalet at the Christmas markets can email christmasmarket@marketingcheshire.co.uk.

Other Christmas events in Chester:

Lantern Magic event at Chester Zoo

Lantern Magic at Chester Zoo
Lantern Magic at Chester Zoo

A magical trail through the zoo and a chance to make your own lantern.

Cheshire Oaks Christmas Late Night Shopping until 9pm weekdays : November 2 - December 24

Late Night shopping in Chester City Centre: Thursdays from November 19

Christmas tree switch on at Cheshire Oaks: November 12

The 90ft tree at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
The 90ft tree at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

Father Christmas Story Time at Chester Zoo: November 16- December 24

Wild Winter Experience at Chester Zoo: November 16-December 20

Chester Christmas Parade: November 19

A family friendly Christmas parade through the city centre themed around the 12 Days of Christmas leaving from the Town Hall Northgate Street at 7pm.

Lantern Parade: November 26

Children carry hand made lanterns in the Chester parade

School children parade through the streets of Chester with handmade lanterns at 7pm from the Town Hall

Winter Watch Parade: December 10 & 17

The Victorian cooks in the Winter Watch parade Chester 2014

Karamba Samba as the ‘ghost band’ lead a fun parade of skeletons, Christmas cooks, angels and devils as they celebrate the winter solstice. Dating from the 1400s, artists and community groups celebrate the time when the city leaders would hand over the keys to the city watch. From 7pm.

The Snowman: December 5

The Snowman is making a return visit to Chester Cathedral, following on from the acclaimed sell-out performances last year. The timeless film will be shown on a large screen accompanied by a live, professional orchestra. Showings at 12pm, 2pm & 7pm.

Saturnalia Parade: December 17

The Saturnalia parade in Chester 2014
Deva Vitrix legion parade through Chester for the Saturnalia

Chester is back under Roman control for the night as the Roman legion lights up the streets with a torch-lit parade to celebrate the feast of Saturn.