19 things to do in the Chester area this weekend

1. The Snowman at Chester Cathedral

The perfect Christmas entertainment for all the family returns to Chester Cathedral on Saturday when Carrot Productions bring the much-loved film The Snowman to the big screen, accompanied by a live 26-piece professional orchestra. The memorable solo of Walking in the Air at the heart of the movie will be performed by a young soloist, chosen from among the Cathedral choristers. There are three performances, at noon, 2.15pm and 7pm. For booking details visit chestercathedral.com/event/the-snowman.

2. Dick Whittington

Tip Top Productions present Dick Whittington at the Forum Studio Theatre in Hamilton Place in Chester at 11am and 2.30pm on Saturday and at 1pm and 5pm on Sunday. Tip Top Productions have been celebrating Christmas in Pantoland since 1996. This year it has launched its first professional company of performers. Join them for Peter Swingler’s 33rd pantomime and as always it’s been written especially for local audiences of all ages. Make yourselves comfortable as we follow a young man and his cat on the road to fame and fortune. Featuring everything you have come to love about the Tip Top pantomime - silly comic, daft dame in outrageous frocks, a talking cat, custard pies, and much more. Adults £10, concessions £9, family ticket £34. Call 01244 341296 or visit www.tiptopproductions.co.uk.

3. Tom Jarvis in concert

Chester-based singer-songwriter Tom Jarvis in concert at Chester Music Theatre in Boughton, Chester, on Saturday with support from Cally Rhodes.

4. The Mince Pie Murders

Chester Theatre Club Youth Theatre presents The Mince Pie Murders at the Uniting Church in Garden Lane at 2.30pm on Saturday. Free but donations to cover production costs are gratefully received.

5. Christmas Music

Chester Ladies Choir presents An Evening Of Christmas Music at 7.30pm at Wesley Methodist Church, St John Street in Chester on Saturday. Tickets £8 on the door.

6. Mayor's Christmas fair

The Mayor of Ellesmere Port, Cllr Lynn Clare, is inviting everyone to her Christmas Fair between 10am and 1pm at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall on Saturday. There will be a wide range of stalls available selling everything for Christmas including jewellery, knitted crafts and candles plus a visit from Father Christmas.

7. Can't Wait For Christmas

Chester Operatic Society present Can’t Wait for Christmas at St Mary’s Without-the-Walls at 7.30pm on Saturday. A festive concert presented by Chester Operatic Society with seasonal selection of Christmas carols both traditional and new, plus a selection of uplifting and toe-tapping festive songs. Tickets £10 including light refreshments. Call 01244 375662 or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/chesteroperatic.

8. Christmas Tree Festival

Hamilton Street Methodist Church will be holding its ninth Christmas Tree Festival on Saturday and Sunday. This is a community event and there is no charge to tree exhibitors or visitors. Any donations received will be given to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd and Claire House Hospice. Visit www.hoolemethodistchurch.org.uk for details.

9. Christmas at St Michael's

Christmas at St Michael's at Chester History and Heritage, St Michael's Church, from 11am-3pm on Saturday. Join them for carols, mince pies, hundreds of photographs to browse through including a special display of Chester in winter. Admission free.

10. The Ugly Duckling

Northumberland Theatre Company present The Ugly Duckling by Neil Duffield in Kelsall Methodist Hall at 3.30pm on Saturday. It is a funny and heart-warming story for all the family, packed with song, dance and visual treats about growing up and finding your own identity, and a mother’s struggle to protect her children or let them go! The performance is promoted by KADRAS (Kelsall and District Rural Amenities Society) in conjunction with the Cheshire Rural Touring Arts initiative. Tickets priced at £4 for children (up to age 14) and £8 for adults and are available from 01829 751031.

11. Cinderella - The Panto With Soul

Cinderella - The Panto With Soul by Peter Rowe in the Anthony Hopkins Theatre at Theatr Clwyd at 2pm and 7pm on Saturday. A heady cocktail of traditional panto, laced with a string of smash hits – rock ‘n’ roll, soul and pop favourites – all played live by a multi-talented cast of 10 actor/musicians. A Wicked Stepmother, Ugly Sisters, Prince Charming and a beautiful slipper are the catalyst for lashings of audience participation, a bundle of laughs and a generous helping of slapstick, mixed with all the traditional ingredients that make up the best in festive fun and served up with more than 20 classic hits including Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?, It’s Raining Men and Try a Little Tenderness. Tickets £23-£14. Call 01352 701521 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.

12. Christmas Wreath Festival

Christmas Wreath Festival 10am-2pm at Upton United Reformed Church on Heath Road on Saturday and Sunday. Groups, clubs and shops are among many of the organisations represented, each making a wreath decorated in their own style to celebrate Christmas. Refreshments will be available. Entry is free and all donations are for The Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

13. Lights 'n' Lantern Parade

Neston Lights 'n' Lantern Parade through the town centre from 6-8pm on Saturday. Children from local schools will parade through the town with their handmade lanterns followed by the switch on of the Christmas lights and musical entertainment.

14. How The Other Half Loves

Upton Dramatic Society present How The Other Half Loves, a play by Alan Ayckbourn, at Upton Village Hall in Heath Road on Saturday. Doors open 7pm, curtain up 7.30pm. Tickets from Uptondrama.co.uk or contact 01244 382174. The play is directed by Ian Hughes. Proceeds to the Fibromyalgia Association UK.

15. Tarvin Christmas Festival

Tarvin Christmas Festival and Street Market in the High Street from 5-9pm on Saturday. Father Christmas will be in his grotto, there will be craft and food stalls and music by The Sue Reid Trio.

16. Victorian Christmas

Victorian Christmas at Lion Salt Works in Ollershaw Lane from 10.30am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Call 01606 275040 or visit www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk.

17. Biker Down Course

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Biker Down course for motorcyclists on Sunday. Biker Down is a free training course run by bikers for bikers and offers people the chance to learn practical skills to help avoid being involved in a crash, as well as essential first-aid training and advice on what to do should they find themselves first on the scene of a crash where someone is injured. The course will be held at the service’s headquarters in Sadler Road, Winsford. The courses are extremely popular and places are limited, so book early by emailing frances.egerton@cheshirefire.gov.uk or call 01606 868295.

18. Santa Dash

Santa Dash through the city centre streets from 10am on Sunday. Fun race around the city with participants dressed as Santa, raising funds for the Babygrow Appeal at the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Hospice of the Good Shepherd. Entry free £15.

19. Christmas Concert For VSO

Christmas concert in aid of the VSO at Chester Town Hall at 7pm on Sunday featuring A Handbag of Harmonies and Il Coro Calycanthus do Treviglio from Italy. All proceeds will go to Voluntary Service Overseas. Tickets £10, under 16s £5. Call 01244 318913.