A christmas wreath hanging on the edge of a christmas market stall

Feedback invited on Christmas Events

Knutsford Town Council is inviting residents and visitors to share their views on this year’s Christmas events as part of a survey aimed at improving festive celebrations in 2026.

The survey is open now and seeks input from all those who attended this year’s Christmas festivities, whether that was the Knutsford Christmas Lights Switch On, Knutsford Christmas Market or the Knutsford Community Crib Service.

The feedback will help the Council better understand what worked well, how the new event layout and separate dates were received, and where improvements can be made to enhance the visitor experience in future years.

Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green said “Our Christmas events are an important part of Knutsford’s festive calendar and a highlight for many families and visitors. Hearing directly from those who joined us this season will ensure we continue to develop and refine these celebrations in ways that reflect the wishes of our community and visitors alike.”

As a thank-you for taking part, respondents will be entered into a prize draw to win a £20 Knutsford Voucher, redeemable at a range of shops and restaurants in the town centre.

The survey closes on 16th January 2026 and it can be accessed at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/survey

Knutsford Town Council is committed to listening and responding to the views of the community, helping to make Knutsford an even better place to live, work and visit.

Cranford Cafe wins best Christmas Window!

Knutsford’s annual Christmas Window Competition, hosted by Knutsford Town Council, has once again brought seasonal cheer to the town centre.

The annual competition is judged by the Town Mayor alongside Ian Cass, Managing Director of the Forum of Private Business which also sponsors the annual Knutsford Town Awards. Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley and Ian toured the town centre to view all the window displays created by local businesses.

This year the winner was Cranford Café with their handmade window art created by manager Ian Whiteside. In second place was The Blind Pig for their painted window and decorated outdoor area. In third place was NaturalMat for their nature inspired festive display created inhouse from foraged materials.

The overall winner was presented with a trophy and certificate with 2nd Place and 3rd Place certificates going to the runners up. Certificates were also presented for best small window and best charity shop window.

The best small window award went to Morgan Edwards for their lush wreath display. Children’s Adventure Farm Trust won best charity shop window for their fun colourful display.

  • Second Prize, The Blind Pig, L to R - Adam Hilton The Blind Pig, Knutsford Mayor, Lauren Lavin The Blind Pig, Ian Cass, Forum of Private Businesses
    Second Prize, The Blind Pig, L to R – Adam Hilton The Blind Pig, Knutsford Mayor, Lauren Lavin The Blind Pig, Ian Cass, Forum of Private Businesses
  • Third Prize, Naturalmat LtoR, Ian Cass Forum of Private Business, Faye Ravenscroft, NaturalMat, Knutsford Mayor, Jessvinder Gill, Naturalmat
    Third Prize, Naturalmat LtoR, Ian Cass Forum of Private Business, Faye Ravenscroft, NaturalMat, Knutsford Mayor, Jessvinder Gill, Naturalmat
  • Best Small Window Morgan Edwards Fine Wines and Spirits L to R - Ian Cass, Forum of Private Business, Morgan Ward, Morgan Edwards Fine Wines, and Knutsford Mayor
    Best Small Window Morgan Edwards Fine Wines and Spirits L to R – Ian Cass, Forum of Private Business, Morgan Ward, Morgan Edwards Fine Wines, and Knutsford Mayor
  • Best Charity Shop Window, CAFT L to R Ian Cass, Forum of Private Business, Angie Greenway Caft Crew, Stephen Leigh, Volunteer, Knutsford Town Mayor
    Best Charity Shop Window, CAFT L to R Ian Cass, Forum of Private Business, Angie Greenway Caft Crew, Stephen Leigh, Volunteer, Knutsford Town Mayor

Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley said, ”Once again, the Christmas windows across our town centre have been nothing short of spectacular. It’s clear how much creativity, care, and hard work have gone into each display, with many business owners dedicating countless hours to bring a little extra magic to our streets. Every shop should feel incredibly proud of their contribution to the festive atmosphere that makes our town so special at this time of year.”

“Choosing the winners this year was no easy task. Each display reflected such effort and imagination, so the awards were decided by looking closely at both the craftsmanship and the overall festive impact. Congratulations to all our winners, and a heartfelt thank-you to every business for bringing such joy and Christmas spirit to our community.”

Pictured

Photos by Knutsford Town Council        

Photo 1 : First Prize, Cranford Café, L to R Phil Crook Cranford Cafe, Melanie Potts Cranford Cafe, Cllr Bryan Hartley, Sophie Ranfield Cranford Cafe, Ian Whiteside Cranford Cafe, Scarlet Squire Cranford Café and Kismet Singh Cranford Café.

Photo 2 : Second Prize, The Blind Pig, L to R – Adam Hilton The Blind Pig, Knutsford Mayor, Lauren Lavin The Blind Pig, Ian Cass, Forum of Private Businesses

Photo 3: Third Prize, Naturalmat LtoR, Ian Cass Forum of Private Business, Faye Ravenscroft, NaturalMat, Knutsford Mayor, Jessvinder Gill, Naturalmat

Photo 4 Best Small Window Morgan Edwards Fine Wines and Spirits L to R – Ian Cass, Forum of Private Business, Morgan Ward, Morgan Edwards Fine Wines, and Knutsford Mayor

Photo 5  Best Charity Shop Window, CAFT L to R Ian Cass, Forum of Private Business, Angie Greenway Caft Crew, Stephen Leigh, Volunteer, Knutsford Town Mayor

Elves, Santa and Knutsford Mayor, Cllr Bryan Hartley at Knutsford Light Switch On

Knutsford kicks off Christmas with festive lights switch on

Knutsford welcomed the start of the festive season on Saturday 15th November, as the town centre came alive with the annual Christmas Lights Switch On and Santa Parade. Residents and visitors gathered to enjoy an afternoon of festive entertainment, marking the official beginning of Christmas in Knutsford.

From 4pm, the build-up to the switch-on featured a vibrant programme of performances from Knutsford’s local primary schools, SMB Dance, and musician Ben Tavill, who entertained the growing crowds ahead of Santa’s arrival. After the Christmas lights were switched on, local band Instant Vintage took to the stage with a lively set of festive hits.

The Grinch and Elf on the Shelf at Knutsford Light Switch On
The Grinch and Elf on the Shelf at Knutsford Light Switch On
Santa and an Elf starting the parade.
Santa and an Elf starting the parade.

Organised by Knutsford Town Council, this year’s lights were switched on by Knutsford Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley who was joined by Father Christmas, The Grinch, Elf on the Shelf and Knutsford Royal May Queen, Jemma Woolf to the delight of children and families. The switch-on followed a Santa Parade, led by the City of Chester Brass Band, with Santa greeting children along the way.

In a change from previous years, the Christmas Lights Switch On was separated from the Knutsford Christmas Market to create a more spacious and enjoyable environment for families.

Local resident Clare, who attended with her family, praised the new format, saying “it was much more pleasant and much safer. Previous years’ crowds have been awful, with young children getting squashed and prams unable to move. We actually got close to the stage to see one of our children dancing, which was a real bonus. I hope they do the same next year.”

Event Manager Laura Phillipson added: “We’re grateful to everyone who joined us to kick off Christmas in Knutsford. The new format helped create a calmer and more enjoyable atmosphere, and we’ll keep building on that as we plan future events. It’s wonderful to see the community embracing the celebrations and supporting our performers, traders and volunteers.”

Festivities will continue later this month as Princess Street, King Street and Silk Mill Street host the popular Knutsford Christmas Markets on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November. The markets will showcase Cheshire’s finest artisan stalls, festive gifts and decorations, and a wide selection of high-quality food traders.

Visitors can look forward to highlights including John Collins Funfair outside the Lost & Found on Princess Street, a dedicated food trader section on Silk Mill Street, an array of artisan gift and food stalls and some festive street entertainment.

The Christmas Lights Switch On was generously sponsored by Piccolino, while this year’s Christmas tree has been sponsored by Speedy Freight.

Knutsford Town Council looks forward to welcoming everyone back for another magical festive weekend as the town continues its countdown to Christmas.

A christmas wreath hanging on the edge of a christmas market stall

Christmas in Knutsford Returns with Extended Festive Season for 2025

Knutsford is preparing to sparkle once again as the town’s much-loved festive celebrations return this November — with a few exciting changes for 2025!

This year, the Christmas season kicks off slightly earlier, with the Christmas Light Switch-On and Santa Parade taking place on Saturday 15th November, two weeks ahead of the Christmas Market weekend.

The change aims to extend the Christmas shopping period for Knutsford’s town centre businesses and help manage the high visitor numbers both events attract.

Christmas Light Switch-On & Parade – Saturday 15th November | 4pm – 7pm

Festivities begin at 4pm in Canute Place, where Silk FM will host an evening of live entertainment featuring local school choirs and musicians. Families can also enjoy the CAFT Christmas Grotto and a small selection of food and drink traders offering seasonal treats.

At 6pm, the Santa Parade will set off from outside The Lost & Found, travelling along Princess Street towards Canute Place. The evening will reach its festive peak at 6.30pm, when the Mayor of Knutsford, joined by special guests, will switch on the town’s beautiful Christmas lights to officially mark the start of the season.

Knutsford Christmas Market – Saturday 29th November |12 noon – 5pm, Sunday 30th November  | 11am – 4pm

The ever-popular Knutsford Christmas Market returns for a full weekend of festive shopping and family fun. This year’s market will be bigger than ever, with traders spread across Princess Street, King Street, and Silk Mill Street.

Visitors can browse a wonderful variety of artisanal food and drink, handmade crafts, and unique gift ideas from some of Cheshire’s finest independent makers. Live entertainment will fill the streets throughout the weekend, and Silk Mill Street will host an array of hot food traders, perfect for grabbing a festive bite while enjoying the atmosphere.

Santa’s Grotto – Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November

Bring the magic of Christmas to life for your little ones with a visit to Santa’s Grotto, kindly hosted by Knutsford Methodist Church.

  • Saturday: 11am – 3pm
  • Sunday: 12pm – 3pm

Children will receive a special Christmas treat.

Knutsford Town Council invites everyone to experience the charm of the town during this extended festive period. From the dazzling lights and live music to artisan shopping and seasonal street food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For full event details and updates, visit www.discoverknutsford.com/events or follow @KnutsfordTownCouncil and @DiscoverKnutsford on social media.

The crib near Lost and Found at Christmas

Mayor’s Christmas Message from Cllr Peter Coan

Throughout this year I have been continually humbled by the passion and generosity of our community. We are a resilient and strong town, and I want to thank everyone for their community spirit and kindness. That’s what sets this place apart and makes Knutsford such a fantastic place to live.

As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, we know this year will bring particular challenges for families trying to cope with the increased cost of living and rising fuel bills. Internationally, many face even more daunting conditions. We should all embrace the Christmas message of Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all Mankind.

Christmas is also about celebrating a message of hope for a brighter future.

I would like to extend my personal thanks and greetings to those who continue to look after us, and keep us safe, particularly throughout the festive period – Police, health staff, Fire Service, and carers. Thank you, for all, that you do.

A special thanks to the many wonderful people across our network of voluntary organisations, who give their time and effort to bring cheer to those who’s Christmas can be particularly difficult or lonely.

Without this fantastic network of our voluntary organisations, life would be so much poorer in Knutsford and they deserve our support for their work in the community.

As Mayor I am honoured to have met so many inspiring people this year.

As I look forward to 2024 it’s with a renewed sense of love and appreciation for all those family, friends, and colleagues that I am so lucky to have around me. I simply couldn’t do it without you all.

May Christmas be a time of good cheer, companionship, and celebration, for you, and those you love.

I would like to wish you all, a very happy and healthy Christmas and a peaceful and positive New Year. And as we encounter our townsfolk take a moment to smile at each other.  

The Town Mayor wears a santa hat and mayoral chain in front of a group of local traders

It’s a wrap on town centre Christmas countdown

Counting down to Christmas this year was a special virtual advent calendar featuring an assortment of local independent businesses.

The shop local advent calendar was published daily on the Town Council’s social media with each video promoting what you can find in Knutsford Town Centre, from the latest children’s toys at Hal Whittaker to Georg Jensen champagne coolers from Serenity Designs. Each video aimed to put on display what shoppers can find in the shops on their doorstep and encourage people to think local first.

Speaking in the final video, released on Christmas Eve, Mayor of Knutsford Cllr Stewart Gardiner thanked the town for supporting local businesses He said “We have a fantastic group of independent traders here in Knutsford who give the town its character; thank you for supporting them through the pandemic, throughout 2021 and we all hope you continue to shop here in knutsford in 2022”

The campaign was one of a number of initiatives developed by outgoing Town Centre and Marketing Officer, Sandra Curties, as part of the Town Council’s commitment to supporting the town centre and local business. The council is currently recruiting for a new Town Centre and Marketing Officer, so if you have ideas you think could help drive footfall to Knutsford why not apply for the role.

Here’s the final video, view the rest on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

a man stands in a window holding a small santa

Hunt is on for Santa

Children are being urged to look out for Santa this Christmas, as he has been seen hiding in shop windows. Santa in the Shop is a new festive trail running throughout advent – from 1st to 24th December.

The Santa in the Shop trail is brand new for 2021, with families encouraged to find a Santa (along with a festive message or Christmas Cracker joke) hidden in twelve of Knutsford shop’s Christmas windows.  Entry forms can be picked up from Knutsford Library, Market Hall, Council Offices, and selected shops. When completed, the form can be dropped off at Santa’s special post box in Little Waitrose. All correctly completed forms will be entered into a prize draw with the winners announced in early January.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre and Marketing Officer at Knutsford Town Council said: “This is a sweet and easy trail for Christmas, a great way of exploring our beautiful town and enjoying the Christmas lights and festive windows.  We hope families enjoy spotting our little Santas!”

If visiting the town centre by car do not forget there is free parking on Saturday 4th December 11th December and 18th December from 10 am in Silk Mill, King and Princess Street car parks.