Cheshire is buzzing with cultural treats and festive feels this December, making it a perfect destination for an outing one will remember. From belly-aching comedy to inspiring art exhibitions, from soul-stirring music to heartwarming films, there’s something to captivate every taste. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems as a local or want to explore the vibrant scene in Cheshire as a visitor, this curated guide will give center stage to the most exciting events happening across the region.
Having enjoyed years of uncovering the best events, we bring you recommendations celebrating the artistry, talent, and joy found in Cheshire. Explore this month’s highlights and let us guide you to experiences that will enrich your December.
Top Things to Do in Cheshire this December
COMEDY
Ha! Milton Jones
Dates: 6 December
Venue: Lyceum Theatre Crewe
This is not a musical. Milton Jones is tone deaf and has no sense of rhythm, but at least he doesn’t make a song and dance about it. He has more important things to discuss. Like giraffes… and there’s a bit about tomatoes. You might know him from Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo or Radio 4. Or that time he stood for the Scottish National Party, fought a hard campaign, but in the end had to respect the wishes of the people of Cardiff.
ART
Ian Irvine
Dates: Until 19 January 2025
Venue: Warrington Museum
An experienced artist who started his creative journey in Warrington 50 years ago will be returning to his roots with a new exhibition. Ian Irvine was just 16 when he started a two-year foundation course at the former Warrington College of Art and Design back in 1974.
So it will be a full circle moment for the artist when he brings his show, Visual Cocktails, to Warrington Museum five decades after he stepped foot in the old college just across the road, featuring collages influenced by the original Surrealist movement of the 1920s and 1930s.
View at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery
Shadows and Light
Dates: 19 December
Venue: The Grosvenor Museum
Art School 2024 at The Grosvenor Museum presents Charcoal Drawing: Shadows and Light. Join local artist and heritage worker India Hackett for a fun and informal evening of creativity. Join the museum once a month to explore their collections through a different lens and learn some technical artistic skills along the way. Semi-guided sessions blend exploration, learning, and the joy of stepping out of your comfort zone.
View tickets at West Cheshire Museums
MUSIC
Rick Astley
Dates: 20 December
Venue: Bridgewater Hall
Get ready to swing into Christmas! Multimillion selling global star Rick Astley has announced a very special big band tour this December performing swing and festive classics. This tour follows Rick’s lifelong passion for the golden age of big band and swing. He’ll be performing festive classics in stunning venues capturing the magic of the season. In 2022, Rick’s first “Swinging Christmas” shows made his dream of performing these classics a reality.
Get your tickets at the Bridgewater Hall
Midge Ure
Dates: 7 December
Venue: M&S Bank Arena Liverpool
Having celebrated his 70th birthday with a sold out show at the historic Royal Albert Hall in October 2023, Midge is keen to continue the celebration of his life with a new UK tour in December. The tour will give Midge the opportunity to showcase the musical breadth and versatility of his extensive song catalogue written during the past 50 years; giving old and new fans alike a truly remarkable night of hits and rarely heard gems.
Book at M&S Bank Arena Liverpool
FILM
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Dates: 8 December
Venue: Bridgewater Hall
Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film will feature a screening of the complete film with the musical score performed live to the film. The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Gonzo, as Dickens, narrates the story with the help of Rizzo the Rat. The film also features Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig, and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim.
Get tickets at the Bridgewater Hall
Mufasa: The Lion King
Dates: 20 December
Venue: Various
The perfect Christmas warm up… Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka – the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny.
