Tarporley Garden Centre prepares for festive opening weekend
Santa will officially open this year's Christmas department on October 3, with live entertainment and seasonal activities planned across the weekend.
By Chester Standard
Christmas will arrive in Tarporley next month when the town’s garden centre launches its seasonal department with a two-day celebration.
The opening weekend will take place on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, with families invited to visit the centre as its festive displays are unveiled for 2026.
Santa will make an appearance to officially open the department at 9am on Saturday, while the first 50 groups through the doors will receive a golden ticket which can be exchanged for a free Christmas bauble.
Live festive music and seasonal food and drink will also feature during the weekend.
The launch marks the beginning of Tarporley Garden Centre’s Christmas programme, with displays covering decorations, lighting, artificial trees, gifts and winter plants.
This year’s department will include an expanded Fern Christmas and Lighting collection, alongside toys, games, puzzles and homeware.
Family Card members will receive a 15% discount across the Christmas range during the opening weekend.
Centre manager James Beattie said the aim was to create an occasion families could enjoy together rather than simply marking the arrival of the Christmas retail season.
The Cotebrook centre is part of the British Garden Centres group, which is running its festive programme under the theme “Where Magic Begins” this year.
Further activities are planned in the run-up to Christmas, with bookings also opening for festive dining and Santa experiences at the centre.
The Christmas department will remain open throughout the festive season following the October launch.