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We have a compiled a list of all the dazzling pantomimes and Christmas shows happening this festive season in and around Cheshire.

Cheshire is about to become a land of merriment, why not pick up a host of magical gifts at local markets, fairs and shopping events?

The Christmas lights switch-on marks the start of the festive period in the centre of our towns and villages, We’ve compiled a list of what’s happening in your area.

We’ve compiled a guide of top tips from culinary experts to help you with your festive feast.

You may not find a partridge in a pear tree in every local store but you’re almost guaranteed a festive shopping experience with a personal touch, writes Janet Reeder. Here, in no particular order, are 12 of her favourite Cheshire shops,

Take a break from your festive shopping or the Christmas markets in Manchester and indulge in an afternoon of eating and drinking.

Musical events and carols singing for all the family.

Thousands of deprived children in Cheshire and Manchester wake up to a sack of toys on Christmas morning, thanks to one special Knutsford couple. Rebekka O’Grady met them to find out more.

Take a look at some of the finest hampers available in the county.

The festive season is all about spending time with your loved ones, and that includes your furry friends to. We have selected five of the best pubs in Cheshire that welcome you and your dog.

Turkey, sprouts, cheese and even Christmas pudding, these recipes will make sure that none of your Christmas food goes to waste.

We’ve selected 12 Christmas inspired cocktails to help you celebrate the festivities in style.

Once a rocking horse was the ultimate status symbol Christmas toy. Rebekka O’Grady visits a Moreton craftsman

El Gato Negro, Manchester share their festive drink with a Spanish touch.

This festive season we’re exploring the hidden corners of Manchester to find you the best independent places to eat, drink and shop.

You can ease the guilt of the Christmas food binge with one of these salads to accompany your meal.

So you haven’t had time to bake a cake months in advance and then remember to soak it with alcohol at regular intervals. Don’t worry, as this simple recipe by Booths will make sure you can have your cake and eat it too.

Paper Salad in Romiley have designs on success, writes Mairead Mahon. Put them on your Christmas card list

Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s Katie Piercy explores ways to have a greener Christmas, without costing the earth

Look no further; this is a guide to places where you can buy real Christmas trees in and around Cheshire.

Make use of those Christmas Day sprouts with with easy to make dish

Ditch the turkey sandwiches and try out this recipe that makes use of two ingredients you will have in abundance over Christmas. Turkey and Stilton

Send your man to a lingerie boutique for your perfect Christmas gift, writes Carl Nagaitis. And he’s not talking about the sexy black and red stuff

Crackers are not just for Christmas for Macclesfield’s Jan Sleath. She’s making a business from bespoke cracker creations, writes Heidi Nagaitis

He’s a superstar chef so who better to ask about how to tackle the Christmas feast than the Midland Hotel’s Simon Rogan? Words by Janet Reeder

Christmasses come and go but happy memories remain. Cheshire’s high fliers remember toys they have cherished. Words by Janet Reeder

Get into the festive spirit by trying one of these cocktail recipes at home

Alderley Edge is a location sprinkled with enchantment especially at this time of the year when the Christmas lights are twinkling, the bars and restaurants are buzzing and there’s a sense that this is a special place to be.

Coral McCloud looks back at Christmas tree from the last century to inspire the retro look

Chester is a busy city all year round, with packed programmes of cultural, historic, theatrical and artistic events held in venues across the city. These are 12 of the best on the diary for December.

Treat yourself this Christmas with a boozy bake from Liverpool Cake Company. Words by Rebekka O’Grady

The Liverpool Cake Company share their delightful, boozy festive recipe for 24 cupcakes

BBC 5Live presenter Rachel Burden lives just outside Knutsford with her husband and three children. She explains how family and food - and lots of it - is what makes her Christmas special

Looking for superb local food to impress diners this Christmas? The Hollies Farm Shop in Little Budworth is the place to go

The festive season is a great time to enjoy viewing flocks of birds, large and small. Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s Tom Marshall grabs a front row seat

Arley Hall has been in the loving keeping of the Warburton family since 1470 and, as you’d expect, looks simply glorious at Christmas.

Janet Reeder gets into the festive spirit on a visit to a small town with some big attractions

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a turkey. We went to a small farm on the Wirral which spends half the year catering for our one day of gluttony

For the angelic choristers of Chester Cathedral, Christmas means a busy programme of song...and the presents must wait!

A cocktail puts the fizz into any party. Award-winning bartender Urcino Garcia Hernandez of Francs in Chester has created this delicious cocktail for Cheshire Life