STEP back in time and into Christmas at the Lion Salt Works this December.

Reindeer, steam engines and a choir will be part of the noisy and warm welcome to visitors to the museum’s fifth year of Christmas celebrations, taking place on December 14 and 15.

The magical festive weekend at the historic site near Northwich is full of exciting events aimed to appeal to the whole family, including meeting the most important visitors of all – Father Christmas and his reindeer.

In addition, during the free weekend, where will be free craft activities for children, bell ringers and Morris dancing.

On Saturday, December 14, children can visit Father Christmas in his Winter Wonderland Grotto in the museum’s Butterfly Garden by following the fairy lights.

Northwich Guardian:

To receive a gift and ‘reindeer dust’ costs £3 per child, and younger visitors are encouraged to bring any letters they want to share with Father Christmas.

Tickets are available from reception on the day, with Father Christmas and his reindeer on site between 1pm and 5pm.

Historic steam engines will be available courtesy of Clive Hearsey and local steam enthusiasts. The machines will be in full steam during Saturday with owners available to talk about their engines.

On display will be two Burrell double clutch compound speed locos, 'Lady Louise’ and 'Alexander', as well as ‘Bessie’ – a scale model tractor engine.

Throughout the weekend, free family craft activities will be available in the spectacular setting of the Thompson suite, where children will be able to make a wide range of traditional items, such as Christmas cards and paper chain decorations as well as writing letters to Father Christmas.

There will be festive story-telling in the specially-constructed ‘Story Box’ in the manager’s office.

Northwich Guardian:

Over the weekend, carol singers from the Rivendell Choir will be getting everyone into the Christmas spirit by singing traditional carols and there will be a festive performances by the Middlewich Bell Ringers and Northwich Morris Dancers at the works.

Christmas shoppers can enjoy browsing in the museum shop, which features gifts such as a new contemporary jewellery collection, bags, books and some special items made from rock salt.

The café's offering includes its Christmas speciality Winter Gingerbread latte, overlooking the play area.

Lisa Harris, director of place strategy at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “This year’s Christmas Event at the Lion Salt Works Museum will be even bigger and better than before.

"This is a wonderful line-up of activities and almost all of it will be available free.

"I hope that everyone takes the opportunity of coming along to this wonderfully atmospheric site and joining in the festive spirit.”