Looking for family-friendly festivities? We've got Christmas with the kids in Manchester wrapped up.
If you're trying avoid the panicked midnight Google of 'Father Christmas Near Me' this Christmas, then you're in luck.
We've scoured Manchester, Stockport and Cheshire for the best Xmas days out with the kids. Whether you're looking for toddler-friendly Christmas light shows or teen-approved markets, we've got your Christmas family day out, wrapped up.
Discover the best family-friendly events in Manchester for Christmas 2024.
Skate Manchester
Cathedral Gardens
8 November 2024 - 1 January 2025
Tickets from £10
Cathedral Garden's will once again be hosting Skate Manchester's covered ice rink. With a central location, plenty of Christmas tunes and skate aids available, it's perfect for kids over three.
The Twilight Trail
17 November - 31 December
Tickets from £9
The Twilight Trail is an enchanting winter light show packed with immersive installations and a magical soundscape. While the trail takes around half an hour to complete, you can pop by Freight Island for a drink and a bite to eat afterwards.
Father Christmas Cruise
Salford Quays
23 November - 23 December
Tickets from £3
All aboard! This year discover a magical grotto cruise. Take in the views of Manchester's historic ship canal with a glass of mulled wine while the kids get to meet Father Christmas. With plenty of family-friendly games and activities to keep you busy, this one will book up fast.
Yuletide: Tatton Park Gardens
Tatton Park Gardens
24 November - 23 December
Tickets from £12
Bring the family to the wild, glittering world of Tatton Park Gardens this Christmas. Expect an incredible illuminated trail, where winter witch goddesses have captured the moon and sun and shapeshifting snow hares play tricks on us all. Visit the heart of Yuletide, keeping warm as you dance to wild folk bands, crown your family’s ‘Lord of Misrule’ and gather around the fire for wondrous tales.
Indoor Snow Park
From £15
From thrill-filled sledging to the delights of the Downhill Donuts, The Chill Factore's indoor snow park is the perfect place to spend a Saturday this Christmas. Whether you want to try your hand at skiing or throw yourself into some sledging, they've got plenty of options for kids over 4.
The Grotto
24 November - 23 December
Tickets from £7.50
The Grotto at The Trafford Centre is making a grand return! Located by the dolphin fountain in the heart of The Trafford Centre, The Grotto is bringing Father Christmas to The Trafford Centre for another year. With face-painting elves on hand to ensure that you're appropriately festive and plenty of magical details, it's worth booking early to secure your slot.
BeWILDerwood Christmas
BeWILDerwood
From 30 November - 23 December
Tickets from £15.50
Scooping the ‘Best New Event’ at the UK Theme Park Awards earlier this year, BeWILDerwood is back. With a sparkly trail that children can follow through the woods, you'll run into a giant Christmas pudding, a handful of snowmen and - depending on the time slot you've booked - Father Christmas himself.
Family Christmas @ Into the Wild
Into The Wild
21-14 December
Tickets from £16.95
Join the Into The Wild team for a magical pony trek through the enchanting woods to meet Father Christmas himself! Surrounded by fairy lights and plenty of fresh air, this will be an unforgettable festive afternoon.
Want to loop us in on the best things happening this month? Email Charleym@confidentials.com
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