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 things to do with kids this Christmas, right here in Manchester.
Meet Matt Lucas
Simply Books, Bramhall
5 December 2024
Tickets £7.99 (for one child and one adult and a copy of the book)
Looking for activities to keep the kids busy over the Christmas holidays? Start their reading journey with author Matt Lucas. He'll be signing copies of his musical mad-cap festive bestseller, The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas.
Skate Manchester
Cathedral Gardens
8 November 2024 - 1 January 2025
Tickets from £10
Cathedral Gardens will once again be hosting Skate Manchester's covered ice rink, meaning you can have a Christmas skate, whatever the weather. 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
Start your Christmas season with Manchester's own Twilight Trail: 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.
Tinsel Town Funfair
Trafford Centre
22 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
With a glittering ice rink, surrounded by immersive lights and a festive fairground, Tinsel Town has plenty to keep you busy. Plus they'll be serving up seasonal delights such as hot chocolate, mulled wine and bratwurst.
Father Christmas Cruise
Manchester River Cruises, 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
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 four.
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, there'll be face-painting elves on hand to ensure that you're appropriately festive and plenty of magical details. And of course, the big man himself. It's worth booking early to secure your slot.
BeWILDerwood Christmas
BeWILDerwood, Malpas, Cheshire
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.
Disney On Ice
11-15 December
Tickets from £65
Embark on a wild ride to your favourite Disney destinations including the sun-soaked Motunui, the Pride Lands, and a larger-than-life carnival. See Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy, and stars from Mary Poppins Returns, Moana, Frozen, The Lion King, Incredibles 2, Toy Story 4, Aladdin, and your favourite Disney princesses.
Family Christmas @ Into the Wild
Into The Wild, Hale
21-24 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
Read next: What’s on in Manchester: Christmas 2024
Read again: What’s on in Manchester: November 2024
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