Christmas events Manchester 2023
There are only a handful of Christmas events Manchester with tickets on sale for 2023 yet. I’m sure the number will grow rapidly over the next few months and as I spot them, I’ll add them to this guide. Find more Christmas Events North West here.
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I’ve done my best to add the details of all these events accurately and keep it up to date but I strongly advise you to click through and check on the organiser’s website to ensure the dates and times have not changed. Some of these events require pre-booking so I’d recommend you do that as soon as you decide you want to in order to avoid disappointment.
If you know of an event that I need to add to the list please drop me an email info@northwestforkids.co.uk
These are all the Christmas events I can find in Manchester. If you’re just looking for visit Santa experiences then you need this post – where to see Father Christmas Manchester.
Father Christmas North Pole Experience, Reddish Vale Farm – 2023 tickets on sale now
When – selected dates from 2nd – 24th December 2023
This event includes a full tour of the North Pole Christmas Headquarters. You’ll help the elves to save Christmas using the imagination machine, build your own Christmas Friend (Build A teddy Bear) and meet the Pole Office Elves.
Head to Elf Ville, don’t forget to stop at Holly Jolly Gumdrop Sweet Shop and receive a special treat. Visit Mrs Claus to decorate gingerbread with a festive treat for the grown ups. Visit Santa’s stables with his farmyard friends. Meet Father Christmas.
2 hour experience.
Book here – Christmas Farm Experiences
Adults £16, Child £45, under 1s £10
Christmas at Dunham Massey 2023 tickets on sale now
Masses of twinkling lights and giant glowing deer welcome you to the beautiful and iconic atmosphere of Dunham Massey after dark. Discover new light and sound installations for 2023 as colour-changing batons of light stretch out into the far distance and winding paths pass tunnels of stars. Watch lights dance along the lawn and discover larger-than-life flowers that tower overhead.
The trail is approximately one mile long and we’d recommend allowing 1 to 2 hours for your visit. Food, drink and fairground rides are available onsite.
When – 17 November to 31 December 2023
Book here – * Christmas at Dunham Massey
Tickets from Adult Off Peak – £19.00, Child (3-16 Years) Off Peak – £12.50. Prices vary between dates and times though.
Find our review from 2023 here – Christmas at Dunham Massey
Jolly Robin’s Winter Walk, Dunham Massey – free, no booking required
When – 9th November 2023 – 21st January 2024
Follow the trail to help Jolly Robin find their song and put a spring back in their step!
With sparkling frost, life-giving rain and the opportunity to make boots muddy, winter can be lots of fun. Pull on your coat, embrace the cold and enjoy the sensory delights of the season.
Find out top winter facts, wander past historical buildings and ancient trees. .
Full details – Jolly Robin’s Winter Walk
Seasonal Stories: Jolly Robin’s Christmas Party, Dunham Massey – Book now for 2023
When – 25th November – 22nd December 2023
30 minutes of storytelling and fun. Each child will receive a party bag including festive shaped crayons, colouring sheet, set of Jolly Robin stickers, and a hanging ornament to decorate at home.
Please purchase a Seasonal Stories ticket for each child. Two adults per family permitted to attend with the child(ren). Ideal for ages 3-8. Babes in arms free when accompanied by a paying child. Please note that babes in arms and adults will not receive a gift bag to take home.
£8 per child
Book here – Seasonal Stories: Jolly Robin’s Christmas Party
Christmas on the farm, Lancaster Park & animal farm – 2023 tickets on sale
When – Selected dates from 2nd – 24th December 2023
Journey through the magical grotto and meet Mrs Claus (for a Christmas story), write your letter to Santa, meet the big man and even have your photo taken in his sleigh. There’ll also be animal petting and all the usual fun on the farm.
Book here – Christmas on the Farm! | Lancaster Park and Animal Farm
Adults £10, children £13, under 1 £6.50 Includes farm and grotto.
Totally Christmas, Walkden – Book now for 2023
When – 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th -24th December 2023
Totally Christmas is suitable for all ages. Enjoy an hour of themed rooms, find the answer to the puzzle and move on to the next. 2 rooms to choose from. Includes Santa visit and gift.
Best suited to pre-school and primary school children.
£12.95 per adult, £18.95 per child
Find out more here – Totally Christmas
Glow at RHS Bridgewater 2023 – tickets on sale now
When – Selected date from 15th November – 30th December 2023.
Take an enchanted walk through RHS Garden Bridgewater, marvelling at spectacular light displays along your way. Weave through yew domes festooned with fairy lights, stroll through the illuminated archways of the Kitchen Garden. At Garden Cottage hit the rainbow dancefloor and lose yourself in a soundtrack of Manchester anthems (chosen by you).
Cost – Members: adult £8.95, child £4.45, Non-members: adult £14.95, child £7.95
Book here – Glow 2023 | RHS Garden Bridgewater
Christmas at Heaton Park – Book now for 2023
When – 1st – 31st December 2023
A magical new after dark trail for all the family. From the makers of Christmas at Kew and Christmas at Dunham Massey comes something completely new.
Christmas at Heaton Park has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family. There’s all the fun of the fair surrounded by breath-taking seasonal lights as never seen before. Discover colour-changing globes of light stretching out into the distance, larger-than-life flowers and neon strings that reach high into the sky.
Book here – * Christmas at Heaton Park
Gandey’s Snowstorm Northern Lights, Trafford centre – book now for 2023
Where – Trafford Centre, Grand Hall Entrance, M17 8AA
When – 24th November 2023 – 1st January 2024
The dynamic skills of these skaters sit alongside the breath-taking aerial acrobatics of the circus Superstars. Comedy compliments the classical. State of the art special effects will have you on the edge of your seat. No Christmas ice show would be complete without an appearance from the big man himself Mr Claus in Snowstorm 3 – Northern Lights Aurora Borealis
Book here – * Gandys snowstorm
Skate Manchester – Book now for 2023
Where – The Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, M4 3BG
When – 27th October 2023 – 2nd January 2024
Glide through our ice path and admire the glorious Christmas tree right on the rink, surely it can’t get any more festive than that!
Rain or shine we’re open! Our covered ice rink allows you to enjoy your skating experience whatever the weather, so you can skate without the (distinct) possibility of getting soaked in a sudden, very British downpour!
Book here – * Skate Manchester
The snow queen, Waterside Sale – book now
Where – 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford, M33 7ZF
When – 29th November to 30th December 2023
This vibrant musical re-telling of The Snow Queen is reimagined in an exciting adventure for the whole family. Created sustainably in every possible way by Wrongsemble.
Book here – The Snow Queen
Little penguin’s first Christmas, Waterside, Sale – book now
When – 12th – 15th December 2023.
Colour The Clouds Theatre Company are delighted to present, ‘Little Penguin’s First Christmas’, an immersive, festive experience for babies aged 0-36 months and their grown-ups!
Filled with puppetry, original music and sensory delights to stimulate and captivate, this show is a perfect first theatrical experience for your little one.
Join Little Penguin in her winter wonderland as she discovers the magic of her first Christmas.
Book here – Little Penguin’s First Christmas
Comedysportz improvised Panto, Waterside, Sale – book now
When – 8th – 9th December 2023
Bored of the same pantomimes every year? The ComedySportz team are back this Christmas for more Totally Improvised Pantomimes! Heroes, villains, songs and silliness are guaranteed this December as the gang create brand-new pantomime adventures using audience suggestions… and a sprinkling of fairy dust. Oh yes they do!
Book here – Comedysportz Improvised Panto
Little bear and the Christmas lights, The Lowry – book now
When – 21st – 31st December 2023
Join Little Bear on her magical adventure as she searches for the perfect Christmas lights.
Filled with sensory wonders, puppetry and music this is the perfect theatrical experience for your Snowbabies.
From the team that brought you Little Penguin’s First Christmas, this show is ideal for 0-3 year olds and their grown-ups.
Book here – Little Bear and the Christmas Lights | What’s On | The Lowry
Peter Pan, Stockport Plaza – book now for 2023
Where – Stockport Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 1SP
When – 8th December 2023 – 7th January 2024
Ahoy there Panto lovers!! …..it’s time to take flight to join us at The Plaza for Stockport’s Swashbuckling Family Pantomime Adventure PETER PAN starring BRIAN CAPRON as the ‘oh so evil’ Captain Hook!
With a sensational cast, spectacular costumes and magnificent scenery, this is the affordable family treat that everyone can enjoy this festive season.
Book here – * Peter pan
Santa’s post box at The Hive – Book now for 2023
When – 26th November, 3rd December and 9th December 2023
Where – The cafe at Moss Bank Park, Bolton
Write your letter to Santa at home, before heading off on a winter walk to Santa’s Post Box at The Hive following our self-led trail!
Make sure you find Santa’s address on route or your letter won’t make it to Lapland!
Once you’ve posted your letter, don’t forget to collect your warming hot chocolate from the Cafe.
Letter packs include envelopes, a pencil, full instructions and a trail map to help you find Santa’s address and Santa’s Post Box plus a voucher for one hot chocolate from the cafe on your return.
Santa will reply to your letter (we’ve checked!)
The route is pram friendly.
Booking essential. Book here – Santa’s postbox
Cookie decorating with Mrs Claus at The Hive – book now for 2023
When – 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd December 2023
Where – The cafe at Moss Bank Park, Bolton
This 1-hour session will be filled with fun and delicious festive treats for you to decorate. Mrs Claus has been busy baking and has made some gingerbread man and mini gingerbread houses for you to decorate and most importantly, eat!
Each ticket includes a free Christmas hot chocolate!
Book here – Cookie Decorating with Mrs Claus
Jack and the beanstalk, Opera House Manchester – book now for 2023
Where – Opera House Manchester, 3 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP
When – 2nd – 31st December 2023
Comedy superstar Jason Manford is back by popular demand to lead the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk in the title role. He is joined by returning Manchester panto favourite Ben Nickless as Silly Simon, star of stage and screen Myra DuBois, and West-End performers Samara Casteallo and Emma Williams.
Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack as he fights to outwit the evil giant, win riches beyond his wildest dreams and the hand of the girl he loves. Expect laughs, music, special effects, magic beans and bundles of audience participation in this giant of a pantomime!
Book here – Jack and the Beanstalk Tickets
The Twilight trail, Mayfield Park – book now for 2023
When – 17th November -31st December 2023
Where – Mayfield park, Boardman Gate Entrance, Baring Street, Manchester, M1 2PY
An immersive light show trail, designed for all ages, from families, couples, groups, and everyone in between.
Find out more and book here – The Twilight Trail
Winter Island at Freight Island – book now for 2023
When – from 3rd December 2023
Where – Freight Island, Manchester city centre.
Freight Island will be transformed into a seasonal extravaganza with loads of Christmas events and activities. There will be a Santa’s grotto, Christmas street food and a wreath making workshop.
Find out more and book here – Winter Island – Escape to Freight Island | Manchester
Animal crackers Christmas at Lyme – book now for 2023
When – 1st – 24th December 2023
Free (admission fees apply to none members), booking not required.
Christmas starts with a bang as the carnival comes to Lyme. Leave your brolly at the door and join in the Christmas revelry with a host of amazing animals. During your visit you can collect any miss-laid eggs, relax with cows, and enjoy Karaoke with badgers, all while enjoying the historic house dressed up for a traditional Lyme Christmas.
Join in the theatrical fun as Animal Crackers takes you on a self-guided visual journey of mischievous merrymaking through the house designed by The Strange Train Company.
Full details here – Animal Crackers Christmas at Lyme | National Trust
Jingle jog for Bolton hospice – book now for 2023
When – 3rd December 2023
Where – Leverhulme running track
Kids £3, adults £5
estive 2K jog around Leverhulme running track! You can wear your own festive outfits or we have a limited supply of adult & child Santa & Elf suits available to buy from our fundraising office Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. Adults Santa suits are £10 & Child Santa (9-14 yrs) and Elf (5-8) are £5 each.
This will be unlike any santa dash you’ve seen before. Take a trip through our magical Candy Cane Lane, soak up the jolly atmosphere, and jingle your way across the festive finish line before enjoying a visit from The Big Man himself.
Full details and book here – Jingle Bell Jog | Bolton Hospice
The polar express pyjama party, The light Stockport
When – 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th December 2023
Where – The light, Bridgefield street, Stockport,
Snuggle up in your cosiest pyjamas and gather round for a special screening of The Polar Express at The Light. When you hear the whistle and the rumble of wheels, you’ll be transported on a magical journey to the North Pole to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Every child will receive their very own Golden Ticket, just like in the film, and a chocolate treat to make the adventure even sweeter.
Book here – Polar Express
Snowy’s conservation crew at SEA LIFE Manchester
When – 25th November 2023 – 3rd January 2024
Snowy is inviting children and their families to take part in an interactive trail through SEA LIFE Manchester as you meet some fin-tastic creatures along the way.
Book here – Join Snowy’s Conservation Crew
Christmas bricktacular, Legoland Discovery Centre
When – 25th November 2023 – 3rd January 2024
There’s so many festive-themed activities, plus access to two rides, LEGO® build & play zones and a 4D cinema experience at the ultimate indoor LEGO playground.
- Take part in a scavenger hunt in our winter wonderland themed MINILAND®
- Build a cool LEGO decoration and display it for others to see.
- Rock around the LEGO Christmas tree at our pop-up dance parties with our mascots*.
- Spin the advent wheel and see what number it lands on to win a treat!
Book here – Christmas Bricktacular 2023 | LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester
Winter holidays at Manchester Museum of science and industry
until 7th January 2024.
Get hands on with illuminating experiments and enjoy free activities for all ages. Make light perform tricks, create colour and spark creativity in the Light Lab.
Take a journey from the Sun all the way to Earth with The Light Fantastic, an interactive science show. Discover how light travels through our atmosphere, find out why the sky is blue, and marvel at a mesmerising display of the Northern Lights with NASA footage of the Aurora Borealis. And much more.
Full details here – Winter holidays | Science and Industry Museum
Breakfast with Santa Manchester
Find all the places to book Breakfast with Santa Manchester here.
Christmas shows Manchester
If you’re looking for a pantomime or other family Christmas show, then head to this guide – Christmas shows Manchester
More Christmas events
Find loads of Christmas light trails North West here
Find all the Christmas events Cheshire here.
You might also like to know about all the great Christmas events Lancashire too.
Find all the Free Christmas events Manchester here.
Find out Where to buy a real Christmas tree Manchester here.
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