Where to see Father Christmas Manchester 2025
It’s still early days but several of these Santa experiences are available to book already so if you are wondering where to see Father Christmas Manchester 2025 then you’ve come to the right place. This post is part of a series of posts on Where to see Santa North West England.
If you have an event you want to be added, drop me an email at – info@northwestforkids.co.uk
I’ve done my best to add the details of all these events accurately and keep them up to date but I strongly advise you to click through and check on the organiser’s website to ensure the dates, locations, times are correct. Events maybe changed or cancelled and I will not necessarily be aware of this. Links are providers so you can confirm all details for yourself before travelling or booking. 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.
Breakfast with Santa Manchester
Find all the places to book Breakfast with Santa Manchester here.
Christmas at Cockfields – 2025 tickets on sale now
When – Selected dates from 29th November – 24th December 2025.
This event includes a magical train ride to the North Pole where you will meet Santa in his grotto. Wander around the elf village. You will receive a magical golden coin from Santa to exchange for a toy in Santa’s toy shop.
You’ll also stroll through the enchanted forest, watch a Christmas show and build your own bear. Don’t forget to decorate a treat with Mrs Claus, meet the reindeer and visit the North Pole post office,
Book here – Cockfields
Adults £25.82 – £46.95, Children £32.97-£59.95, under 1s £12.62 -£22.95
Christmas on the farm, Lancaster Park & animal farm – 2025 tickets on sale
Where: Lancaster park, Middleton Road, Chadderton, Oldham, OL1 2TG
When: Selected dates from 6th – 24th December 2025
Cost: Adults £13.62, children £16.77, under 1 £6.81 Includes farm and grotto.
Summary: Journey through the magical grotto and meet the Grinch, write your letter to Santa, meet the big man and even have your photo taken in his sleigh. Join Mrs Claus for a story and so much more. 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
Farmer Christmas Experience, Reddish Vale Farm – Book now for 2025
Where: Reddish Vale Farm
When: selected dates from 29th November – 24th December 2025
Cost: Adults £16.50, Child £46.50, under 1s £10
This event includes a full tour of the North Pole Christmas Headquarters. You’ll join the elf academy, 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.
1.5 hour experience.
Book here – Farmer Christmas Experience – Reddish Vale Farm
Santa Grotto at John Lewis, Cheadle – book now for 2025
When: 19th – 24th December 2025
Where: John Lewis, Cheadle, Wilmslow Road, Cheadle SK8 3BZ
Cost: £12 per child plus a £1.20 booking fee. £3 per adult plus a 30p booking fee.
John Lewis and The LEGO® Group present Santa’s Enchanted Grotto. You’ll take to the skies on an unbelievable adventure to reach Santa’s Post Room– based on our exclusive LEGO® set. You’ll journey through this world before finally meeting the jolly man himself. We won’t give all the magic away, but you’ll leave with a special LEGO® set.
Book here – Meet Santa In Store
Dunham Barns Christmas grotto – book now for 2025
When: Selected dates from 4th – 24th December 2025
Where: Dog Farm, School Lane, Dunham Massey, Altrincham
Cost: Tickets are based on 1 Adult and 1 Child for £20
As the Christmas lights twinkle, step into a world of wonder and enchantment at The Dunham Barns Santa’s Grotto. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit and embark on a memorable journey that will leave you filled with joy and excitement.
Book here – Events | The Dunham Barn
Storytime with Santa – Dunham Barns – book now for 2025
When: Selected dates from 4th – 24th December 2025
Where: Dog Farm, School Lane, Dunham Massey, Altrincham
Cost: Tickets are based on 1 Adult and 1 Child for £20
£15 per person
Join Santa and his elf for an hour group session.
This will include:
- Meet and greet Santa and his elf
- Christmas themed story read by one of the elves
- And a gift from Santa to start the Christmas countdown
This group session is suitable for the under 3s and preschoolers who aren’t yet ready for individual meet and greets.
Photo opportunities.
Book here – Events | The Dunham Barn
Trafford Centre, Santa’s Grotto – Book now for 2025
When: Selected dates from 22nd November – 24 December 2025
Where: The Trafford Centre, Manchester
Cost: £27 per child, £9.50 per adult
Step into an immersive wonderland of the grotto.
Book here – The Grotto Trafford Centre
Christmas party at Imagination bay, book now for 2025
Where: Imagination Bay, Bury town centre.
When: 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st December 2025
Cost: £12.50 per child, £1 per adult. plus VAT
Sessions will include play in the play area, meet Santa and photo opportunities, a gift for every child, Christmas music, face painting and Christmas Crafts.
Book here – Christmas Party – Imagination Bay Adventure Play
Santa’s Grotto at Dunham Massey Farm Ice Cream – no details yet for 2025
When – Santa will be here between 12pm and 3pm from the 1st December and then every Saturday and Sunday in December as well as the 23rd and Christmas Eve 2024
Full details here – Dunham Massey Ice Cream Farm
Sail with Santa – book now for 2025
Where: The Community Spirit 2 is moored behind Portland Basin Museum, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0QA.
When: 6th – 21st December 2025
Join Santa on a festive 35 minute cruise along the canals of Tameside with songs, stories and presents from Santa. Tickets include light refreshments for adults and children.
Tickets cost £10 + £1 booking fee.
Book here – Sail with Santa
Santa’s Grotto at Moss Bank Park cafe – book now for 2025
When: 29th November – 23rd December 2025
Where: The Hive at Moss Bank Park , Moss Bank Park, Bolton, BL1 7NJ
Meet the magical man himself and enjoy a cosy chat in his festive grotto. Capture the moment with a special photo and make memories to treasure.
Every child gets to choose their own gift — either a toy or a sweet treat, with options like giant pinwheel lollies, chocolates, and more!
Enjoy a special festive treat — kids eat free from our children’s menu when any adult orders a main dish from our menu. (One free child’s meal per full-paying adult.) Santas Grotto Ticket must be shown to the team when ordering.
£10.95 per child.
Book here – Santa’s grotto
Supper with Santa – book now for 2025
When: 6th – 20th December 2025
Where: The Hive at Moss Bank Park , Moss Bank Park, Bolton, BL1 7NJ
Join us for a delightful supper where you’ll savor a delicious traditional Christmas dinner including Turkey, Gammon and Nut roast, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere with free flowing squash, tea and filter coffee. No Christmas dinner is complete without traditional favourites like Christmas Pudding! Throughout the event, children and adults alike will have the chance to meet Santa Claus, share their holiday wishes, and take memorable photos with him. Each child will also receive a gift from Santa himself!
Child (age 2 – 14) £14.95, Adult (age 14+) £13.95, Babies (under age 2) Free
Book here – Supper with Santa
Meet Father Christmas at Portland Basin Museum – sold out for 2025
When – Sold out for 2025
Where – Portland Basin Museum, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0QA
Father Christmas will be meeting and greeting children in our cosy old fashioned parlour on our 1920s street, which has been specially decorated for the festive season. Each child will receive a gift and you will have the opportunity to take a photo with Father Christmas.
Book here – Meet Father Christmas at Portland Basin Museum at Portland Basin Museum
Sail with Santa – Hollingworth Lake – book now for 2025
When: 6th – 23rd December 2025
Where: Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough, Greater Manchester, OL15 0DQ
Take a magical boat trip with Santa this Christmas aboard Hollingworth Lake’s Lady Katherine!
Hop aboard Santa’s floating grotto, take a trip across beautiful Hollingworth Lake and post your Christmas list in the elf post box!
All children will get to meet Santa and receive a gift. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please wrap up warm and dress appropriately for the weather.
Duration – 10 minutes
Tickets from £5
Book here – Sail with Santa
Festive fun with Father Christmas at Salford Museum – book now for 2025
When: 6th, 13th & 20th December 2025
For children aged 3 and above, the ticket includes: A story time session with Father Christmas, crafts, a pick & mix playtime area and a small gift. For food, there be a DIY Santa snacks as well as a complimentary hot chocolate or juice.
For children under 3, entry will be free, but we kindly ask that you book a ticket. There is no gift or food offer included with this ticket. We will, however, have some sensory play materials available.
The adult ticket includes: a complimentary sweet treat and unlimited tea or filter coffee. Food items on offer can be adapted to suit dietary restrictions, please see below for further instructions.
Recommended for ages 4+, but appropriate for all ages. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Full details here – Festive fun with Father Christmas
More Christmas events North West 2025
There’s so much more going on in Manchester this Christmas, find it all here – Christmas events Manchester
Find all the best Christmas shows Manchester here.
Find all the Christmas Events North West here.
Find all the Free Christmas events Manchester here.
There are more Santa’s Grotto Cheshire for you to consider.
Find loads of ideas for Christmas light trails North West here.
Find all the New year’s eve family events Manchester here.
Find out Where to buy a real Christmas tree Manchester here.
Find more great family days out North West England all year round here.

Always looking for inspiration for family days out across the North West? Join the Family Days Out North West Facebook group to be part of a community sharing the best family days out across the region. Join here.