Free Christmas events Manchester 2024
One again there are loads of fantastic and free festive events across Greater Manchester. Find all free Christmas events Manchester 2025. This post is part of a series of posts on Free Christmas events North West.
If you have an event you want to be added, drop me an email at – info@northwestforkids.co.uk and send me the details.
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 and that the event is going ahead before travelling.
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Lightwaves – free light festival 2024
Where – Salford Quays and MediaCity
When – 5th – 8th December 2024
Lightwaves returns to Salford Quays and MediaCity to brighten up the dark winter nights. Visitors of all ages can enjoy illuminated works from established as well as emerging artists, local and national, bringing a variety of different pieces; thought-provoking, surprising and playful.
Full details here – Lightwaves Salford 2024 – QUAYS CULTURE
Manchester Christmas parade 2024
Where – across Manchester city centre
When – 8th December 2024
With live music bringing the sounds of the season and colourful dancers at every turn, the centre-piece of this year’s parade is sure to be Manchester’s very own Elf Express – a spectacular train with carriages full of elves that will be making a special stop in Santa’s favourite city on its way to Santa’s workshop in the North Pole.
Look out too for the Mistletoe dancing mice, Christmas horse-riding Elves on stilts, an oversized Polar Bear with playful giant paws and Christmas Robins, or the Aurora Borealis Stilt Walkers, Robot Drummers and toe-tapping Hip Hop Elf.
And check out Ski Sunday as one-of-a-kind segway skiers swoop and slide along the parade route, donned in vibrant retro ski gear, complete with cheeky personalities and blasting out 80s tunes and festive Christmas classics, creating an illusion of downhill fun in a flurry of entertainment!
Prepare also to be amazed by the spellbinding and beautiful airborne puppetry of Cloud Travellers Nimbus and Cumulus who from their illuminated clouds cast magical raindrops from the tips of their fingers, and enjoy a singalong with Elton Wrong piano man as he rides along on his portable stadium stage whilst playing the piano and crooning his way through his top ten of pop hits and show tunes.
And of course it wouldn’t be the Manchester Christmas Parade without the return of everyone’s favourite, the enchanting Snow Queen mesmerising all as she sits in her giant snow globe gliding through the city streets.
Manchester Christmas Parade Date and Time: This year’s Manchester Christmas Parade will start at 1 pm on Sunday 8th December and follow a longer route that starts and ends at Manchester Cathedral.
Manchester Christmas Parade Route: Manchester Cathedral – Victoria Street – Deansgate – John Dalton Street – Cross Street – Market Street – St Mary’s Gate – Deansgate – Victoria Street – Manchester Cathedral
Full details here – Manchester Christmas Parade
Tameside Christmas lantern parade 2024
Where – Starting in Hyde Market Square
When – 16th November 2024
Featuring live performances with the grand finale of the Christmas Light Switch On by very special guest, Father Christmas.
The spectacular FREE lantern parade will wind its way along the streets bringing festive cheer while it lights up the route to Hyde Town Hall square for everyone to see.
Be part of the action – Lantern Parade Workshops
The workshop will be 2-3pm in the large main hall in Hyde Town Hall on Saturday 16 November.
The Parade will set off from Corporation Street, by Hyde Town Hall, at 5pm sharp – so you must be back at the Town Hall ready to assemble by no later than 4:30pm! The parade will last around 30 minutes and will finish in front of the Town Hall on Market Street, where there will be more performances and the Christmas Light Switch-on!
Each space in the workshop can be booked for a child, the parent or guardian won’t need to book a space.
You will also need to accompany your child/children throughout the workshop and parade, children cannot be left alone at any time.
Full details & book the free workshop here – Tameside – What’s On – Tameside Christmas Lantern Parade 2024
Ignite – Fire Festival and Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch On 2024
Where – Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
When – 22nd – 24th November 2024, 5-8pm each day. Christmas light switch on will take place on the 24th.
Over 25 fiery displays, blazing sculptures and illuminated installations created by artists from the UK and abroad will be open to walk through.
free immersive experience for all ages, Ignite will feature incredible flame arches, an elegant ‘Eyeful Tower’ of fire and flame throwing, a musical fire tree along with a varied assortment of other big and bright fire based attractions.
Visitors will be able to follow the trail of flaming chimneys, fire shells, fire pits, festoon lighting, magical lights and jaw dropping special effects.
Full details here – Ignite – Fire Festival and Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch On | Rochdale Borough Council
Fletcher Moss Christmas trail, Broad oak heart trail – details for 2024
20th December 2024 – 6th January 2025
Follow the hand-painted hearts around Fletcher Moss using your trail sheet.
Find out more here – Broad oak heart trail
Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday 2024
When – 17th November 2024, 11am – 5pm
Free, one-day festival packed with magical street theatre, extraordinary performers, banging brass bands, carnival fun and loads more to kick off the festive season in Stockport.
From giant roller-skating presents, a living snow globe and giant roaming Christmas dolls to mesmerising street theatre including grumpy Christmas grandads, a gigantic balloon man and a water show which turns members of the audience into human fountains – visitors can enjoy more than 50 shows and activities throughout the day.
A grand finale in Merseyway, bringing together the brass bands of Stockport, will end the day with an unforgettable flash mob and stirring rendition of All You Need Is Love.
Performances will take place at Market Place, Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock and Suffragette Square.
Full details here – Stockport Spectacular Sunday
Magical Winter Tree Treasure hunt at Heaton park – details for 2024
When – 30th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Find and match the12 wintery pictures with 12 different types of the trees and learn lots of interesting facts and myths about each tree as you go.
Activity sheets are available free of charge at reception but don’t forget your pencil.
Find out more here – Magical Winter Tree Treasure Hunt
Free Willow lantern making workshop, Waterside Sale, 2024 Sold out
When – 7th December 2024 1:30-2:30pm and 3-4pm
Where – Chambers room, Waterside Theatre, Sale
Join local willow artist Des from Willow Goat Crafts to help make 100’s of lanterns and light up Waterside Plaza & Stanley Square in Sale for a magical Carnival of Light parade!
Des makes stunning structures from willow and he will be hosting 2 FREE workshops with limited places – so be quick to book your space!
Book here – Willow Lantern Making workshops, Waterside Theatre, Sale | Our Kids Social
Free OKS paper lantern making workshop, sold out for 2024
When – 7th December 2024
Where – Unit 24 in Stanley Square (The old Everything 4 Unit next to Jenny’s cafe), Sale.
Join Our Kids Social and make a simple paper lantern to light up Stanley Square for the magical carnival of light parade!
Book here – OKS paper Lantern making workshops, Stanley Square, Sale | Our Kids Social
Lantern parade, Stanley square, Sale – 2024 details
When – 7th December 2024. 5-6pm
Where – starting Waterside plaza and finishing in Stanley Square.
Sale town’s skies will be illuminated by an intriguing carnival of light this Christmas. Celebrating nightime pollinators and prowlers, this year’s lantern parade will be led by illuminated magical moths, a curious haloed hair, a beaming bear and more! With music and merriment join us for a magical night walk through the town.
Performances by local community groups in the lead up before the parade will take place from 2.30pm in Stanley Square.
Full details here – Lantern Parade, Stanley Square Sale | Our Kids Social
Low cost Santa’s Grotto at Dunham Massey Farm Ice Cream – Details for 2024
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
Introducing Santa visit with BYOG! (Bring your own gift)
This allows us to keep costs down allowing for an affordable experience, means that you don’t go away with unwanted gifts and the children receive something that they have asked Santa for!
The visits will cost £5 per child (Adults are free as usual) with opportunities for a chat with Santa and plenty of time to take photographs.
To keep costs down for everyone we will only be releasing a limited amount of pre-booked tickets. After this it will be only available to book on the day.
As always there will be lots going on including:
- Festive ice cream flavours
- Festive food (including our pigs in blankets with dipping gravy)
- Mulled wine and Baileys hot chocolate
- Lots of photo opportunities
- Christmas Tree sales
- Naughty Elf Scavenger Hunt
- Exciting Christmas activities (TBA)
Full details here – Dunham Massey Ice Cream Farm
Altrincham free Christmas events – 2024 details
Altrincham Lantern Parade
When – Saturday, 7th December, 12 noon-6pm
Enjoy a day of music and festive fun with back-to-back performances from local school and community choirs in the Stamford Quarter. The day culminates in the magical Lantern Parade, which sets off from Goose Green at 4:45pm, with large lantern puppets and those made in local schools and by the community.
Altrincham Nativity Journey
When – Saturday, 14th December, 12.30-4pm
Step into the story of Christmas with a unique Nativity Journey. Meet characters from the Nativity story at various locations around town throughout the day. They will come together for a special performance of the Nativity in the Stamford Quarter at 3:30pm. Produced in conjunction with St George’s Church and Altrincham Garrick Playhouse.
Carols from King’s Court
When – Wednesday, 18th December, 6-7pm
Join Altrincham BID, The Music Place, and King’s Court businesses for a magical evening of carols. From 6pm, gather for a festive singalong.
Full details of all events here – Save the Dates for Altrincham’s Magical Christmas Events! | Visit Altrincham
Stalybridge Street Fest – 2024
When – 22nd November 2024 5-9pm
Where – Armentieres Square
Expect family fun, live music and tasty food and drink.
Full details here – Stalybridge Street Fest – November 2024
Free for National Trust members
Animal crackers Christmas at Lyme – details for 2024
When – 29th November – 24th December 2024
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 – Christmas at Lyme| Cheshire | National Trust
Squirrel’s trail, Dunham Massey – Details for 2024
When – 28th November 2024 – 19th January 2025
What’s that racket? It’s winter, and the usually peaceful parkland is awash with activity. Spark the Squirrel lives amongst the trees and has the run of the park to themselves. The Big House in the middle of the park is normally quiet and empty, but not anymore … Follow Spark on a walk around the park as their quiet life gets turned upside down by the arrival of unexpected guests this winter.
Full details – Squirrel’s Tail
The Winter Wanderer’s Wonderful Feast: A Winter Experience in the Dunham Massey House – book now for 2024 (low cost for members)
When – 30th November, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd December 2024
Join our intrepid Earl of Dunham Massey, as he returns from his travels around the world. He brings with him an array of wild animal friends, who he welcomes into his magnificent home. However, the family pets, who have been looking after the place in his absence, have other ideas! There’s mischief in the air but through their love of food, together they learn the value of friendship, diversity and sharing all that they have.
Stuff & Nonsense Theatre bring a touch of winter magic as they lead you on an immersive story told through their unique blend of puppetry, music and laughter.
£5 for everyone over 2, admission fees apply for none members.
Book here – The Winter Wanderer’s Wonderful Feast: A Winter Experience in the Dunham Massey House | National Trust
Christmas lights switch on events Manchester
- Manchester print works – 29th November 2024 – full details here – Printworks
- Oldham – 16th November 2024 – Full details here – The Oldham Christmas Lights Switch-On 2024
- Rochdale – 24th November 2024 – Full details here – Ignite Fire Festival and Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch-On
- Altrincham – 23rd November 2024 – full details – Altrincham’s Christmas Lights Switch On
- Tameside – 16th November 2024 – Full details here – Tameside Christmas Lantern Parade
- Dukinfield – 22nd November 2024 – full details here – Dukinfield Christmas Switch On 2024
- Micklehurst – 22nd November 2024 – full details here – Micklehurst Christmas Light Switch 2024
- Mossley – 23rd November 2024 – full details here – Mossley Christmas Switch On 2024
- Ashton – 23rd November 2024 – full details here – Ashton Christmas Switch On 2024
- Audenshaw – 29th November 2024 – full details here – Audenshaw Christmas Light Switch On 2024
- Droylsden – 30th November 2024 – full details here – Droylsden Christmas Light Switch On 2024
- New mills – 30th November 2024 – Full details – Christmas light switch on 2024 – Visit New Mills
- Hattersley – 6th December 2024 – full details – Hattersley Christmas Switch On 2024
- Denton – 7th December 2024 – full details – Denton Christmas Markets and Light Switch On 2024
More things to do this Christmas in Manchester
Find the best places to enjoy Christmas shows Manchester here.
Find out Where to see Father Christmas Manchester here.
Find all the Christmas events Manchester here.
Find the best Christmas shows Manchester here.
