Last Updated on 5 January 2026 by Colette
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I am continually updating this post as information is released about new festive attractions for 2026 but please do check with individual venues for the most up to date information!
If your children are perhaps a little bit past visiting Father Christmas now (sob!) or you’re simply wondering what to do in Manchester this Christmas, then I thought it would be worth putting together a list of suggestions of other festive events, activities and days out to get you and your family into the Christmas spirit.
If you’re looking for Christmassy days out in Manchester and the surrounding area this festive season, why not take a look at some of the suggestions below:
- Ice skating in Cathedral Gardens
- Manchester Christmas Markets
- Dunham Massey Light Trail
- Yuletide: A Glittering Winter Garden Adventure at Tatton Park
- Northern Lights Manchester at Heaton Park
- Glow 2025 at the RHS Gardens Bridgewater
- Lightwaves, Salford Quays
- Grumpy Grotto at Zip World Manchester
- Bramall Hall Elf Trail, Bramall Hall
- Raymond Brigg’s Father Christmas
- The Grinch at Cockfields Farm
- Once Upon a Christmas at The Mansion, Tatton Park
- Enchanted Winter Walk at Quarry Bank
- Seasonal Winter Family Trail at Dunham Massey
- Christmas Carols in the Stableyard at Tatton Park
- Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Check out these handy links to plan your next adventure …
Contents - Click here to jump to the section you need
Ice skating in Cathedral Gardens – Saturday 25th October 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026
The Skate Manchester pop up ice skating rink returns to Cathedral Gardens for Christmas 2025.
Last year’s Skate Manchester ice rink was bigger and better than ever before last year with a large, covered ice rink as well as a new outdoor section allowing you to skate around an enormous 7 metre tall Christmas tree. There is a well organised one way system in and out of the event which flows much better than in previous years.
We’ve been visiting the ice rink in Cathedral Gardens for quite a few years now and it’s a family tradition we’re keen to keep up with as the kids get older!
Tickets are available on site on the day but it’s advisable to book in advance to guarantee your space: www.skatemanchester.com (Don’t forget to pre-book your skate support to for little ones!)
You can read more about visiting Skate Manchester here:
Tips for going ice skating at Skate Manchester this Christmas
Click through here for alternative places to go ice skating in Manchester this Christmas.
Manchester Christmas Markets – Friday 7th November to Monday 22nd December 2025
The Manchester Christmas Markets are some of the largest in the UK and have grown enormously over recent years covering ever increasing areas of the city throughout November and December.
2025 will finally see the Manchester Christmas Markets return to Albert Square after several years hiatus due to the Town Hall renovation and honestly I can’t wait to see it!
The main sections of the Manchester Christmas Markets are traditionally in Albert Square, outside the town hall and then through St Anne’s Square and down to King Street as well as Cathedral Gardens and Piccadilly Gardens. In fairness there’s a lot of repetition across the markets so you really don’t need to see it all! The food stalls in Cathedral Gardens and the new “A Taste of Christmas” in Albert Square will remain open until Sunday 4th January 2026 to tie in with the Cathedral Gardens ice rink.
The Manchester Christmas Markets are extremely popular and as such are heaving most nights and all day of a weekend. Your best bet for a quiet wander is to try and get down earlier in the day midweek otherwise prepare to be shuffled around the market with every man and his dog.
Steaming mugs of mulled wine and German sausage are the order of the day but you’ll find plenty of sweet treats and gifts to peruse as well. (I’ve bought a fresh Christmas wreath for the front door from the markets before now and have previously picked up a delicious hazelnut liquor – you could even get a fresh Christmas tree if you wanted to!).
If the Christmas Markets feel a bit much for you, why not check out a festive afternoon tea in Manchester instead.
Dunham Massey Light Trail – Thursday 13th November 2025 to Saturday 3rd January 2026
After hearing so many good things about Dunham Massey Light Trail over the years, we finally managed to visit ourselves in December 2021 and it was absolutely stunning. We can’t wait to go back this year for our fourth visit (though I’m sure we won’t be so lucky as to have snow again).
Christmas at Dunham Massey is a family-friendly one-mile magical festive trail of illuminations and is a festive family tradition for many. Christmas at Dunham Massey typically sells out every year so you need to plan ahead for this one.
It is recommended that you book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. (National Trust members will receive free car parking this year but you must select this at the time of booking and show your membership card on the night. Non-National Trust members are advised to book their parking when purchasing tickets – this is priced at £8 per car)
You can read more about visiting the Dunham Massey Christmas Light Trail here:
Christmas at Dunham Massey [2024]
Christmas at Dunham Massey [2023]
Christmas at Dunham Massey – Review & Tips [2021]
Yuletide: A Glittering Winter Garden Adventure at Tatton Park – Thursday 15th November to Tuesday 23rd December 2025
This festive season Wild Rumpus (creators of Just So Festival) invite you to create a new winter family tradition with a glittering garden adventure at Tatton Park.
Let me tell you, having attended a number of Wild Rumpus events over the years, these guys know how to create magic. This Yuletide celebration will immerse you in a “world of folklore, festive tradition and ridiculous rituals as the characters and creatures from winter myths and stories come to life.”
Expect a magical illuminated trail, story telling, live music and fire breathing antics as well as a campfire for toasting marshmallows.
Book Yuletide tickets priced at £20 for adults and £12 for children with under 3s going free. There will be no charge for parking.
Northern Lights Manchester at Heaton Park – Thursday 20th November to Sunday 21st December 2025
Whilst Heaton Park is no stranger to a festive light trail, Lightopia went bust and Christmas at Heaton Park dropped off after only a year so I’m thrilled to see the creators of Kendal Calling and Bluedot, bring Northern Lights- a glowing mile-long trail of light, sound and festive magic to Manchester’s Heaton Park for the first time this Christmas.
Northern Lights is already well established in Newcastle, Leeds and Cardiff’s Bute Park – expect a 90-minute journey through immersive installations, firelit festive villages, mulled wine, marshmallows and vintage fairground fun.
Book tickets for Northern Lights Manchester with early bird discounts and super off-peak pricing available – tickets on sale 3rd June 2025.
You can read more about Northern Lights Manchester at Heaton Park here:
Northern Lights Manchester Review & Tips
Glow 2025 at the RHS Gardens Bridgewater – Wednesday 26th November to Tuesday 30th December 2025
This winter, Glow at RHS Garden Bridgewater invites you to follow the twinkling trail around the garden and discover RHS Garden Bridgewater transformed as spectacular illuminations light up the night.
Enjoy a selection of Bridgewater’s best-loved locations including the Weston Walled Garden, Chinese Streamside Garden and Ellesmere Lake as never before and be wowed by the sight of sparkling trees, shrubs and water features basking in the glow. Bust some moves on the rainbow dancefloor at Garden Cottage to a soundtrack of Manchester anthems (chosen by you).
Treat yourself to a selection of warming drinks and tasty festive treats along the way to keep you aglow.
Tickets for Glow at Bridgewater are available to book now and peak adult tickets are priced at £6.50 for members and £13 for non-members
Lightwaves, Salford Quays – Thursday 4th December to Sunday 7th December 2025
Lightwaves is an annual 4-day interactive light festival presented at Salford Quays, home to Media City. Each December, the event attracts in excess of 400,000 visitors to explore a trail of illuminated installations that animate and transform the outdoor surroundings. With a focus on bold new commissions, the festival is proud to support international artists alongside local and emerging talent, with a growing focus on enrichment activity with local communities at its heart.
The festival is part of the Quays Culture Programme, a partnership initiative with a mission to animate public spaces, bringing extraordinary art into the heart of the community for everyone to experience free of charge.
This is a free event and tickets are not required to attend Lightwaves.
You can read more about Lightwaves here:
(For more free things to do in Manchester this Christmas, read this post next!)
Grumpy Grotto at Zip World Manchester – selected dates from Saturday 6th to Wednesday 24th December 2025
The grumpiest grotto in all the land returns to Zip World Manchester this December. You must help to steal back Christmas from the mischievous Grump replacing the gifts that have been stolen with lumps of coal! This experience includes an hour on the bouncy Treetop Nets, interaction with the mischievous Grump and a gift to take home.
Book tickets for The Grumpy Grotto priced from £12 per person.
You can read more about Zip World Manchester here:
Treetop Nets – Zip World Manchester: Review & Tips
TreeTop Trek at Zip World Manchester: Review & Tips
Bramall Hall Elf Trail, Bramall Hall – Thursday 20th November to Sunday 21st December 2025
The elves are back at Bramall Hall and up to their tricks again! Search Bramall Hall to spot all the elves and earn yourself a festive prize!
The trail costs £3 plus general admission for accompanying adults and can be booked online or paid on the day. This trail is recommended for children age 3+
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas, Waterside – Thursday 4th to Saturday 27th December 2025
A Christmas play at Waterside in Sale is one of our most treasured Christmas traditions and this year sees the return of Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas which we absolutely adored when we first watched it some seven years ago!
Brought to life by the brilliant team at Pins and Needles Productions and co-produced with Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, this sparkling festive treat is packed with live music, puppetry, and plenty of laughs – making it the perfect Christmas outing for children and families alike (I should say that Dave loved it so much last time he said he’d quite happily have watched it without the kids!)
Book tickets for Raymond Brigg’s Father Christmas
You can read our review of Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Waterside here!
The Grinch at Cockfields Farm – Saturday 22nd / Sunday 23rd November 2025
Fancy meeting the Grinch this Christmas? He’s going to be heading down to Cockfields Farm for two days of fun, games and mischief!
There will be three sessions where the children can join the Grinch for a craft activity and fun games, before heading over to Santa’s sleigh for photographs.
Tickets include general admission to the farm, so there’s plenty to see and do such as seeing the animals and making use of the indoor and outdoor play areas.
Book tickets to meet The Grinch at Cockfields Farm
Once Upon a Christmas at The Mansion, Tatton Park – selected dates from Saturday 22nd November to Wednesday 31st December 2025
This Christmas at Tatton Park, experience a magical Christmas Mansion where each of the rooms will be decorated to bring to life a different classic tale from the season with immersive displays, lights and music.
Tickets are available to book online now priced at £15 for adults and £11 for children (the ticket price applies to National Trust members too) You will also need to pay for parking on site at a cost of £8.
Enchanted Winter Walk at Quarry Bank – Thursday 27th November to Monday 22nd December 2025
With festive lighting and illuminated walkways, take a wander through the Upper Garden on the Enchanted Winter Walk at Quarry Bank. Keep an eye out for Mrs Claus preparing the sleigh for Christmas Eve, and little ones, don’t forget to pick up your reindeer food ready for the big day.
Your ticket includes entry and hot drink for adults or reindeer food and child size hot drink for children. This experience should last around 30 minutes. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!
Book tickets for the Enchanted Winter Walk at Quarry Bank priced at £9.50. National Trust admission charges do not apply – both NT members and non-members need to purchase tickets for this event.
Seasonal Winter Family Trail at Dunham Massey – Thursday 13th November 2025 to Saturday 28th February 2026
This winter, follow a short winter trail at Dunham Massey designed to encourage younger children to put their coats on and get outside to embrace the sensory delights of the season.
Find out top winter facts, wander past historical buildings and ancient trees. Don’t forget to stop for some deer spotting, and enjoy a hot drink in the restaurant or café when little legs tire (or you could even pack a hot picnic to warm little tummies through!)
This event is free, however normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Christmas Carols in the Stableyard at Tatton Park – Sunday 21st December 2025
Get yourself into the Christmas spirit and sing-along to Christmas carols and songs in the twinkling Stableyard.
Warming food and drink to takeaway will be available from the Stables Restaurant.
This is a free event with no booking required however standard parkland vehicle entry applies to all visitors.
Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre – Sunday 23rd November to Tuesday 30th December 2025
This Christmas at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, take part in a scavenger hunt in the winter wonderland themed MINILAND®, build a cool LEGO decoration and display it for others to see, rock around the LEGO Christmas tree at the pop-up dance parties with the LEGO mascots and you can even spin the advent wheel and see what number it lands on to win a treat!
On selected dates there is also the option to visit LEGO Santa in his grotto – this costs an additional £5 and includes the opportunity have a souvenir photo taken with the brick man himself and receive an “awesome” gift.
You can book your tickets for the Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre now priced from £15 for children and £17.50 for adults. (Don’t forget to use TopCashBack when you book too!)
The Twilight Tales, Freight Island, Manchester – Thursday November 13th to Tuesday 23rd December 2025
The outside area of Freight Island has been transformed into a festive playground with a mixture of interactive installations and lights – this isn’t so much of a Christmas light trail as a space full of interactive light installations and activities from writing letters to Father Christmas (Chloe asked if it would be possible for him to arrange for her to stop growing) to elves to find, the most bonkers train carriage full of phones (our favourite was the complaints line) and containers of neon light strings, disco balls and, dry ice filled bubbles!
You can read more about Twilight Tales here:
Twilight Tales – Review and Tips
The Christmas events listed below took place previously and are not yet confirmed for Christmas 2025 but as always I’ll be updating this post regularly so keep your eyes peeled!
Manchester Christmas Lights – TBC
This information has not yet been updated for 2025
There will be no official “switch on” event for the public again this year. Apparently Manchester City Council are still unable to find an appropriate space to host the event due to the significant levels of building work throughout the city at present (though I think this sounds like a less miserable way of saying “We can’t afford it”). They had promised that there would definitely be a big switch-on event this year “followed by Manchester’s best ever Christmas switch-on event the year after that in 2024 when our wonderful Town Hall and Albert Square will be back in use again.” . . . I remain unconvinced having seen a number of councils cancelling their switch on events to save money and we all know how Albert Square is looking right now.
Although there won’t be a big Christmas lights switch-on event this year, Manchester city centre will still be going all out with the Christmas displays to get us in the festive mood! The lights will presumably be on to coincide with opening of the Christmas Markets. Big Santa will take up residency outside the Central Library on St Peter’s Square.
The Winter Wanderer’s Wonderful Feast: A Winter Experience in the Dunham Massey House – Winter 2025 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated as soon as details become available.
This winter, Stuff & Nonsense Theatre bring a touch of magic to Dunham Massey House with an immersive story told through their unique blend of puppetry, music and laughter (I’ve never been let down by a Stuff & Nonsense performance yet!)
Join the intrepid Earl of Dunham Massey, as he returns from his travels around the world bringing with him an array of wild animal friends! In his absence, the family pets have been looking after the place and are not feeling quite so welcoming. 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.
This event is recommended for children ages 3-10 but is suitable for the whole family.
Tickets for this event should be pre-booked and are charged at £5 per person. Normal admission charges apply for non-members on arrival.
Manchester’s Christmas Parade – Sunday 7th December 2025
Manchester’s Christmas parade will return for a fourth year in a row which I think grants it festive tradition status now! Hosted by Manchester City Council, the parade will include a spectacular procession of Christmas-themed acts, including Nutcracker-inspired toy soldiers on Segways, a roaming Christmas tree, giant reindeers, and Jack Frost accompanied by a troupe of Frosty dancers.
This year’s Manchester Christmas Parade will start at 1pm and will follow the same longer route as last year starting and ends at Manchester Cathedral passing through Victoria Street, Deansgate, John Dalton Street, Cross Street, Market Street, St Mary’s Gate, Deansgate, and Victoria Street.
You can read more about the Manchester Christmas Parade here:
Manchester Christmas Parade 2024
Winter theatre – JACK! at Quarry Bank Mill – December 2025 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated as soon as details become available.
“For as long as tales have been told, the character of Jack has been a constant presence in stories. Sometimes clever and cunning, sometimes lazy and foolish, but always coming out on top, fairy tales, folklore and nursery rhymes are full of tales of a lad named Jack.
Now, in this new musical for families and children, discover the truth behind the original fairytale hero.
Join Jack in his many guises as he seeks his fortune, finds the love of his life, learns the perils of a pail of water and, of course, takes on the fearsome giant.”
Tickets for JACK! at Quarry Bank Mill are available now priced at £11 for adults and £8 for children. Non-members do not need to purchase an additional Quarry Bank admission ticket unless they also wish to visit the Mill, other historic buildings and gardens.
Christmas Pyjama-rama! at Escape to Freight Island – December 2025 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated as soon as details become available.
Our Kids Social are bringing the Christmas family fun at Escape to Freight Island and the kids don’t even need to get dressed! Christmas pjs, onesies, Xmas jumpers – come as you are, wear what you like and get ready for a morning full of festive delights! (Don’t forget that Freight Island is a massive open warehouse type space though so could be quite cold – just saying!)
There will be Christmas card making, a glitter swoosh station, Hula Hula circus skills workshop, letter writing to Father Christmas – and of course the big man will be there himself to collect all of the letters! And when they say big – they mean enormous because randomly they’ve got an elf on stilts paying a visit!
Resident DJ Helen will be spinning all of your favourite tunes with a family silent disco, a fully stocked bar and street food will be available to order from 12pm if you want to make a day of it (and why wouldn’t you?)
Tickets for the Our Kids Social Christmas Pyjama-rama at Escape to Freight Island are available to buy now priced at £8.50 per person (babes in arms go free).
Tinsel Town at Trafford Centre – Christmas 2025 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated as soon as details become available.
Set up outside The Orient, opposite The Great Hall entrance where we’ve previously seen both summer and Halloween events, Christmas takes up the mantle and brings all the glitz and glamour you’d expect of a festive event at The Trafford Centre with a new, sensational outdoor experience. Wrap up warm and explore a winter wonderland of rides and festive fayre. There will be fairground rides, a big wheel and a magical ice rink as well as a range of independent food vendors serving mulled wine, hot dogs, pizza and other festive treats.
Don’t miss the spectacular show SNOWSTORM Northern Lights, a sensational ice-skating extravaganza live from the heated theatre big top and you can pop into the Trafford Centre to see Father Christmas at The Grotto too.
For more information and to book: Tinsel Town at The Trafford Centre
Christmas Carols at Lyme, Stockport – December 2025 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated as soon as details become available.
Join in with some Christmas carols at a concert and you’ll feel jolly in no time. It’s the most wonderful time of the year to get together with your loved ones and sing to your heart’s content.
Pre-booking is not required for this event – entry is free for National Trust members, admission charges apply for non-members. (The full list of dates is available here)
Slime Making Workshop at Kargo MKT – Monday 23rd December 2024
I’m not really sure how festive this is but it’s happening in the Christmas holidays so let’s just chuck it in there anyway! Kargo MKT are hoting a Slime Making Workshop where you can choose your own colour from a range of Slime Paint to make your very own Slime (personally I’ve never got the fascination with this stuff!)
Book tickets for the Kargo MKT Slime Making Workshop priced at £11.55 per child.
Festive Sundays – TBC for Christmas 2025
After a glorious run of events in 2023, we only had the Christmas Parade in 2024 and currently even that isn’t confirmed . . . bah humbug to Manchester City Council and their purse strings!
Every Sunday from the end of November until the weekend before Christmas, Manchester city centre will host a range of free-to-watch sparkling street performances including roaming puppets, street performers and live music helping to create a fun and festive atmosphere in town! There’s something different going on every weekend.
Festive Sundays in Manchester are free and no booking is required. (You can find out more details of this free Christmas event here)
Below you’ll find a list of event which have previously taken place in Manchester at Christmas but which will not be returning for 2025:
12 days of Quarry Bank Christmas at Quarry Bank – December 2025 TBC
The information below relates to a previous event and will be updated as soon as information becomes available.
Find the 12 days of Quarry Bank Christmas across the property and fill in your festive song sheet then enter the competition for a chance to win a hamper of Quarry Bank treats! Trail sheets cost £2 each and are available from Visitor Reception.
Standard National Trust admission charges apply.
Free Festive Family Crafts at Lyme, Stockport – No details for Christmas 2025
The information below relates to a previous event and will be updated as soon as information becomes available.
Not all that glitters is recyclable! Give nature the gift of a greener Christmas and learn how to create Christmas decorations from things you might throw away at home with Lyme’s volunteer elves.
Pre-booking is not required for this event – entry is free for National Trust members, admission charges apply for non-members.
Backyard Cinema Manchester, Depot Mayfield | No event for 2025
The information below relates to a previous event.
The UK’s most magical cinema arrives in Manchester for a strictly limited run. This exciting alternative cinema experience is located on the rooftop of Manchester’s Depot Mayfield (home to The Warehouse Project and Escape to Freight Island). Watch your favourite Christmas movies on giant bean bags surrounded by an enchanted, magical forest… Festive films include classics The Holiday (a personal favourite!), Love Actually, Elf and Home Alone
Book your festive Backyard Cinema tickets here.
Christmas at Heaton Park | No event for 2025
Christmas at Heaton Park will not return for 2025 however there is a brand new light trail: Northern Lights Manchester at Heaton Park
New for 2023, and taking the place of Lightopia after they went into administration at the start of the year, the team behind Christmas at Dunham Massey and Christmas at Kew are bringing their special brand of twinkling seasonal lights to Heaton Park.
You’ll find fairground rides (these are be an additional charge), colour-changing globes of light stretching out into the distance, larger-than-life flowers and neon strings that reach high into the sky. There is a laser garden filled with thousands of tiny beams of light and a giant twinkling tunnel that surrounds you with sparkle and makes for fantastic photo opportunities.
There are limited food options and festive treats available too (or you could just pack a hot picnic if you wanted to save a few quid!)
Tickets for Christmas at Heaton Park must be pre-booked online. Early bird pricing is in place until the 1st of October with tickets available from £12.
You can read more about Christmas at Heaton Park here:
Christmas at Heaton Park – Review & Tips
Lightopia at Heaton Park | No event for 2025
Lightopia will not return for 2025 with the company behind Lightopia, Outreach Creative Limited, having filed for administration on 9th January 2023.
If you have any recommendations for festive days out in the Manchester area, I’d love to hear them!
Please note that, to the best of my knowledge, all information is correct at time of publishing but do check directly with individual venues to confirm!
For more festive days out why not read one of these posts next:
The best places to visit Father Christmas in Manchester
Christmas shows in Manchester this year
Cheap or free Christmas days out in Manchester
Christmas light trails near Manchester
The best places to visit Santa in Leeds
Christmas days out in the York area
Festive days out in the Leeds area
Family Friendly New Year’s Eve events in Manchester
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Another brilliant and informative blog post keep up the good work and stay safe the both of you.
Thank you x