Last Updated on 31 October 2026 by Colette
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I am regularly updating this post as information is released about family friendly New Year’s Eve events for 2026 but please do check with individual venues for the most up to date information!
How do you celebrate New Year’s Eve with kids? Do you find a baby sitter and head out for the night, have a house party with friends and let the kids stay up (or even fake celebrate new year at about 9pm and then send them to bed so you’re free to carry on enjoying yourself?) or are you all in bed at 10pm?
I must admit that Dave and I were always in bed fairly early on New Year’s Eve but this is, in part, because my best friend’s birthday is on New Year’s Day so we would usually go out then instead! I recent years we’ve taken the kids to Granny and Grandad’s for the night so what the kids do on New Year’s Eve is someone else’s problem – however last year we decided they are old enough to come out and celebrate with us instead!
New Year’s Eve 2026 falls on a Thursday this year with the bank holiday for New Year’s Day falling on Friday 1st January 2027. (This is my favourite timing as it means plenty of chance to recover before you’re back in work!)
If you’re looking for something to do in Manchester with the kids this New Year’s Eve, check out this list of family friendly New Year’s Eve events! Lots of these are events to take the kids to during the day or early evening – rather than events that will see you through midnight – so do check carefully that the timings of the various events work for your family!
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What’s on in Manchester this New Year’s Eve for families?
To compare and find more options, check out hotels on cozycozy.com the accommodation search engine.
I’m steadily updating this article for NYE 2026 – please check with the event holder before booking!
- FREE New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Manchester City Centre, St Peter’s Square
- New Year’s Eve, Albert Square in Manchester City Centre
- Ice skating in Cathedral Gardens
- Dunham Massey Light Trail
- Raver Tots New Years Eve, Freight Island Manchester
- New Year’s Eve at Cockfields Farm
- Our Kids Social NYE Day Party – Stretford Hall, Stretford
- Our Kids Social NYE at Kargo, Media City
- New Year’s Eve Family Party at Best Western Hotel Smokies Park
- New Year’s Eve Family Party at The Ashcroft, Rochdale
- Our Kids Social NYE Day Party – Yes, Manchester
- New Year’s Eve at Tinsel Town at Trafford Centre
- New Year’s Eve Family Rave at The Social, Aviva Studios
- New Year’s Eve Twilight Trail & Fireworks, Mayfield Park, Manchester
- New Year’s Eve Party – Legoland Manchester, Trafford Palazzo
New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Manchester City Centre, St Peter’s Square – NYE 2026 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated as soon as details become available.
There will be a FREE New Year’s Eve fireworks event in Manchester this year in St Peter’s Square again this year.
This family friendly new year’s eve event be hosted by radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath and there will of course be a traditional count down to midnight and a huge fireworks display as well as DJ Jimmy the Gent “spinning the tunes”.
This free New Year’s Eve event has a capacity of 20,000 with entry beginning at 10pm on a first come, first served basis. No alcohol will be permitted and for security reasons you are asked to try and avoid taking a bag (any bags must be no bigger than A4 in size and bag searches will be in operation).
(It’s worth noting that this is an outdoor event with no seating available and the weather forecast isn’t looking amazing so be prepared!)
New Year’s Eve, Albert Square in Manchester City Centre – NYE 2026 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated as soon as details become available.
With Albert Square finally back in the game this year, you can enjoy a free to enter New Year’s celebration with Manchester’s giant festive Ferris Wheel (imagine watching the NY fireworks from up there!) and a range of food and drink stalls.
There will be no firework display taking place on Albert Square itself but you should be able to see the St Peter’s Square fireworks from there.
Albert Square will be open as usual through the day on New Year’s Eve however entry through the evening will be on a controlled basis using the existing entry points until it reaches capacity which will be 2,000. The event will end at 12.30am.
Bags must be no bigger than A4 and no glass is allowed. Bag searches will be in operation.
Ice Skating in Cathedral Gardens – Thursday 31st December 2026
This year’s Skate Manchester pop-up ice rink returns to Cathedral Gardens with a large, covered ice rink and twinkly lights, making it a lovely place to enjoy some festive family fun whatever the weather.
The Skate Manchester ice rink is open until 9pm on New Year’s Eve, with the last available skate session at 8pm, making it perfect for a lovely New Year’s Eve adventure with the kids.
Tickets for ice skating in Cathedral Gardens on New Year’s Eve are available to book now: www.skatemanchester.com. Prices start from £15 for adults, £13.75 for children and £44 for a family ticket, with skate hire included. (Don’t forget to arrange your skate aids for little ones! These cost £5 each and are available on a first come, first served basis at the rink.)
You can read more about Ice Skating in Cathedral Gardens here:
Top tips for ice skating in Cathedral Gardens, Manchester
Click through here for alternative places to go ice skating in Manchester this Christmas.
Dunham Massey Light Trail
The Dunham Massey Light Trail is a family-friendly one-mile magical festive trail of illuminations is a festive family tradition for many sells out every year so you need to plan ahead for this one – especially if you want to book a popular night like New Year’s Eve.
Tickets are priced from £19 for adults and £13 for children, with under 3s going free. For the best prices, book online in advance.
National Trust members receive free car parking, but you must select this when booking and show your membership card on the night. Non-National Trust members must also pre-book parking when purchasing their tickets. Parking is charged separately.
Allow around 90 minutes to complete the trail, and don’t forget to wrap up warm as the entire experience takes place outdoors!
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]
or find out about other Christmas light trails in Manchester here.
Northern Lights Manchester at Heaton Park
From the creators of Kendal Calling and Bluedot, Northern Lights is new to Heaton Park this year. This glowing mile-long trail of light, sound and festive magic is gorgeous and would be a lovely way to spend New Year’s Eve with the kids.
Expect a 90-minute journey through immersive installations, firelit festive villages, mulled wine, marshmallows and vintage fairground fun.
Book tickets for Northern Lights Manchester.
You can read more about Northern Lights Manchester here:
Northern Lights Manchester Review & Tips
Raver Tots New Year’s Eve, Freight Island Manchester – Thursday 31st December 2026
This New Year’s Eve, Raver Tots returns to Manchester to bring you a family friendly dance party during the daytime! With lasers, colourful lights, dancers, special effects, face painting and a licensed bar, Raver Tots is bringing all the party you need!
Expect the best in house, garage, drum and bass and old school club classics to get you in the party mood. This indoor event is suitable for all ages, so even the littlest ravers can join in the fun.
Tickets for Raver Tots New Year’s Eve party are available to book online now, priced from £16 for children and £20 for adults and children aged 12 and over, plus booking fees. Babies under 18 months go free.
Tickets must be booked in advance as there will be no tickets available on the door. It’s worth bearing in mind that this is a proper rave environment with loud music, flashing lights and potentially strobe effects, so ear defenders might be useful for younger children.
New Year’s Eve Family Party at Smokies Park, Oldham – Thursday 31st December 2026
If you want a fabulous evening with family and friends that is suitable for the children, then New Year’s Eve at Smokies Park in Oldham could be just what you’re looking for!
This year, Smokies Park is hosting its New Year’s Eve celebration at The Jingle Factory in the Medlock Suite, with a delicious two-course festive buffet, DJ and disco playing a mix of party anthems, feel-good favourites and festive classics to keep everyone dancing right through to the traditional midnight countdown.
The event starts at 7pm, with the buffet served at 8pm, and the night ends at 1am.
You can book tickets for the New Year’s Eve family party at Smokies Park online. Tickets are priced at £57 per adult and £32 per child, with children aged 2 and under going free (unless they require food, in which case a child ticket must be purchased).
New Year’s Eve Family Party at The Ashcroft, Rochdale – Thursday 31st December 2026
Say goodbye to 2026 and welcome in 2027 with a family New Year’s Eve party at The Ashcroft in Whitworth, Rochdale.
Your ticket includes party games, music from the resident DJ and a hot supper, with plenty of dancing and entertainment to keep the whole family celebrating through to the traditional midnight countdown.
Doors open at 7pm and the party continues until 1am.
You can book your tickets for the New Year’s Eve family party at The Ashcroft now, priced at £21 for adults and £16 for children, with under 1s going free.
New Year’s Eve Family Party at Gulliver’s World, Warrington – Thursday 31st December 2026, 6pm–midnight
If you’re looking for a family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration with plenty to keep the kids entertained, Gulliver’s World in Warrington could be just what you’re looking for!
Families can enjoy a selection of festive rides until 9.45pm, explore the magical Land of Lights lantern trail and enjoy family entertainment throughout the evening. There’s also a spectacular fireworks display at 10pm, so little ones can enjoy a proper New Year’s Eve celebration without having to stay up until midnight.
Tickets for the New Year’s Eve Family Party at Gulliver’s World are available to book online priced from £39 per person. A premium package is also available from £49 per person, including a meal and a North Pole Express experience.
New Year’s Eve Family Party at Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel – Thursday 31st December 2026, 7pm–1am
If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the whole family, Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel is hosting a family friendly party with plenty of entertainment for children and grown ups alike.
The evening begins at 7pm, with children’s entertainment until 8pm, followed by a delicious two-course Christmas market-style buffet and music from the resident DJ to keep everyone dancing through to the traditional midnight countdown.
Book tickets for the New Year’s Eve Family Party at Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel priced at £34.95 for adults and £19.95 for children. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Below you’ll find NYE events for families in Manchester which have not yet confirmed for New Year’s Eve 2026
New Year’s Eve at Cockfields Farm – NYE 2026 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated as soon as details become available.
After a sell-out event last year, Cockfields Farm are back with all the New Year’s Eve Fun at the Farm bringing you and your little ones an exciting New Year’s Eve celebration without the late bedtime!
With the event starting at 3pm, you can enjoy all the usual Cockfields Farm fun with cuddle corner, animal feeding, carousel rides and the bouncy pillow followed by a fabulous disco countdown from 5.30pm – as the clock strikes six, you’ll dance and sing in the New Year with confetti cannons.
Book tickets for NYE at Cockfields Farm priced at £13.95 per person
Our Kids Social NYE Day Party – Stretford Hall, Stretford – New Year’s Eve 2026 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated as soon as details become available.
This New Year’s Eve, Our Kids Social is back with a NYE daytime party for families. Taking over Stretford Hall in Sretford, OKS are planning to raise the roof with two hours and four floors of family friendly New Year’s Eve fun including a silent disco, arts & crafts and a glitter bar on the roof terrace!
Tickets for the OKS New Year’s Eve family party are on sale now priced at £12.50 per child and £10 for adults. This event sold out ahead of time last year so do get your tickets booked if you plan on attending.
Our Kids Social NYE at Kargo, Media City – NYE 2026 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated as soon as details become available.
OKS are taking over KARGO on the morning on 31st December to bring you two hours of NYE fun – of course there will be a silent disco (it would be an OKS bash without one!) as well as circus tricks, arts and crafts and a glitter bar to add that bit of NYE sparkle to the proceedings!
Tickets for the OKS NYE party at KARGO are on sale now priced at £10 per person – everyon
New Year’s Eve Tots Party with Louby Lou at RHS Bridgewater – NYE 2026 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated as soon as details become available.
At RHS Garden Bridgewater you can celebrate New Year’s Eve with Louby Lou’s New Years Eve Tots Party. Dance the morning away with Louby Lou’s unforgettable entertainment and celebrate New Year’s Eve at 12 noon!
Book tickets for Louby Lou’s New Year’s Eve Party at RHS Bridgewater priced at £10 per child (recommended for children between 2 and 8) and £5 per adult. Any children that participate will need a ticket. Babes in Arms are free. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult.
New Year’s Eve Family Rave at The Hall, Aviva Studios – Thursday 31st December 2026 TBC
The Playhouse Project has previously hosted a fabulous New Year’s Eve Family Rave at Aviva Studios, giving families the chance to celebrate the New Year with plenty of dancing, activities for the kids and a soundtrack to keep the grown ups happy!
The last event ran from 3.30pm to 6pm, with plenty for the kids to do, including face painting, bubble making, circus skills, parachute games and creative activities. There were also sensory sessions for babies and toddlers, making it a fun New Year’s Eve celebration for the whole family.
This family friendly New Year’s Eve rave was put together by The Playhouse Project, a unique family-friendly social event organised by a crew of seasoned clubbers and DJs from Manchester who are now parents.
Tickets for the previous event were priced at £6.50 per person, with babies under 18 months going free. Tickets had to be pre-booked.
We’re waiting for confirmation that the New Year’s Eve Family Rave at Aviva Studios will return for 2026. Dates, times and ticket prices have yet to be announced.
Keep an eye on the Factory International website for further information.
Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Party at the Irish World Heritage Centre – Thursday 31st December 2026 TBC
The Irish World Heritage Centre in Cheetham Hill has previously hosted a family friendly New Year’s Eve party, welcoming children of all ages to celebrate the New Year together.
The previous event started with a kids disco and entertainment from 6pm to 9pm, followed by a DJ keeping the party going until 1am, so families could enjoy the traditional midnight countdown together.
The party took place in the centre’s Munster Hall, with a licensed bar serving drinks and snacks throughout the evening.
Tickets were priced at £10 per person and had to be pre-booked, with children of all ages requiring a ticket.
We’re waiting for confirmation that the Irish World Heritage Centre’s New Year’s Eve family party will return for 2026. Dates, times and ticket prices have yet to be announced.
Keep an eye on the Irish World Heritage Centre website for further information.
New Year’s Eve Party, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester, Trafford Palazzo – Thursday 31st December 2026 TBC
Join the hottest party on the block this New Year’s Eve! LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester has previously hosted two awesome New Year’s Eve party sessions, giving families the chance to celebrate the New Year without staying up until midnight.
Last year’s parties ran from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, with LEGO character mascots, mocktails, a DJ, balloon modelling, face painting, a magic show and more! Families could dance their way into the New Year with a special ‘midnight style’ countdown and balloon drop.
Of course, don’t forget to enjoy the usual LEGOLAND Discovery Centre fun while you’re there, including the rides, 4D cinema and MINILAND!
Tickets for last year’s family New Year’s Eve Party at LEGOLAND were priced at £25 per person.
Keep an eye on the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester website for further information.person.
New Year’s Eve at Tinsel Town at Trafford Centre
This New Year’s Eve, why not enjoy all all the glitz and glamour you’d expect of a festive event at The Trafford Centre with a 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. The last ice skating session on New Year’s Eve is 6pm.
You can book your tickets for New Year’s Eve at Tinsel Town online now.
Below you’ll find events which have taken place in Manchester previously but have not yet been confirmed for 2024 – this might be because they aren’t happening or it might just be that I’m being too keen and they’ve not announced yet! Of course, if you know otherwise, do let me know!
What to go watch at the theatre with kids on New Year’s Eve?
For something a bit different, and infinitely more relaxed) than a big New Year’s Eve party, why not book tickets for the theatre on New Year’s Eve?
I’ve pulled together a quick list of suggestions for family friendly shows in Manchester theatres on New Year’s Eve:
Dick Whittington at Opera House Manchester – Jason Manford and Ben Nickless return for Manchester’s annual pantomime, packed with comedy, music and plenty of audience participation.
A Christmas Carol at Lowry – The Old Vic’s much-loved adaptation of Charles Dickens’ festive classic, recommended for children aged 8 and over. There’s a 2pm performance on New Year’s Eve.
The Jolly Christmas Postman at Lowry – A lovely festive show for younger children, based on the much-loved book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. There are two performances on New Year’s Eve, at 10.30am and 1pm.
(You’ll find all the details you need for parking near The Palace Theatre or parking near Manchester Opera House here)
What is there to do with the kids on New Year’s Eve in Manchester?
If you have any recommendations for family friendly New Year’s Eve events 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!
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