Last Updated on 5 July 2026 by Colette
I’ve noticed over the last couple of years that the Grinch seems to be growing in popularity and as well as the usual Breakfast with Santa or festive grotto experiences, Grinch themed events and even cheeky meet-and-greets are popping up (and selling out!).
Below I’ve rounded up all the places in Manchester where you see the Grinch this festive season.
FREE Kids’ Grinch’mas Party! at Kargo MKT – Monday 21st December 2026
Party with the Grinch himself this Christmas at Kargo MKT – expect dancing, games, singing, bubbles and maybe even snow!
The Grinch’mas Party is free to attend however spaces are limited and tickets must be pre-booked.
Below you’ll find Grinch events in Manchester which took place last year but which have not yet been confirmed for 2026 – I will of course update these as soon as any further information becomes available!
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
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
Christmas on the Farm! at Lancaster Park & Animal Farm – Saturday 6th to Wednesday 24th December 2025
The Christmas on the Farm! experience at Lancaster Park & Animal Farm offers a Christmas story with Mrs Claus in her cottage and the opportunity to meet Santa and receive a present as well as taking the time to write a letter to Father Christmas in his special log cabin. You might also spot Mr Grinch lurking around Whoville!
As well as all the festive fun at Lancaster Park & Animal Farm, you can enjoy feeding the animals, playing on the swings, slides and ziplines amongst other things. You are welcome to take your own picnic too (we recommend taking a hot picnic to warm up after all that outdoor fun!)
ALL bookings must be made online. Tickets are priced at £13 for adults and £16 for children / £6.50 for babies under 12 months (to include a gift).
Breakfast with Santa and the Grinch at The Village Hotel, Bury – December 2025 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated as soon as details become available.
Enjoy a magical morning with festive themed buffet style breakfast with Santa and the Grinch at The Village Hotel, Bury.
Santa will make a special visit and come to see your family at your table. You will then have an opportunity to go to Santa’s Grotto for a meet and greet! All children will receive their gift and you will be able to take some festive pictures with him. The Grinch will descend on the festive fun and cause all sorts of mischief.
Children will get a pair of reindeer ears and can make magic reindeer food ready to take home and sprinkle in your garden ready for Santa’s arrival! They will also have the opportunity to write a letter to Santa.
Book tickets for your breakfast with Santa and the Grinch priced at £25 for children and £17 for adults. Under 1s go free but do still need a ticket.
Practical tips before you go
- Book tickets in advance: Grinch events are limited and as such often sell out so you need to play ahead. You’ll almost always get a better price for booking in advance anyway.
- Check age/height rules: adventure features (like Zip World’s treetop nets) typically have minimum ages or heights.
- Transport & parking: Heaton Park and Cockfields are both outside the city centre so be sure to check parking and public transport links before you set off.
- Dress for outdoors: many Grinch appearances are outside or semi-outdoor so warm layers, sturdy shoes and waterproofs are sensible.
- Don’t forget to pop some snacks and drinks in your bag: Christmas event are super expensive these days so taking your own drinks and snacks (or even a hot picnic) can save a lot of money! Just bare in mind that places like Cockfields allow picnics but don’t allow you to eat your own food indoors.
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!
Manchester’s “Grinch scene” (I’m making it a thing!) is a mix of returning pop-ups and event tours so dates and venues can change year to year. Always check the event pages and buy tickets from official providers.
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