Last Updated on 31 October 2026 by Colette
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[I am updating this post regularly with suggestions of where to see Father Christmas in Manchester in 2026 as information & reviews become available but do check with individual venues!]
I think there’s something special about picking somewhere to visit Santa year in, year out and making a tradition of it – it helps to retain the magic in my opinion! We go to the same place every year and the kids would find it ever so strange if we broke ranks and went somewhere different!
If you haven’t decided where to take the kids to see Father Christmas yet this year, now is the time to make plans. The best experiences book up early, so it pays to be prepared!
Why not read our list of suggestions for festive days out in Manchester or check out our Ultimate Guide to Christmas here.
Check out these handy links to plan your next adventure …
If you’re looking for places to see Santa in Manchester and the surrounding area this festive season, why not take a look at some of the suggestions below:
- The Grotto: Dear Santa at The Trafford Centre
- Lapland UK Manchester at Capesthorne Hall
- Reddish Vale Farm North Pole Experience
- Breakfast with Santa at Housing Units
- Meet Father Christmas at Quarry Bank
- Meet Father Christmas at Quarry Bank
- Father Christmas at The Farm, Tatton Park
- Santa Specials on the East Lancs Railway
- Breakfast with Santa at The Stockport Plaza
- Cruise with Father Christmas on Manchester River Cruises, Salford
- Christmas on the Farm! at Lancaster Park & Animal Farm
- Santa Claus Club at Bar Hutte Après Ski Bar
- Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
- Sunday Lunch with Santa at Smokies Park, Oldham
- A Morning with Santa at Kargo MKT
Scroll down for more details or hit the button below to jump the event you are interested in!
Contents - Click here to jump to the section you need
HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto at The Trafford Centre – Friday 20th November to Thursday 24th December 2026
New for Christmas 2026, the HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto is coming to the Trafford Centre, offering families an interactive festive adventure inspired by some of HARIBO’s best-loved sweets!
Children will become Santa’s official Holly Jolly Helpers, joining his elves on a mission to help get everything ready for Christmas. Along the way, there will be plenty of games and activities, including the chance to design your own digital sweet, bring a giant cola bottle to life and explore colourful festive installations.
Of course, no Christmas grotto would be complete without a visit to Father Christmas himself! Children will enjoy a personal meeting with Santa and receive a special gift to take home. The whole experience lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Tickets are priced from £20 per child (including a gift) and £8 per adult for off-peak visits, increasing to £25 per child and £10 per adult during peak periods. Family ticket bundles are also available. It is advisable to book your tickets online to avoid disappointment.
There are also dedicated SEND Father Christmas sessions, with fewer visitors and a more relaxed atmosphere for families who would benefit from a quieter experience. Carers can attend free of charge.
The HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto will take place outside The Orient at the Trafford Centre.
The Grotto at The Corn Exchange, Manchester – Friday 20th November to Thursday 24th December 2026
The Grotto has moved from The Trafford Centre to a brand new home at the Corn Exchange in Manchester city centre for Christmas 2026!
This year, families will journey through a series of enchanting rooms, meeting Santa’s elves and completing festive challenges and tasks along the way. The adventure ends in Santa’s cosy cabin, where children will have the chance to meet Father Christmas himself, tell him what they would like for Christmas and receive a special gift.
The whole experience lasts approximately 30 minutes and there will be plenty of opportunities to take photographs along the way. Professional photographs with Santa will also be available to purchase.
Tickets are priced at £29.50 per child (including an age-appropriate gift) and £14.50 per adult, plus a small booking fee. Babies also require a child ticket. It is advisable to book your tickets online to avoid disappointment.
For SEND Father Christmas visits, there are also dedicated Whispering Winter sessions with reduced capacity and gently muted sounds, allowing children to enjoy the experience at their own pace. Registered carers can attend free of charge with the required supporting documentation.
The Grotto will take place inside the main atrium of the Corn Exchange, next to Mowgli Street Food, with an indoor queuing area.
You can read more about The Grotto here:
The Grotto at The Trafford Centre
SEN visit to The Grotto at The Trafford Centre – Mother Geek
Lapland UK Manchester at Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield – Saturday 7th November to Thursday 24th December 2026
Following its hugely successful first year, LaplandUK returns to Capesthorne Hall, Siddington, near Macclesfield in Cheshire, for Christmas 2026.
The immersive festive experience lasts around 4.5 hours, with a host of magical seasonal activities: helping elves in the Toy Factory, decorating gingerbread in Mother Christmas’s kitchen, ice skating in the Elven Village, a personalised meeting with Father Christmas, souvenir photo, a husky soft toy for children, an invitation parcel in advance, and more.
Tickets for LaplandUK Manchester cost from £60 to £155 per person, depending on the date and timing. There’s also a £4.95 booking fee per ticket and a £5.95 postage fee per booking for the invitation parcel. Parking on-site is included.
Tickets are always incredibly popular and the final ticket release took place in September. Some availability may remain, although popular dates sell out quickly. It’s worth checking the official booking website for any remaining tickets or cancellations.
Reddish Vale Farm North Pole Experience – Sunday 29th November to Thursday 24th December 2026
This Christmas, Reddish Vale Farm invite you to enjoy their 90-minute Christmas Experience. The adventure begins at The Elf Academy where you will qualify to become a “Workshop Elf” and build your very own Christmas teddy bear. At the Pole Office you will write and post your letter to Father Christmas before settling down in Mrs Claus’ Kitchen to decorate a festive treat. You’ll also have the chance to explore Elf Village, enjoy a sweet treat and make reindeer dust.
After a stop at Santa’s Stable to see some of Santa’s favourite farmyard friends, it’s finally time to meet Father Christmas himself and receive a magical coin to exchange for a special gift in Santa’s Toy Shop.
Tickets for Christmas at Reddish Vale Farm must be pre-booked online and are priced from £13.50 for adults and £39.50 for children, rising to £20 for adults and a massive £59.50 for children on peak dates. Tickets for babies under one cost £12. Tickets are strictly limited – please do check the terms and conditions online before booking.
You can read more about visiting Reddish Vale Farm here:
Reddish Vale Farm – Perfect for Under 5s
Breakfast with Santa at Housing Units – selected dates from Saturday 21st November to Tuesday 22nd December 2026 | Limited tickets remain
The popular Breakfast with Santa event returns to Housing Units this Christmas, taking place in the rather fabulous Wickentree Restaurant and makes the perfect festive family treat. To get everyone into the festive spirit, there will be live piano music and a singalong for Santa’s arrival. The whole family will enjoy a delicious set breakfast (including Bucks Fizz for the grown ups!) as well as the opportunity to meet Santa, receive an age-appropriate gift, personalised letter and sweet treat and take photos.
Tickets for Breakfast with Santa at Housing Units are priced at £34.99 per child and £34.99 per adult which has increased again this year! I recommend you are quick on this one as demand is always high and it typically sells out well in advance.
Meet Father Christmas at Quarry Bank – selected dates from Saturday 5th to Wednesday 23rd December 2026 | SOLD OUT
The Father Christmas at Quarry Bank experience is pretty low key this year – as part of your winter visit to Quarry Bank you can enjoy a private family visit with Father Christmas as he is getting ready for the big day. There will be the chance for children to share their wishlist and have their photo taken. Every child will receive a gift to take home.
Booking is essential for this experience. Tickets cost £12 per child, with up to two accompanying adults per child admitted free of charge. All guests must have an admission ticket to Quarry Bank. Entry to Quarry Bank is free for National Trust members, otherwise standard admission charges apply.
Father Christmas at Quarry Bank, Wilmslow is just a small part of a whole range of festive activities available at this National Trust property (you’ll find more information on what’s on here).
A Quiet Visit with Father Christmas at Quarry Bank Mill – Friday 11th / Wednesday 16th December 2026
This Christmas, Quarry Bank Mill are offering neurodiverse-friendly sessions to meet Father Christmas with fewer guests, no music and fewer staff and volunteers. This special 30-minute session will include festive activities and the chance to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift in a more relaxed atmosphere.
These sessions are open to guests of any age who have additional needs. Just book a Father Christmas ticket for each child/attendee who wishes to receive a gift. Two adults/carers per ticket holder are permitted to attend free of charge.
Non-National Trust members do not need to purchase Quarry Bank admission tickets in order to attend this event. If, however, you wish to explore the buildings and gardens on your visit, then you will need to pay for admission at Visitor Reception.
The event takes place in the Top Floor Play Space, which is accessible by lift. Sensory items are also available to borrow from the Mill Entrance.
Book tickets for A Quiet Visit with Father Christmas at Quarry Bank Mill priced at £12 per ticket holder, with up to two accompanying adults/carers free of charge.
You can find more SEN friendly grottos and festive experiences here.
Cockfields Christmas Experience at Cockfields Farm, Oldham – selected dates from Saturday 21st November to Thursday 24th December 2026
Cockfields Farm Park is on the border between Oldham and Ashton. This Christmas they are offering a fantastic festive experience for the whole family, including exploring the Christmas Village and boarding the brand new Cockfields Express for a magical train journey to the North Pole.
There will also be the chance to visit the North Pole Post Office, explore the Enchanted Forest, decorate a festive treat in Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, enjoy an Elf Show and Build-a-Bear experience and meet Santa’s reindeer. Of course, there’s also a private family visit to the big man himself in his magical grotto where you’ll receive a special gold coin to spend on anything in Santa’s Toy Shop.
The experience lasts approximately two hours and tickets also include admission to Cockfields Farm Park, so you can enjoy the animals and play areas too.
Tickets are available to book now, priced from £37.47 per child and £29.37 per adult, depending on the date you visit. Tickets for babies under one start at £13.77 and include a gift from Santa, but not the Build-a-Bear experience or festive treat. Prices increase considerably for peak dates, with tickets costing up to £62.45 per child and £48.95 per adult. Discounts of up to 45% are available on selected dates, so it’s worth comparing prices before booking.
Cockfields are also hosting a Breakfast with Santa event this year.
You can read more about Christmas at Cockfields Farm here:
Cockfields Christmas Experience Review 2019 – We’re going on an adventure
Cockfields Farm Christmas Experience 2019 – The Brick Castle
Father Christmas at The Farm, Tatton Park – selected dates from Saturday 21st November to Thursday 24th December 2026
Obviously being in Knutsford, Cheshire – Tatton Park is a bit of a stretch for my “Manchester area” list but I thought I’d include it as it’s really lovely!
Families can see Father Christmas and his elf helpers in a festive grotto at the Farm at Tatton Park. Enjoy roaming entertainers, live music with festive choirs and brass bands and stop off for a tasty treat in the Christmas Café located in the Clydesdale Barn.
Don’t forget to take your photo in Santa’s sleigh and make your own magical reindeer food in the Mill to take home and sprinkle around on Christmas Eve!
Tickets must be pre-booked online. Admission costs £14 per child (including a gift from Father Christmas) and £12.50 per adult (this entrance fee applies to National Trust members too). You will also need to pay for parking on site at a cost of £10 if booked online or £11 on arrival.
You can read more about Father Christmas at Tatton Park here:
Father Christmas at Tatton Park – We’re going on an adventure
Santa Specials on the East Lancs Railway – weekends from Saturday 28th November, then daily from Saturday 19th to Thursday 24th December 2026
This year’s East Lancs Railway Santa Specials will help you to get into the festive spirit as you take an exciting steam train trip with a host of happy elves and of course, the man himself, Father Christmas!
The experience begins at the beautifully decorated Bury Bolton Street Station, where you’ll make your way through a festive winter wonderland and meet some colourful Christmas characters, including Mrs Claus and the Ice Princess, before climbing aboard your steam train.
During your 80-minute festive adventure, Santa’s happy helpers will help to keep you and your little ones entertained, alongside carols from a traditional brass band, as your train makes its way to Rawtenstall and back. Before the trip ends, Father Christmas will pay you a special visit, take some time to chat and even have a selfie before making sure every little one receives an age-appropriate gift (well behaved parents also get a mince pie and a festive tipple).
Tickets for the Santa Specials are available now and can be booked here, priced from £24.50 per child and £25 per adult, increasing to £41 per child and £41.50 per adult on peak dates. A £2.50 booking fee applies per order.
ELR are also offering SEND friendly Santa Specials on 28th and 29th November, 5th December and 22nd December 2026.
New for 2026, families can also request a British Sign Language interpreter on selected dates (28th and 29th November, 5th and 22nd December), subject to availability. You’ll need to contact the railway in advance to arrange this.
Breakfast with Santa at The Stockport Plaza – Saturday 28th November / Saturday 5th / Saturday 12th / Saturday 19th December 2026 | SOLD OUT
Santa has been joining families for breakfast at The Plaza Café in Stockport Plaza since 1944, and it’s become something of a local tradition. Kids can enjoy a delicious breakfast of scrumptious pastries and chocolate dip, all served with lashings of cordial while they wait for Santa and his little helpers to arrive. (Grown ups will enjoy a slightly less fancy but equally delicious bacon barm with unlimited tea and coffee). After breakfast, little ones can meet Father Christmas himself and receive a special gift.
Book your breakfast with Santa at The Stockport Plaza here. There are also brunch sessions available on selected dates, although these have sold out too.
Cruise with Father Christmas on Manchester River Cruises, Salford – selected dates from Saturday 21st November to Wednesday 23rd December 2026
This Christmas Santa is giving up his sleigh for a boat! You can take a Santa Cruise on the Manchester Ship Canal this festive period. Departing from Salford Quays, this hour long trip with Father Christmas and his elves offers mulled wine and mince pies for the adults, a cookie and juice drink for the children and, most importantly, the chance to meet Santa Claus and receive a gift from his floating grotto. Adult participation is required – this is a Chief Elf Tilly rule.
Tickets for the Father Christmas River Cruise are available to book now, priced from £13 per person. The experience is aimed primarily at children aged 2–10, although older children are welcome too.
The Magic of Christmas at Freight Island, Manchester – Selected dates from Saturday 21st November to Thursday 24th December 2026
This Christmas you can visit Father Christmas at Freight Island as part of their brand new Magic of Christmas experience.
Your visit will include a 90-minute festive adventure through a beautifully decorated Christmas Village, with ten storybook stops to explore before meeting Father Christmas himself in Santa’s Lodge.
The Christmas Village has been designed to feel like the inside of a snow globe, with plenty of festive decorations and Christmas magic along the way.
There are also optional extras available to purchase, including professional family photographs, personalised videos from Santa and premium gifts.
Feel free to visit Freight Island for food and drink before or after your experience, with festive treats available from the on-site vendors.
Arrival times are staggered every 15 minutes to help avoid long queues, particularly outside in the cold.
Tickets to see Father Christmas at The Magic of Christmas at Freight Island are available to book now priced from £29 per child and £14.50 per adult, plus booking fees. Prices vary depending on your chosen date, and all guests, including babies, require a ticket.
You can find out more about Father Christmas at Freight Island here:
“It was well worth the visit. Entertainment from two elves beforehand (singing, dancing and a pesky water gun) and a little chat with the Big Man who knew a little bit about them both beforehand. He caught E off guard. And no charge for adults too!” KF
Christmas on the Farm! at Lancaster Park & Animal Farm – Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th / Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th / Thursday 17th to Thursday 24th December 2026
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. Lancaster Park & Animal Farm don’t charge for photos with Father Christmas so you are free to take along your own camera and take as many photos as you like! There are additional photo opportunities including a life size photo frame and even Santa’s sleigh! You can also enjoy marshmallow toasting, hot chocolates and the chance to see the Grinch.
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 £15 for adults and £18 for children / £7 for babies under 12 months (to include a gift). Booking fees also apply.
Santa Claus Club at Bar Hütte Après Ski Bar – Sunday 13th and Sunday 20th December 2026
This Christmas snuggle up in a cosy hütte for an hour of karaoke, a free hot chocolate for each child (up to six children) and colouring pads for the kids, plus the opportunity to grab a selfie with Santa!
The Santa Claus Club takes place at Bar Hütte in Great Northern Square, Manchester, with sessions available between 10am and 1pm (last booking at 12pm).
Book your spot at the Santa Claus Club now priced at £30 per hütte for one hour, plus a small booking fee.
Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre – Christmas 2026 TBC
As part of the Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre this December, there is also the option to visit LEGO Santa in his grotto (selected dates only) – this costs an additional £6 per person and includes the opportunity to take a photo with the brick man himself and receive an “awesome” gift.
As well as meeting LEGO Santa, families can enjoy a whole range of festive activities including building LEGO gingerbread and snowflakes, taking part in a scavenger hunt around MINILAND and joining the LEGO Christmas tree dance parties.
You can check tickets for the Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, with standard admission currently advertised from £16 per person, plus an additional £6 per person for the LEGO Grotto Experience. (Don’t forget to use TopCashBack when you book too!)
Sunday Lunch with Santa at Smokies Park, Oldham – Sunday 6th December 2026
Enjoy a festive two-course Sunday dinner with a selection box from the Big Man himself! This year’s event takes place in the Toy Box at Smokies Park, where families can enjoy a delicious Christmas lunch before a special visit from Father Christmas.
Book your Sunday lunch with Santa priced at £25 for adults and £12.50 for children.
Father Christmas at the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester – Selected dates from Saturday 21st November to Wednesday 23rd December 2026
Father Christmas is making a special visit to Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum this Christmas, where children can meet the man himself in the museum’s beautifully restored Power Hall.
During their visit, children will have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas and receive a special gift to take home.
The museum is also offering relaxed Father Christmas sessions for children and families who would benefit from a quieter, more accessible experience.
Book tickets to meet Father Christmas at the Science and Industry Museum priced at £15 per child, including a gift. Accompanying adults can attend free of charge.
Father Christmas at Staircase House – Saturday 12th / Sunday 13th December 2026
This one comes recommended by my friend Catherine who went a couple of years ago and said she loved the quirky building and great value experience!
Experience a special festive visit to one of Stockport’s oldest houses. Your visit will begin with a trail through the historic rooms in Staircase House, where you can enjoy activities and crafts. During your visit your family will meet Father Christmas in his grotto and all children will receive a gift. You can then explore the rest of Staircase House in your own time.
Book tickets for Father Christmas at Staircase House priced at £15 per child plus booking fee, with free entry to Staircase House for accompanying adults (making it one of the cheapest Father Christmas experiences on the list!)
A Morning with Santa at Kargo MKT – Thursday 24th December 2026 | SOLD OUT
Head down to Kargo MKT for a morning filled with Christmas cheer and festive fun with Santa this Christmas Eve.
Taking place from 10am to 12pm, children can enjoy Tales from the North Pole before meeting Father Christmas himself for a festive meet and greet. Only children need a ticket, so accompanying adults don’t need to book separately.
Book tickets to see Santa at Kargo MKT. Tickets are currently sold out, but it’s worth checking for any cancellations.
Baby and Toddler Festive Play Session with Father Christmas at Quarry Bank Mill – Thursday 10th / Friday 11th / Thursday 17th / Friday 18th December 2026
This year, Quarry Bank Mill host a special Christmas baby and toddler “activity and play session” which includes a special visit from Father Christmas and a gift for your little one. The 30-minute session takes place in the Top Floor Play Space and includes an interactive Christmas story, festive singalong and the chance to have a photograph taken with Father Christmas. This event is designed for children aged 6 months – 5 years, although older children are welcome.
Non-National Trust members do not need to purchase Quarry Bank admission tickets in order to attend this event. If, however, you wish to explore the buildings and gardens on your visit, then you will need to pay for admission at Visitor Reception.
Tickets for the baby & toddler Father Christmas at Quarry Bank Mill are available to book now priced at £15 per child, with up to two accompanying adults per child at no additional charge.
Festive Fun with Father Christmas at Salford Museum & Art Gallery – Saturday 12th / Saturday 19th December 2026
Father Christmas is making a special trip to Salford with a visit to Lark Hill Place this festive season and you are invited to join him for some festive family fun at Salford Museum & Art Gallery.
Your Festive Fun with Father Christmas ticket includes a Santa waffle, a story time session with Father Christmas, festive crafts, a pick and mix play area, a meet and greet with Father Christmas as well as a small gift for children. Children will also receive a hot chocolate or juice, while grown ups can enjoy unlimited tea or filter coffee.
The event is recommended for children aged 4+, although younger children are welcome. Dietary requirements can be accommodated if specified when booking.
You can book your Festive Fun with Father Christmas at Salford Museum & Art Gallery online now with tickets priced from £10 per person.
Sail with Santa, Hollingworth Lake Adventure & Water Activity Centre – Saturday 19th December 2026
Visit Hollingworth Lake this Christmas and take a magical boat trip with Santa aboard the Lady Katherine. Post your Christmas list in the magical elf post box and get a gift from the man himself.
Children will have the chance to meet Father Christmas aboard his floating grotto as they enjoy a festive trip across Hollingworth Lake. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Don’t forget to dress for the weather, it can be really blowy around Hollingworth!
You can find details and book tickets for Sail with Santa on the Your Trust website. Ticket prices for Christmas 2026 have yet to be confirmed.d at £10 for children and £5 for adults (including a complementary hot drink).
If you fancy a wander round Hollingworth Lake while you’re there, read this next!
Our favourite family dog walks in the Manchester area
A Visit to Father Christmas at Bramall Hall – Saturday 5th / Sunday 6th December 2026
Young visitors to Bramall Hall will go on a magical journey around the Hall decorated for Christmas with all the festive trimmings. Along the way they will enjoy a fabulous Elf spotting trail, colour a Christmas tree decoration and write a letter to Father Christmas. Before leaving, children will have an audience with Father Christmas and collect a special gift.
The experience is recommended for children aged 3 and over, although younger children are welcome. Allow around 45 minutes for your visit, including time spent queuing.
Tickets to see Santa at Bramall Hall are available to book online now priced at £20 per child plus booking fee. Each ticket admits one child and one accompanying adult, with additional adults priced at £7, payable on arrival.
Tickets must be booked in advance for all children, as there will be no child tickets available on the day.
Christmas at Gulliver’s World, Warrington – Saturday 14th November to Thursday 24th December 2026
This Christmas, head to Gulliver’s World in Warrington for a festive family day out with rides, attractions and plenty of Christmas magic! As part of your visit, children can climb aboard the North Pole Express, visit Father Christmas in his grotto and enjoy festive entertainment throughout the park.
There are a range of Christmas packages available, so you can choose the experience that suits your family best.
Book your Christmas experience at Gulliver’s World online now. Ticket prices vary depending on your chosen date and package.
The Father Christmas events below to place last year but details have not yet been confirmed for Christmas 2026 – I will of course update these as soon as information is available.
Father Christmas at Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, Oldham – Christmas 2026 TBC
The information below relates to a previous event and will be updated as soon as information becomes available.
Father Christmas at Oldham Spindles shopping centre was recommended to me by a mum at Amy’s school who takes her little boy there each year – she said she likes it because “it’s not too busy and doesn’t cost a fortune!”
Tickets are just £5 per child including a gift and must be pre-booked online!
Santa’s Story Time at John Lewis, Trafford Centre – No event for Christmas 2026
Whilst John Lewis have brought back their popular Santa’s Tea Party for Christmas 2026, unfortunately there doesn’t appear to be an event at the Trafford Centre this year.
The good news is that Santa’s Tea Party is taking place at John Lewis Cheadle instead, where children can enjoy a special Christmas story time with Santa and his elves, complete with hot chocolate, festive treats and a gift to take home.
Book tickets for Santa’s Tea Party at John Lewis priced at £25 per child and £8 per adult, plus booking fees.
Sail with Santa! Portland Basin Museum, Ashton-under-Lyne – Christmas 2026 TBC
The information below relates to a previous event and will be updated as soon as information becomes available.
Join Santa onboard the Community Spirit canal boat for a festive 35 minute round trip along the canals of Tameside with songs, stories, and presents with Santa! Each ticket includes a snack for the children and a mince pie or cake and hot drink for the grown ups.
Book your tickets for Sail with Santa! here priced at £11 per person – all passengers, including babes in arms, must purchase a ticket to be allowed on board. Spaces on board the boat are strictly limited. In the unlikely event that there is ice on the canals, the experience will still go ahead with the boat remaining stationary at Portland Basin.
Below you’ll find a list of events which have previously taken place in Manchester but for whatever reason didn’t happen last year so are unlikely to take place this Christmas:
- Housing Units Grotto | There has been no grotto at Housing Units for several years now but they do still host a breakfast with Santa
- The Santa Experience at Heaton Park Garden Centre | No event for 2025
- Santa’s Grotto, Touchstones, Rochdale | No event this year – Touchstones is temporarily closed for redevelopment.
- Santa’s Grotto at Chill Factore | There hasn’t been a grotto at Chill Factor for a few years now sadly.
- Silcock’s Winter Wonderland, Event City (next to the Trafford Centre) | Silcock’s have confirmed there will be NO Winter Wonderland at Event City this year (not least because Event City doesn’t exist any more!
Phew. That’s quite the round up! Where will you be going to see Father Christmas in Manchester this year? Have I missed anywhere off the list – let me know and I’ll add it in if I can!
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:
Christmas days out in Manchester 2026
Free or low cost festive days out in Manchester 2026
Where to go ice skating in Manchester this Christmas
What’s on at the theatre in Manchester this Christmas
Where to visit Father Christmas in York
The best places to visit Santa in Leeds
What’s going on in Liverpool this Christmas?
Festive light trails near Manchester
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Awww nice round up. I’ll have a think, I’m sure we’ve seen him a few places you have’nt mentioned. We have been on the ELR Santa Specials a few times, but I’ve never blogged it!