visit santa in manchester

Where to see Santa in the Manchester area [2024]

Last Updated on 11 March 2024 by Colette Burgess

This post contains affiliate links

[I am updating this post regularly with suggestions of where to see Father Christmas in Manchester in 2024 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.

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:

• Farmer Christmas at Reddish Vale Farm
• Christmas at Cockfields Farm, Oldham
• Mini Christmas at Cockfields Farm, Oldham 
• Santa Specials on the East Lancs Railway
• Breakfast with Santa at Housing Units 
• Father Christmas at The Farm, Tatton Park
• Santa’s Grotto Experience at Winter Island at Freight Island
• Breakfast with Father Christmas at Salford Museum & Art Gallery
• Christmas on the Farm! at Lancaster Park & Animal Farm
• The Grotto: Dear Santa at The Trafford Centre
• Santa’s Tea Party at John Lewis, Trafford Centre
• Meet Father Christmas at Quarry Bank
• Baby and Toddler Festive Play Session with Father Christmas at Quarry Bank Mill
• A Quiet Visit with Father Christmas at Quarry Bank Mill
• Cruise with Father Christmas on Manchester River Cruises, Salford
• Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe, Manchester
• A Visit to Father Christmas Experience at Bramall Hall
• Breakfast with Santa at Selfridges, Trafford Centre
• After School with Santa at Selfridges, Trafford Centre
• Deck the Halls Santa’s 747 Experience at Salford’s City Airport
• Father Christmas at Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, Oldham 
• Totally Christmas, Walkden Town Centre 
• Sail to Santa’s Grotto, Hollingworth Lake Adventure & Water Activity Centre
• Sail with Santa! Portland Basin Museum
• George Street Grotto, Altrincham – TBC
• Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
• Santa Claus Club at Bar Hutte Après Ski Bar
• Breakfast with Santa at The Stockport Plaza
• The Santa Experience at Heaton Park Garden Centre

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

Farmer Christmas at Reddish Vale Farm – Saturday 2nd December to Sunday 24th December 2023 | Limited dates remain

This Christmas, Reddish Vale Farm invite you to enjoy their two hour long Christmas Experience – the adventure begins at The Elf Academy where you will qualify to become a “Workshop Elf”. 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. After a quick 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 your special gift.

Tickets for Christmas at Reddish Vale Farm must be pre-booked online and are priced at £16 for adults and £45 for children (this is a significant increase on last year’s ticket prices). 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

Cockfields Christmas Experience at Cockfields Farm, Oldham – Selected dates from Saturday 25th November to Sunday 24th December 2023

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 watching the Elf Academy show, a visit to Mrs Claus’ Kitchen to decorate a gingerbread man, building your very own reindeer bear to take home, exploring the Elf Village, reindeer dust making, meeting the reindeer and of course, 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. If you’re lucky, it might even snow.

Ticket prices have jumped significantly in price this year to £48 per child and £25 per adult however, there are two off peak dates – 25th & 26th November where prices are a little lower and then peak dates over the weekend before Christmas where the prices are slightly increased. Tickets can be booked one as well as various add-ons such as a souvenir photograph or marshmallow toasting.

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

Mini Christmas at Cockfields Farm, Oldham – Weekdays only from Friday 1st to Friday 15th December 2023

For a slightly more low key Cockfields Farm Christmas experience, you can book the Mini Christmas which takes place on week days during term time in the run up to the Christmas holidays. The Mini Christmas experience, specially designed for toddlers and pre-schoolers – includes opportunities to visit Santa’s reindeer in the stables, story time with the elves and hand feed the barn animals as well as visiting Santa in his magical grotto where each child will receive a gift.

Tickets are available now and are priced at £25 per child and £15 per adult. Tickets can be booked online as well as various add-ons such as a souvenir photograph and animal food.

Santa Specials on the East Lancs Railway – weekends from Saturday 25th November then daily from Wednesday 20th to Sunday 24th December 2023

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 the steam train will be waiting for you to climb aboard. During your festive adventure, Santa’s happy helpers will help to keep you and your little ones entertained 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 a 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 . (ELR are also doing an SEN friendly Santa Special this year)

Breakfast with Santa at Housing Units | SOLD OUT

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 and take photos.

Tickets are priced at £19.95 per child and £19.95 per adult. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked here from Thursday 7th September 2023 – I recommend you are quick on this one as demand is likely to be high with Housing Units not hosting a grotto or dinner with Santa this year.

Father Christmas at The Farm, Tatton Park – Saturday 25th November to Sunday 24th December 2023 | SOLD OUT

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 Cafe 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 £12 per child (aged 0-15 including a gift from Father Christmas) and £10 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 £8.

You can read more about Father Christmas at Tatton Park here:

Father Christmas at Tatton Park – We’re going on an adventure

Twelve Days of Christmas at Tatton Park – Hodge Podge Days

Santa’s Grotto Experience at Winter Island at Freight Island – selected dates from Sunday 3rd to Saturday 23rd December 2023

This Christmas you can visit Father Christmas at Winter Island (at Freight Island).

Your visit will include a trip to the huge new Grotto, a special visit to meet Father Christmas, plus your child will also receive a small Lego gift, a Lindt chocolate and the chance to take a photo with the man himself!

The cheeky elves will take you on a musical sing-along journey to meet Father Christmas! You will have an opportunity to write and post your letter to Lapland and you will receive a sprinkle of reindeer dust for the reindeers to find you on Christmas Eve.

Feel free to visit Freight Island for food and drink, before or after your visit to the Grotto, and explore Christmas Street Food Pop-Ups from Cocoa Cabana, Parmogeddon, Formaggi by Lazy Tony’s and the Smoking Coal German BBQ as well as our usual all-star favourites such as Burgerism, Voodoo Ray’s, Fuku + many more!  However you are asked not to arrived at the Grotto more than 5 minutes before your allotted visit time to ensure the magic is kept alive for every child!

Tickets for see Father Christmas at Winter Island at Freight Island are priced at £22.50 per child and include a gift. Free for accompanying adults – maximum two per paying child.

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

Breakfast with Father Christmas at Salford Museum & Art Gallery – Saturday 2nd / Saturday 9th / Saturday 16th December 2023 | SOLD OUT

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 a fantastic family breakfast at Salford Museum & Art Gallery.

Your Breakfast with Father Christmas ticket price includes breakfast, a story time session, a craft activity, a meet and greet with Father Christmas as well as a small gift. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options will be available for breakfast.

You can book your Breakfast with Father Christmas at Salford Museum & Art Gallery online now priced at £15 per person: Saturday 2nd December | Saturday 9th December | Saturday 16th December

Christmas on the Farm! at Lancaster Park & Animal Farm – Saturday 2nd December to Sunday 24th December 2023 | SOLD OUT

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!

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 and will incur a 50p per person booking fee. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £13 for children / £6.50 for babies under 12 months (to include a gift)

The Grotto: Dear Santa at The Trafford Centre – Saturday 18th November to Sunday 24th December 2023 | SOLD OUT

“ In a land filled with wonder and enchantment, where dreams come true and letters to Santa require a very special delivery. Families will journey through the Candy Cane Land and Enchanted Forest in search of Santa’s Merry Mailroom. Assisted by Santa’s Elves, challenges and tasks await them on this journey, whilst they embark on an adventure to deliver their very own letter to Santa in his cosy cabin. “

Tickets are priced at £25 per child (including an age-appropriate gift) and £7.50 per adult. It is advisable to book your tickets online to avoid disappointment. (For SEND Father Christmas visits , with lowered lights, capacity and music, book a Whispering Winter session here ). The Grotto will take place on Lower Peel Ave opposite Boots, near the Dolphin Fountain.

You can read more about Father Christmas at The Trafford Centre here:

The Grotto at The Trafford Centre

SEN visit to The Grotto at The Trafford Cent re – Mother Geek

Santa’s Tea Party at John Lewis, Trafford Centre – Wednesday 13th / Thursday 14th / Friday 15th December 2023

Santa’s taking a well-earned break ahead of the big Christmas rush. Join him at John Lewis, Trafford Centre for a special Christmas story time session, complete with snacks, cocoa and a special gift.

Book tickets for Santa’s Tea Party at John Lewis, Trafford priced at £15 per child (including a plush toy worth £10) and £5 for adults (including a hot drink and a slice of cake) which seems like pretty good value to me!

Meet Father Christmas at Quarry Bank – weekends from Saturday 2nd to Saturday 23rd December 2023 | SOLD OUT

The Father Christmas at Quarry Bank experience includes a special half-hour session of festive activities and crafts, and a private family visit to Father Christmas and a gift.

Booking is essential for this experience. Tickets cost £12 per child (up to age 10) and up to two adults per child a permitted to attend – 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).

Baby and Toddler Festive Play Session with Father Christmas at Quarry Bank Mill – Friday 1st / Friday 8th / Friday 15th / Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd December 2023 | SOLD OUT

This year, Quarry Bank Mill host a special Christmas baby and toddler “activity and play session” which includes special visit from Father Christmas and a gift for your little one. This event is suitable for children aged 6 months – 5 years.

None 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 £12 per child with up to two adults per family.

A Quiet Visit with Father Christmas at Quarry Bank Mill – Thursday 21st / Friday 22nd / Saturday 23rd December 2023 | SOLD OUT

This Christmas, Quarry Bank Mill are introducing neurodiverse friendly sessions to meet Father Christmas with fewer guests and no music. This special 30 minute session will include festive activities, crafts 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 that wishes to receive a gift. Two adults/carers per family group are permitted to attend with the ticket holder.

You can find more SEN friendly grottos and festive experiences here.

Cruise with father christmas on manchester river cruises, salford – saturday 25th november to saturday 23rd december 2023 | limited dates remain.

This Christmas Santa is giving up his sleigh for the Isabella this Christmas! 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 grotto. Adult participation is required – this is a Chief Elf Skai rule.

Tickets for the Father Christmas River Cruise are available to book now priced at £15 per adult and £13 per child.

Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe, Manchester – Weekends from Saturday 9th to Sunday 24th December 2023 | SOLD OUT

Pop down to Hard Rock Cafe Manchester for a buffet-style breakfast and, festive fun and games with the team. While Santa’s reindeer are busy in Lapland getting ready for their trip around the world, Santa will be paying Hard Rock Cafe Manchester a visit, so make sure you’re on your best behaviour!

Tickets for Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe Manchester are available to book now priced at £16.95 for adults and £11.95 for children, under 2s go free.

A Visit to Father Christmas Experience at Bramall Hall – Saturday 9th / Sunday 10th December 2023 | SOLD OUT

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, make a Christmas tree decoration and write a letter to Father Christmas. Before leaving children will have an audience with Father Christmas in the Great Hall and collect a gift.

Tickets to see Santa at Bramall Hall are available to book online now priced at £17 per child. Each ticket admits one child and one accompanying adult, additional adults are priced at £5.

Breakfast with Santa at Selfridges, Trafford Centre – Weekends from Saturday 2nd December plus Monday 18th / Tuesday 19th / Wednesday 20th December 2023 | SOLD OUT

Step inside a magical world as the guest of Santa Claus to enjoy a spectacular Christmas breakfast filled with festive treats at Selfridges Trafford. Each child will also receive a gift from Santa.

Tickets for Breakfast with Santa at Selfridges are priced at £35 per child and must be pre-booked online. Whereas previously Breakfast with Santa was a full family event, this event is now a child-only experience; adults do not require a ticket, and will not be served breakfast.

After School with Santa at Selfridges, Trafford Centre -Thursday 30th November / Wednesday 6th / Thursday 7th / Wednesday 13th / Thursday 14th December 2023 | SOLD OUT

Join Santa’s Elves after school this season, for Christmas arts and crafts to get ready for Christmas Eve. Plus, enjoy festive snacks whilst the main character, Santa, comes to say hi.

Tickets for After School with Santa at Selfridges are priced at £15 per child and must be pre-booked online. This event is now a child-only experience; adults do not require a ticket – there will be an allocated seating area of adults who must remain to supervise their children.

Deck the Halls Santa’s 747 Experience at Salford’s City Airport  – Saturday 2nd to Sunday 10th December 2023

The man himself, Mrs Claus and his elves are testing our a new form of transport this festive season onboard The Deck 747 and are inviting you to join him in the cockpit and check out the festive filled hangar at Salford’s City Airport where you’ll play Christmas games with the elves, sing songs and help Mrs Clause get everything ready for the big day! You will be given a boarding pass onto Santa’s 747 on arrival and get the chance to write your letter to him to take back to the North Pole so he doesn’t forget what you would like to wake up to on Christmas morning – he might just have an early present for you to take home! You will have to chance to take photos in the flight deck with Santa and Mrs Claus while receiving your gift.

Tickets for Deck the Halls Santa’s 747 Experience are available to book now priced at £39.95 per child – this ticket includes one accompanying adult. Tickets have jumped considerably from last year’s prices!

Father Christmas at Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, Oldham – Saturday 25th November to Sunday 24th December 2023

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 £4.50 per child including a gift and must be pre-booked online !

Totally Christmas, Walkden Town Centre – Saturday 2nd to Sunday 24th December 2023

Based at Walkden Town Centre (which is an indoor shopping centre), Totally Christmas is a series of mini Christmas-themed escape rooms, 10 in total – and there are two trails to choose from.  Guests get 5 minutes in each of the rooms, answer the question or solve the puzzle to move onto the next room. Once you have all 9 elements of the puzzle complete, you can enter into the 10th room, which is Santa’s grotto and meet the big man himself. (Each child gets a present to take away)

Tickets for Totally Christmas are available to book online priced at £12.95 for adults and £18.95 for children with under 2’s going free.

Sail with Santa, Hollingworth Lake Adventure & Water Activity Centre – Saturday 25th November to Friday 22nd December 2023

Visit Hollingworth Lake this Christmas and take a magical boat trip to visit Santa’s Grotto. Post your Christmas list in the magical elf post box and get a gift from the man himself.

The experience will last around 20 minutes from boarding the boat, filling in the letter to Santa (aboard the boat), arriving at the grotto harbour, entering grotto and posting letter and visiting Santa and receiving present. There are a maximum of 10 places available per trip and each group of 10 people will all visit Santa together. Don’t forget to dress for the weather – it can be really blowy around Hollingworth!

You can book your tickets for Sail to Santa’s Grotto here priced 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

Sail with Santa! Portland Basin Museum, Ashton-under-Lyne – Weekends from Saturday 2nd December plus Tuesday 19th / Wednesday 20th December 2023 | SOLD OUT

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 £10 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.

Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre – Saturday 25th November to Sunday 24th December 2024

As part of the Chrismtas 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 £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 Discover Centre now priced from £15 for children and £17.50 for adults plus an additional £5 per person for the LEGO Grotto Experience. (Don’t forget to use TopCashBack when you book too!)

Santa Claus Club at Bar Hutte Après Ski Bar – Selected dates from Sunday 3rd to Sunday 24th December 2023

This Christmas snuggle up in a cosy hütte for an hour of karaoke, a free hot chocolate and colouring pads for the kids plus the opportunity to grab a self with Santa!

Book your spot at the Santa Claus Club now priced at £25 for one hour with a minimum of two people, maximum of six.

Breakfast with Santa at The Stockport Plaza – Saturday 25th November 2023 | 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 scrumptious pastries, sugar waffles, donuts 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 visit Santa’s Grotto and receive a special gift from Father Christmas himself.

Book your breakfast with Santa at The Stockport Plaza here.

The Santa Experience at Heaton Park Garden Centre – Saturday 25th November to Saturday 23rd December 2023

Book your slot to see Santa at Heaton Park Garden Centre -and leave a note or two about your child’s hobbies and interests for a more personalised chat!

Book tickets to see Santa at Heaton Park Garden Centre priced at £20 per child.

Santa’s Grotto, Touchstones, Rochdale – No event for 2023

Touchstones is temporarily closed for redevelopment. The information below relates to last year’s event

Santa and his pesky elf are back at Touchstones for a short visit this festive season! Hear some of Santa’s favourite stories, get arty with some Christmas crafts and get a special gift from the man himself.

Pre-booking is essential. You can book your tickets to visit Santa’s Grotto at Touchstones here priced at £10 per child (adults do not need to book a ticket for this event).

Sneaky Experience: A Timeless Christmas at Lyme Park, Stockport  | No event for 2023

The information below relates to last year’s event

Join Sneaky Experience on a Christmas adventure throughout Lyme Hall to help save Christmas: ‘A Timeless Christmas at Lyme’.

“It’s the night before Christmas and Old Father Time has entrusted Jody with the secret key to the World Clock, the timepiece which controls all of time. However, in her enthusiasm, she turns the key the wrong way and the cogs of time are dispersed and time stands still. In a quest to find the missing parts, you will embark on an immersive journey, meeting magical characters along the way, and becoming heroes of this unique story as you overcome each challenge to restore the inner workings of the clock just in time for Christmas!”

This spellbinding festive adventure ends with an opportunity to meet Father Christmas, tell him your Christmas wish, take photographs and receive a gift. As an extra treat, all guests will be able to explore Lyme Hall as part of their visit.

Tickets for A Timeless Christmas at Lyme Park are available to book now at £18.50 for both adults and children with under 2s going free. It’s worth noting that as the experience takes place on the first floor of the hall, there are stairs to be navigated so the event is not fully accessible.

Santa’s Grotto at Chill Factor e | No event for 2023

Chill Factor haven’t hosted a grotto for a few years now sadly. The information below relates to a previous event

The UK’s longest indoor snow slope, Chill Factor e , plays host to the only Grotto in the UK on REAL snow. From meeting jolly Santa Claus to playing in the snow, Chill Factore have everything you need for a magical Christmas experience. Each child who visits Santa in his magical Chill Factore grotto will also receive a special festive gift.

Tickets to visit Santa at Chill Factore are priced at £17.95 per child with one accompanying adult per child included (additional adult tickets can be purchased for £5 per person). Pre-booking is essential and tickets are available online now.

If you add Snow Park tickets when you book your tickets for Santa’s Grotto, you’ll save 10% on your Snow Park passes using the the promo code SANTASP10 on the basket page to apply the discount. (Check the terms and conditions here )

You can read more about Christmas at Chill Factore here:

Chill Factore: Santa’s Grotto & Snow – The Brick Castle

Chill Factore – The Snow Park

Silcock’s Winter Wonderland, Event City (next to the Trafford Centre) | No event for 2023

Silcock’s have confirmed there will be NO Winter Wonderland at Event City this year – the information below relates to previous years.

Silcock’s Winter Wonderland  returns this season for the first time in four years, bringing the magic of Christmas back to Manchester. As well as four hours of non-stop fun including more than 50 family rides and attractions including dodgems, roller coasters, waltzers, a ‘runaway train’ and a panto, there is the chance to meet Father Christmas (and his reindeer) with the option to purchase a toy and a photo from Father Christmas Toy Workshop .

Tickets for Silcock’s Winter Wonderland are available to book now starting at £29.50 per person for off peak tickets. There’s a range of pricing options and a payment plan available. Parking and all rides and attractions (excluding games and food stalls) are included in the price of your ticket.

You can read more about Silcock’s Winter Wonderland Manchester here:

Tips for visiting Silcock’s Winter Wonderland

Housing Units Grotto | NO EVENT THIS YEAR

Housing Units have confirmed there will be NO grotto for Christmas 2023 – the information below relates to previous years. Housing Units WILL still be doing a Breakfast with Santa event as detailed above.

Housing Units is a real destination with their famous Christmas department opening at the start of September each year. A visit to Santa’s Grotto located on the Emporium Store Ground Floor, includes meeting Santa himself as well as an age appropriate gift and a quality photograph in a mount. (There is also the opportunity to purchase additional photographs, greetings cards and frames featuring personalised photos from your visit).

Tickets are priced from £12.95 to £15.95 per child. Adults free of charge but must be accompanying a child.

Dinner with Santa at Housing Units | NO EVENT THIS YEAR

Housing Units have confirmed there will be NO Dinner with Santa this year – the information below relates to previous years. Housing Units WILL still be doing a Breakfast with Santa event as detailed above.

Much like Breakfast with Santa, Dinner with Santa takes place in the Wickentree Restaurant and is a lovely festive treat for the whole family. Whilst the whole family enjoy a delicious set meal, children are personally met by Santa himself and given an age appropriate gift.

Tickets are priced at £19.95 per child and £14.95 per adult.

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

Free or low cost festive days out in Manchester

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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Colette Burgess is an experienced primary school teacher and has lived in Manchester for most of her adult life. She is married to Dave and they have three children aged 10, 12, and 14. Colette has been writing about days out and adventures in Manchester and beyond including day trips and short breaks in the UK and holidays abroad since 2012. Colette and her family love festivals, camping and generally being outside.

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1 thought on “Where to see Santa in the Manchester area [2024]”

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!

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Where to Visit Santa in Manchester 2023

Jane cotton.

Updated on: 13th November 2023

Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s that time of year when the nights start drawing in, the central heating goes on and the Christmas decorations arrive in the shops. On every parent’s to do list is getting the children to write to Santa and plan a Santa visit, oh and don’t forget the advent calendar!

So where can we see Santa in Manchester in 2023, here is all the info you need including prices and how to book.

AD | I have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details.

Breakfast with Santa at Selfridges, Manchester Trafford Centre 2023

Step into the magical Selfridges Christmas Café by Gooey and enjoy a festive breakfast with Santa and Mrs Claus (alongside their trusty elf sidekicks). Bring the family for a morning filled with festive fun and delicious treats – plus, a personalised gift from the man himself.

Breakfast with Santa is a family experience, suitable for children aged 3-10 years, all attendees require a ticket. Please ensure you state any allergies when booking tickets and choosing your breakfast menu.

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the booking start time to make sure you’re there to see Santa’s big entrance. On arrival, please enter the store via our main entrance on 1, where our elves will greet you at the Café.

Your booking confirmation must be presented on arrival, so please bring it with you. All attendees including adults must purchase a ticket.

Tickets are £35 per person and bought as a table. There is a minimum of 2 people per table.

Date and time

• Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 December – 9am & 10:30am
• Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 December – 9am & 10:30am
• Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 December – 9am & 10:30am
• Monday 18 , Tuesday 19 & Wednesday 20 December – 10am

Father Christmas at Trafford Centre 2023

In a magical realm of wonder and delight, where dreams find life and sending letters to Santa is no ordinary task. Families are invited to explore the Candy Cane Land and Enchanted Forest in pursuit of Santa’s Merry Mailroom. Guided by Santa’s cheerful Elves, a series of challenges and tasks await as they embark on a whimsical quest, leading them to Santa’s cosy festive cabin where you can personally deliver your own special letters to the Santa Claus.

Prices , Child – £25 pp | Adult – £7.50 pp, Babies (Under 12 months) are f ree (no gift will be given with this ticket)

Date and Time

Open from the 18th November to 24th December and set in the heart of the Trafford Centre by the Dolphin Fountain, this is a Grotto experience not to be missed, book early so you don’t miss out.

Dine With Santa at Chester Zoo

Get ready for a warm welcome from Santa’s elves at The Oakfield’s Christmas-themed grotto—they might even snap an ‘elf-ie’ with you! Indulge in a delightful full English breakfast or a traditional Christmas lunch expertly crafted by Santa’s helpers, set in our beautifully festive Garden Room with enchanting views of the zoo. Every child is in for a personal meet-and-greet with Santa and will receive a special gift straight from the North Pole.

Tickets , Adult – £25, Child – £35, Infant (under 3) – £15. Zoo admission is not included

Friday, Saturday and Sunday only between 24 November – 17 December Daily between 18 December – 23 December. Excluding 10 and 18 December. 

Enjoy a Santa Experience at Cockfields Farm

Experience a festive lineup with a professional photo opportunity with Santa, bear-building at the Elf Academy, encounters with real-life Prancer and Dancer, crafting the perfect Gingerbread Man in Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen, a magical Christmas story from the Reindeer Keepers, animal cuddling in Elf Village, posting a Thank You letter in the North Pole Post Box, and enchanting Snowfall sessions.

• Full experience £18.00 for adults, £38.00 for children and £10.00 for infants under 1.
• The Mini Experience aimed at toddlers, £15.00 for adults, children £25.00 infants under 1 is £10.00

Throughout November and December. (The mini experience is during term time in December)

Father Christmas at Tatton Park Farm, Knutsford 2023

A holiday favourite, families can see Santa and his elf helpers in a festive grotto at the Farm. Enjoy roaming entertainers, live music with festive choirs and brass bands and stop off for a tasty treat in the Christmas Cafe. 

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 are strictly limited to see Santa at tatton Park in 2023 and must be booked online in advance. Plan your festive day out below. 

Price: Adult £10  (includes Farm entry), Child £12  (includes Farm entry and gift from Father Christmas)

Bookable timeslots from 10:30am – 2:30pm on the following weekends:

• 25 & 26 November
• 2 & 3 December
• 9 & 10 December
• 16 & 17 December
• 22 & 23 December
• 24 December – Christmas eve 

Tickets: 

Book tickets here.

http://www.tattonpark.org.uk/home.aspx

Winterfunland, Manchester

Winter Funland is back for 2023 with UK’s most awaited Christmas funfair. What did the Reindeer say to the elf? Find out yourself at our indoor carnival in Trafford Park, Manchester! Visit the BEC Arena, from 17th December 2023 to 1st January 2024 and celebrate your Christmas and New Year with us.  Book your tickets now!

Our funfair is a magical Christmas experience, with unlimited rides and an ice rink included in the price of each ticket. How much fun can you pack into your 3.5 hour session? Aimed at under 9s, Winter Funland Manchester is full of child friendly rides, bringing plenty of smiles and laughter to those little faces. You can also glide, wobble and giggle to your heart’s content on our ice rink.

Skating and funfair rides can work up quite an appetite, so we have amazing food and drinks available too. With popcorn, burgers, pizzas, candyfloss, hot dogs and chips – you’ll find plenty of tasty delights.

One single ticket includes limitless rides and ice skating, so why not treat your loved ones to a Christmas they’ll never forget at Winter Funland Manchester? Book your tickets  here .

Meet Lego Santa at Legoland Discovery Centre Trafford Center

Meet Santa (with a difference) and journey to the LEGO® North Pole this December! Head into the grotto to have your souvenir photo taken with the brick man himself and receive an awesome gift! 

Costs an additional £5.00 on top of the ticket price.

• 25th & 26th November
• 2nd & 3rd December
• 9th & 10th December
• 16th – 24th December

Santa Special on the East Lancs Railway 2023

Steam into Christmas on the East Lancashire Railway’s famously festive Santa Specials. Your family will make enchanted memories to share as they take a trip through the magical Irwell Valley alongside colourful characters and surprises.

And what Christmas treat would be complete without a visit from a host of happy elves and Santa Claus himself.

What’s Included

• Winter wonderland walkthrough at Bury Bolton Street Station featuring beautifully decorated festive scenes, a choir of carol singing polar bears and a magical talking Christmas Tree.
• Interactions with special Christmas characters including old favourites like the elves, Mrs Claus and our very own Ice Princess.
• An approximately 80-minute steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back.
• A visit from Santa with extra time to talk and take photographs.
• A Christmas gift for every child, selected by age brand.
• High quality children’s activity books.
• Traditional brass band on board.

For more information and booking, visit:   https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Visit Santa at Newbank Garden Center Radcliffe

Step into Santa’s enchanting grotto where a friendly elf will warmly welcome you, inviting you to take a seat and join in a festive song. Once your joyful singing reaches Santa’s ears, he’ll make a magical entrance to share a captivating story with the children. As you depart the grotto, each child will be gifted a special present, thoughtfully wrapped by the elves.

Price , Child and free adult ticket £12.99, additional adult £4.99

When Book Now Sessions Are Booking Up Fast

• 1-17th December (closed Monday and Tuesday both weeks.
• 18-23rd December

Pin for later? 

Jane is a regular contributor to Mini Travellers and loves travelling around the UK with her three children aged 8,10 and 11.

1 thought on “Where to Visit Santa in Manchester 2023”

This all looks VERY exciting!! So where to go is the big decision??

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51 Things To Do in Manchester this Christmas

Festive family fun, illuminated trails, christmas walks, meet father christmas, christmas shopping, indulgent treats for grown-ups.

1. Treat the family to an enchanting voyage through the magical Irwell Valley, as you kick start your Christmas on one of the  Santa Specials with East Lancashire Railway .

2. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without settling down in front of Raymond Brigg’s classic animated film,  The Snowman . Bring everyone to watch whilst the Hallé performs Howard Blake’s magical score live, including a chorister singing ‘Walking in the Air’.

3. The UK’s biggest Family festive Ice Show,  Snowstorm , is coming to Trafford Centre this Christmas. You can expect 16 top ice skaters, international circus stars and 200sq feet of shimmering ice.

4. Hop on a train with Churnet Valley Railway to meet Santa and give him your letters. The Polar Express™ 2023 Train Ride is inspired by the 2004 film, with the characters making their way through the carriages for some festive entertainment.

5. Everyone’s favourite elf is coming to AO Arena to spread all the Christmas cheer. Based on the festive film from 2003, Elf the Musical is set over three stages and features a giant Christmas tree for the audience to decorate.

6. Come on an epic journey to the South Pole as a boy tries to take a wandering penguin home, in this heart-warming adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’ award-winning children’s story,  Lost and Found .

7. Give that special and unforgettable gift of a magical Christmas experience to the ones you love and visit  Winter Funland , UK's largest indoor fairground with unlimited rides and an ice rink included in the price of each ticket.

8. Snowy is inviting children and their families to take part in an interactive trail through SEA LIFE Manchester as you meet some fin-tastic creatures along the way. Take on the challenges, find the answers, learn about the oceans and have loads of fun this Christmas!

9.  Horrible Histories  are back with a tale of Christmas! From Victorian villains to Medieval monks, Puritan parties to Tudor treats, join this hair-raising adventure through the history of Christmas in the company of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII and St Nicholas as they all join forces to save the festive season!

10. Experience Disney’s  The Muppet Christmas Carol  this winter at The Bridgewater Hall, featuring its musical score performed live alongside the film.

11. Have yourself a LEGO®-tastic Christmas this year and join in with the festive fun at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester. There will be plenty of festive-themed activities, plus access to two rides, LEGO® build & play zones and a 4D cinema experience at the ultimate indoor LEGO playground.

12. Embark on a magical journey through the streets of Manchester this Christmas as the city comes together to celebrate the festive season with a series of Festive Sundays , filled with captivating street performances ready to enchant and surprise visitors of all ages.

13. Yuletide: A Glittering Winter Garden Adventure is a completely new winter adventure coming to Tatton Park this Christmas. Listen to warming campfire stories while roasting marshmallows, dance to folk music and discover a mystical light trail.

14. Head to the family favourite  The Lanterns at Chester Zoo  and watch the little ones’ eyes light up and their imaginations run wild on a magical night-time journey.

15. Discover new immersive installations as the magical  Christmas Light Trail at Dunham Massey  returns for 2023. Enjoy time together with friends and family as you discover sparkling tunnels of light and dancing lakeside reflections, then walk under giant baubles and beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour.

16. Let it  Glow ! Enjoy an unmissable after-dark spectacle of lights at RHS Garden Bridgewater this festive season. See the garden in breathtaking beauty and follow amazing displays lighting a wonderful new route.

17. A breathtaking seasonal light show with colour-changing orbs and glowing flowers is coming to Heaton Park.  Christmas at Heaton Park  is a Christmas music and lights trail that will have everything you need for a memorable evening with friends or family. 

18. Step into a magical outdoor experience with dazzling lighting and supreme sound in the depths of  Cheshire woodland .

19. Follow Alice’s footsteps into the Tatton Park Mansion , beautifully decorated for the season – this year, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s  Alice in Wonderland.  Charming characters, including the  Queen of Hearts will entertain visitors along the route of festive illuminated displays.

20. Set on an enchanting journey at  Walton Gardens , where a spectacular, illuminated trail awaits you.

21. Stroll through  Fletcher Moss Park  and take in the natural beauty of the place. The park has some lovely features such as the rock and heather gardens, as well as an Alpine house in the gardens adjacent to Fletcher Moss and The Alpine Tea Room, the perfect place to pick up a hot chocolate en route.   

22. Breathe in some fresh air as you circle   Hollingworth Lake , which is set against the dramatic but stunning backdrop of Blackstone Edge. This award-winning tourist destination is a tranquil beauty spot for you to escape to this festive season. 

23. Wander around the  Worsley Village  and take some pictures of beautiful black and white buildings. If you stroll further to the Worsley woods, you will be able to see The Aviary, a mock Tudor house.  It’s also not far from the historic Worsley Delph an old sandstone quarry near Worsley Brook for some real insight into Worsley’s history and heritage.  

24.  Mayfield Park  is Manchester’s newest public park to open in over 100 years and makes the perfect city centre walk this Christmas. For a longer walk, why not tie it in with a stroll down Manchester’s canal paths and take in the magic of the city at Christmas time? 

25.  Kersal Wetlands  will reward you with views of the Manchester skyline, the woodlands of Kersal Dale and the shimmering River Irwell. It’s the perfect spot for family walks, dog walking and cycling making it a great day out for anybody who wants to get outdoors.  

26. Wigan Pier’s Canalside trail is rich in heritage and nature. Choose to walk one of three routes all starting at the famous pier. The first will immerse you in nature as it takes you to Leigh Bridge through Pennington Flash one of the North West’s best birdwatching sites. The second is all about history as you pass Haigh Hall and the 18th Century Arley Hall and Woods. The third is the best of both worlds as you take in nature and heritage on the way to Appley Bridge. 

27. Visit Father Christmas and his elf helpers in a festive grotto at the  Tatton Park Farm . Don't forget to take your photo in Santa’s sleigh and make your magical reindeer food in the Mill to take home and sprinkle around on Christmas Eve!

28. Wish lists at the ready! Join in for a special half-hour session of festive songs and crafts, including a private family visit to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift at  Quarry Bank  this Christmas.

29. For a Christmas experience like no other, Manchester River Cruises invite you to board their Santa Cruise and enjoy the views while the children get to interact with Santa and his elves.

30. Make the build-up to Christmas extra special by booking to visit  Santa at Knowsley Safari . Wander through the woods past glistening lights and enjoy a warming cup of hot chocolate as you make your way to Santa’s Grotto. 

31. Journey through the magical  Christmas Grotto  and join Mrs Claus for a Christmas story, meet Santa, snap a family photo or take a seat in Santa’s sleigh at Lancaster Park and Animal Farm.

32. Join the elves at the  Hayloft  for some fun workshops, take a ride on the miniature railway and end the day with a gift and story from Santa himself.

33. The family's favourite Christmas event is back! Come along and enjoy a buffet-style breakfast and get to meet Santa himself at the Hard Rock Cafe .

34. Visit Cockfields Farm for two-hour immersive festive experience, where children will get a chance to meet Santa in his grotto, decorate biscuits with Mrs. Claus, enjoy Elf Village and make their own reindeer dust.

35. Get your festive shopping fix at  The Trafford Centre , with everyone's favourite brands including  Selfridges ,  Michael Kors ,  Molton Brown , Fat Face  and  Goldsmiths .

36. Or, you can of course find a huge selection of exciting shops from the leading high street names such as Beaverbrooks , Waterstones  and  Pandora  to lots of smaller, stylish specialists at  Manchester Arndale . 

37. Find your favourite local traders at  Manchester Christmas Markets . You can expect mouth-watering international food, drinks and delicately crafted Yuletide gifts in the heart of the buzzing city. 

38. Make your Christmas magical with  the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet . There's so much to come this holiday season, like a Winter Village laden with delicious goodies, a Ferris Wheel, live music and so much more!

39. Escape to Winter Island to indulge in delicious festive food and drinks – with a build-your-own hot chocolate pop-up! The former railway station will transform its outdoor area into a market-style eatery, whilst the adjacent Mayfield Park brings its first ever Twilight Trail to the 6.5-acre site.

40. Be a guest in your city and embark on a gastronomic adventure with  Scranchester Tours . The tour will reveal fascinating facts about Manchester's food history, touch on food science and take in some magnificent local food along the way.

41. Encourage your friends to unleash their inner Chef with a place in one of  Food Sorcery's Cookery Classes , or purchase a voucher for them to choose themselves! 

42. Get ready for a festive night out at The Oast House , where you will find live music, a delightful festive menu and their fairytale-like Teepee, decorated to make your evening feel magical.

43. The former head Gardener’s Cottage at Tatton Park is the perfect location for a festive celebratory  Afternoon Tea . Enjoy the special Christmas menu with handmade cakes and pastries, festive favourite finger sandwiches and savoury tarts.

44. The magic returns to Cathedral Gardens this winter with a stunning real ice rink at  Skate Manchester . Enjoy skating by starlight under the cover of the rink’s roof, meaning you can skate in any weather and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

45. Steam into Christmas with a  Christmas Dinner  and enjoy a steam train journey through Lancashire's very own winter wonderland.

46. Treat yourself and your loved ones at the  edible gift class . Not only will you enjoy a fun afternoon whilst brushing up on your baking skills, but you’ll also create scrumptious culinary sweet treats – the perfect gourmet gift.

47. Looking for a gift for a beer lover? Then look no further and book some gift vouchers for an unforgettable  Craft Beer  journey through Manchester, where you will visit both craft beer bars and breweries, sampling a variety of locally produced beers.

48. Head into the festive speakeasy for a Christmas Miracle:  Miracle on Cross Street  is a Winter Wonderland below Manchester's bustling streets. A menu of delightful festive cocktails, non-stop Christmas tunes, cosy fireplaces, and decor that'd make Santa and his elves feel right at home.

49. As the nights draw in  Castlefield Viaduct  transforms into a magical, sparkling grotto. From 3.30 pm to 5 pm every day, drop in to wander along the light trail and visit the garden in the sky in a different way.

50. 90s kids: your time has come.  A Christmas Season  gathers some of the decade's big hits and sleeper classics and puts them back on the big screen. From Bill Murray reliving the same day over and over in Groundhog Day to Macaulay Culkin terrorising the Wet Bandits in Home Alone, the seven-title selection is designed to evoke cosy feelings across the board.

51. Join the London Concertante as they celebrate the festive season through the magical world of  Christmas movies . This enchanting programme will include excerpts from Christmas classics such as A Christmas Carol, Elf, Love Actually and Home Alone.

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14 of the best things to do in Manchester at Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year here are the best places to enjoy christmas cheer in manchester, from grottoes to markets.

M anchester sparkles during the festive season, with light shows in and around the city, sprawling Christmas markets and plenty of festive entertainment. Head to this northern powerhouse for shopping opportunities in quirky locations, to meet Father Christmas on a steam train or a farm, and to indulge in festive food and drink in grand hotels and stylish bars. To make your lead-up to December 25 extra special this year, here are the best things to do in Manchester at Christmas.

Main photo: a performance of Swan Lake at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester

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1. Have a festive family sleepover

For a festive treat on a mini-break in Manchester with the kids, book a stay at the five-star Lowry Hotel on one of its family Christmas packages. You’ll all stay in one of the hotel’s spacious family rooms, where filled stockings will be left out for little ones and there will be candy canes under pillows. When you check in, children will also be given “Lowry Loot” tokens that can be exchanged for hotel treats including cookies, ice-cream sundaes and popcorn. Plus, there will be a number of breakfasts with Santa held in the hotel’s River Restaurant throughout December.

2. Eat, drink, shop and skate at Manchester Christmas Markets

Celebrating their 25th year in 2023, the hundreds of stalls that make up Manchester’s Christmas Markets will open up across the city centre between November 10 and December 21. Food-wise, there will be the classics — bratwurst and mulled wine — but for some of the best eating options, head to King Street for pop-ups from restaurants such as El Gato Negro, which will be serving tapas with a festive twist. Skate Manchester’s ice rink will also be in one of the markets’ main hubs, Cathedral Gardens, with a 7m Christmas tree to set the magical Christmas scene.

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3. Admire Christmas lights next to a deer park

A National Trust venue, Dunham Massey is 13 miles southwest of Manchester’s city centre and has gardens, a 300-acre deer park and a Georgian house. It’s also home to the Christmas at Dunham Massey illuminated festive trail, which is extremely popular; pre-booked slots sell out quickly. This year’s event runs between November 17 and December 31, and will feature light displays choreographed to a soundtrack of festive favourites. Installations will include colour-changing batons of light projecting into the distance, a huge silver star cloaked by mist, and star-shaped arches. You may even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas.

christmasatdunhammassey.seetickets.com

4. Visit Santa at the Trafford Centre

Santa will be waiting to collect this year’s Christmas letters in person in his cosy grotto at the Trafford Centre shopping mall from November 19 until Christmas Eve. To make their special delivery, families will have to travel through Candy Cane Land and the Enchanted Forest on the hunt for Santa’s Merry Mailroom, being helped with tasks and challenges along the way by Santa’s elves. Tickets will need to be pre-booked and all children will receive a wrapped, age-appropriate gift from the man in red himself.

traffordcentre.co.uk

5. Follow a city centre twilight trail then head to a festival next door

Mayfield Park, the first new public park in Manchester’s city centre for more than 100 years, is launching a new festive light show in 2023 called the Twilight Trail. Pitched as affordable (ticket prices start at £9 for adults and £7 for children aged from three to 12) and immersive, it will have installations spanning the 6.5-acre space. Afterwards, head to the vast Freight Island food, drink and entertainment space next door for a boozy hot chocolate from chocolatier Cocoa Cabana, deep-fried burrata in tomato sauce from Formaggi by Lazy Tony’s or a bratwurst from Smoking Coal German BBQ. The venue’s indoor Plant Room area will be transformed into Santa’s grotto.

twilighttrail.co.uk

6. Go on a Christmas cocktail cruise or wine tour

Get a group of friends together and enjoy the run-up to Christmas by booking onto a Christmas Cracker Cocktail Cruise with the Liquorists, who have been running boozy cruises in Manchester for 15 years. On the three-hour cruise from Castlefield to Media City and back, you’ll be treated to seven festive cocktails and a festive pie from local producer Ate Days a Week. Guests are encouraged to wear ugly Christmas jumpers and there will be a prize for the “wurst” outfit. Alternatively, if wine is your tipple of choice, food and wine writer Kelly Bishop has just launched Manchester Wine Tours with four Christmas outings (December 10, 13, 17 and 20). Over three hours, guests will taste six different wines in four city-centre venues, along with matched Christmas-themed snacks.

manchesterwinetours.com

7. Steam into Christmas with East Lancashire Railway

Jump aboard a heritage steam train with the kids to meet Santa this November or December with East Lancashire Railway. Trains depart from Bury Bolton Street Station, a half-hour Metrolink journey from Manchester city centre, and travel to Rawtenstall and back through the Irwell Valley. In Bury Bolton Street Station, there will be polar bears singing Christmas carols, a talking Christmas tree and Mrs Claus, while the big man himself will meet you on the train as you trundle along. A brass band plays during the journey and kids will receive a soft drink, chocolate, activity pack and Christmas gift, while adults can enjoy a mince pie and a festive drink.

eastlancsrailway.org.uk

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8. Add some sparkle to your Sundays

On Sundays from November 26 until December 17, some of Manchester’s main shopping streets will be taken over by street performers, puppets, bands and illuminated animals as part of Festive Sundays. From midday until 7pm on November 26, look out for an Arctic fox, a giant snowy owl, an illuminated reindeer, the snow queen and king, and a roaming snow globe, all accompanied by a brass band. On December 3, it’s Manchester’s Christmas Parade, where you can see runaway Christmas presents, snow queens, Santa and more. And, on December 10 and 17 at midday, 2pm and 4pm, a toy procession featuring stilt-walking acts, sugar plum fairies, toy soldiers and more will be wandering around, centred in St Ann’s Square.

9. Watch a Christmas concert at the Bridgewater Hall

Whatever your musical taste, you’ll find a concert to get you into the Christmas spirit at the Bridgewater Hall, home to the Halle Orchestra. Sophie Ellis-Bextor is performing at the end of November as part of her Christmas Kitchen Disco tour, while the Halle’s Family Christmas Concert will be a hit with musical kids on December 3. An orchestra will perform the musical score to The Muppet Christmas Carol on December 20, and the classic animated film The Snowman , accompanied by the Halle, is an annual favourite in the city (December 22 and 23). There’s also a Christmas Carol Singalong on Christmas Eve.

bridgewater-hall.co.uk

10. Enjoy one of Greater Manchester’s free light shows

While there are lots of excellent ticketed lantern and light shows in and around Greater Manchester, there are also several that you don’t need to pay a penny to see. In Bolton (a 20-minute train journey from the city centre), the Put Big Light On festival, from November 30 to December 2 and December 7-9, features an installation by Dan Archer called Borealis , which will project the northern lights over Victoria Square. Light festival Prism, in Trafford, runs from November 23-25 with performances of Sentinel by Richard Evans, a lantern parade and a children’s choir. Until December 23, there will be festive baubles around Sale Waterside by local children in collaboration with artist Venessa Scott. And, over in Salford, there will be a trail of art installations called Lightwaves from December 7-10.

visitbolton.com prismfestival.org lightupthenorth.com

11. Make wreaths and eat a festive disco brunch at Ducie Street Warehouse

Underneath aparthotel Native Manchester, the enormous Ducie Street Warehouse social space is holding a series of festive events in November and December. There will be wreath-making workshops in the former Victorian warehouse from the baker and florist duo Bread Flower, a Christmas market and regular pop-up stalls, and lively festive disco brunches with DJs and dancers creating a party atmosphere as you eat. Its mini cinema will also screen classic Christmas films. Up the road at the new entertainment and food venue, Diecast, there will be music, a Fairytale of New York beer hall, hot-chocolate cabins and festive bingo.

duciestreet.com diecastmcr.com

12. Shop in a historic swimming pool

Get your Christmas shopping done early this year in a gorgeous setting at the Victoria Baths Festive Winter Fair on November 12. There will be 50 stalls from independent makers and crafters in the northwest as well as choir performances and a tearoom serving mince pies, mulled wine, cakes and cream teas. While you’re there, take one of the tours on offer around the grade II listed swimming pools and Turkish baths to admire the building’s glazed tiles, stained glass and mosaics, and to hear all about its history as well as the ongoing restoration project.

victoriabaths.org.uk

13. Watch a festive show

If a theatre trip with family or friends is on your must-do list this December, there are plenty of options in Manchester’s theatres. Arts centre HOME has a child-friendly adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood from November 29 to December 6 and a new stage adaptation of Little Women from December 8 to 23. Newcomer Aviva Studios has the world-premiere stage adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’s children’s book Lost and Found as part of its opening season from December 13 until January 6, while at Contact, there’s a girl power-style pantomime of Cinderella from December 9 to 31. The Opera House has Jack and the Beanstalk starring Jason Manford from December 2 to 31, while The Snow Queen is on at Sale’s Waterside from November 29 until December 30.

factoryinternational.org homemcr.org contactmcr.com atgtickets.com watersidearts.org

14. Chat to Father Christmas on a farm

Head to the Tatton Park estate in Knutsford to visit Father Christmas in his grotto on its rare breeds farm from November 25 until December 24. Pre-book tickets to see the big man himself as well as the resident animals, live music from festive choirs and brass bands, various entertainers and to make reindeer food in its mill. Elsewhere in Tatton Park, The Queen of Hearts’ Afternoon Tea will be served in the in the Gardener’s Cottage, a Christmas gift fair and wreath-making sessions will be held in early in December and you can join in with Christmas carols in the Stableyard on December 17.

tattonpark.org.uk

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Where are Santa's grottos in Greater Manchester this Christmas 2021?

It's Santa time again, but where can you take your kids to see the main man? Here's our list of some of this year's main grottos across the region

• 07:34, 4 DEC 2021

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Christmas is coming - which means it's time for your little ones to pay a visit to the main man.

We all know Santa makes a flying visit to see what all the girls and boys want for Christmas, so we're making sure you know exactly where to find him this year.

We've already compiled a mammoth list of Christmas events for the family here and you can check out what pantos and shows are happening this festive season too.

Don't forget there's lots of festive fun at the Trafford Centre where Tinsel Town is taking place outside The Orient, with its own ice skating rink, and there are lots more places to give skating a go this year.

Winter Wonderland is running at EventCity from December 4 and Winter Funland will this year be held at the BEC Arena from December 19, with both events finishing on January 2.

Here's our list of some of the main grottos in and around Greater Manchester.

Tinsel Town at the Trafford Centre

Father Christmas is inside his twinkling tipi at this year's Trafford Centre grotto.

His elves are on hand to welcome little ones and ask them to write down their Christmas wishes.

You can then head through to see Santa himself, hear all about his special preparations he is making for Christmas and join in with the elves' Christmas song.

Children will meet Father Christmas, receive a gift and have their photo taken with him.

The tipi is open until Christmas Eve and costs £9 per child (including a gift from Santa) and £5 per adult. Sessions can be booked online here .

Winter Wonderland, EventCity, Trafford

The original Silcock's Winter Wonderland is making a return to Trafford's EventCity this year and children get to meet Father Christmas as part of the event.

Little ones will be greeted by elves and fairies and will have the chance for a meet and greet with the main man.

To buy a toy from the Toy Workshop as part of the experience, you can buy a voucher for £4.50 from the Elf Shed.

There will also be an opportunity to purchase a photo with Father Christmas.

Winter Wonderland is set to transform the indoor 22,000 sq m exhibition space into 'an unbelievable and magical winter wonderland', featuring more than 50 family rides and attractions including dodgems, roller coasters, waltzers and lots more.

Tickets cost £29.50 for adults and children off-peak and £35 at peak times. OAPs £20 and £27.50 respectively and under threes free. You can get a £10 discount on a family ticket for four. For more details and to book, visit the website here .

The event is running from December 4, until January 2, 2022, with each session lasting four hours.

Santa's Sleigh / Postbox, Manchester Arndale

There's a brand new Christmas experience at the Arndale this year, where families are invited to try out Santa's virtual magic sleigh ride and have a chat to the talking Santa's Postbox.

Once aboard the sleigh, your HD VR headset promises 'a fully immersive 4D experience' as it transports you across the globe - and 'even into space'.

Tilting forwards, backwards and side to side, the sleigh’s movements have been specially designed take you on a real journey.

Tickets for the ride, on the Upper Mall near Argos, cost £3.50 each or £12 for a family of four, with at least one adult included. Maximum capacity of eight people per session. Book online here .

You'll also find a talking Santa's Postbox on the upper mall, where you can help your little one write their Christmas wish list whilst chatting to the magic postbox in his winter wonderland snow scene.

Letters posted up until 17 December will receive a reply via post. Letters posted between 18-24 December will receive a reply via email. Find out more here .

Cockfields Christmas Experience, Ashton

An 'authentic Christmas experience' is promised once again at Cockfields Farm this year.

The whole farm has been transformed into 'a magical winter wonderland' for what promises to be 'a Christmas experience you will never forget'.

Little ones are given the chance to nosey through the Elf Village, snuggle animals in Santa's cuddle corner and enjoy a private family visit to meet the big man himself.

They can check themselves on the Goodometer where Bubbles the Elf will see if they've been naughty or nice, make some reindeer dust, build their own teddy bear and watch a production of The Reindeer Flying School show.

Tickets, £20 for adults and £40 for children, can be booked online .

Lancaster Park and Animal Farm, Oldham

The grotto event at Oldham's Lancaster Park and Animal Farm is always a big hit with families.

You'll be greeted by Santa's elves, can join Mrs Claus in her cosy cottage for a Christmas story and write a letter to Santa inside his log cabin.

Of course you'll get to meet the man himself too and take a seat inside Santa's life-size sleigh.

There's all the usual fun of the farm too, including the caterpillar barrel ride, mini quads, digger corner, swings, slides, ziplines and more.

Tickets cost £8.50 for adults, £11.50 for children and £5.50 for babies under 12 months. Book on the website here .

Reddish Vale Farm, Stockport

There's more festive fun on the farm at Reddish Vale Farm too this Christmas.

Children will arrive at Passport Control and collect their passports before heading to the North Pole for their Christmas adventure.

They'll join the Elf Academy to see if they qualify to become a Workshop Elf before building their very own Christmas Friend to take home.

There's letters to Father Christmas, decorating festive treats in Mrs Claus's Kitchen and listening to a festive tale around the log fire.

Families will then visit Santa's Stable to meet a few of his farmyard friends before meeting the man himself.

Tickets, £34.50 for children and £14.50 for adults, can be booked online .

Chill Factore, Trafford

Children can have a play in the real snow and meet Santa on their trip to Chill Factore.

'An unforgettable journey' is promised with families joining in with the festivities and meeting jolly Santa Claus and his helpers.

It's open from now until Christmas Eve except for December 6 to 8.

Each child who meets Santa also receives a special festive gift.

Tickets for Santa's Grotto on the snow cost £17.95 and can be booked online . You can pay extra to include a Snow Park session, suitable for ages four and over.

Christmas Bricktacular, Legoland Discovery Centre, Trafford

Youngsters can meet a Lego Santa in his grotto at Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester.

They can take part in a scavenger hunt in the winter wonderland-themed Miniland, build a cool Lego decoration to enter in a competition and rock around the Lego Christmas tree at the pop-up dance parties with the centre's mascots.

There’s fun for pre-schoolers too, with festive-themed Little Play Squad led session to join in with.

Tickets need to be upgraded to meet Lego Santa.

For an extra £5 per person on selected dates, you’ll sit in Lego Santa’s house while you write a letter before heading into his grotto to have a souvenir photo taken with the brick man himself and get an 'awesome gift'.

Christmas Bricktacular is running from December 4 to January 2. Tickets, from £17.50, can be booked online .

Father Christmas Experience at Wythenshawe Hall, Manchester

A 'specially created Christmas experience' is coming to Wythenshawe Hall this festive season.

In partnership with Sneaky Experience, the 'never seen before interactive experience' promises to take visitors on 'a magical journey of storytelling and festive imagination'.

Join The Wythenshawe Elves as they lead you on 'an enchanting interactive tour' around their workshop, plus a sneaky behind the scenes visit to ‘The Jolly Elf' Tavern where you can join the Elves and Mrs Claus in some Christmas cheer before your special meeting with the big man himself.

The event is running the first two weekends in December and then daily from December 18 to 23.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £15 for children and can be booked online .

Enchanted at Knowsley Safari

The 'magical' light trail returns to Knowsley this Christmas and there's the option to add a Santa Experience either as part of it or during the day.

Twinkling deer, giraffes, penguins, zebras and more light the way around the Enchanted forest where visitors can also enjoy toasting marshmallows, a glass of mulled wine and other festive treats available from the brand new outdoor food court.

For added excitement, Knowsley Safari’s rides are also open throughout the event, as festive tunes play throughout the experience.

If you choose to add the Santa Experience, children can have a meet and greet with Mr Claus and take away a framed picture of their encounter.

Enchanted tickets are £9 for children and adults (£8 for members) and under threes and carers are free. Sessions run between 4pm and 9pm on selected dates from November 20 to December 30. Santa Experience tickets are £12.

To visit Knowsley Safari guests must pre-book tickets and a timeslot on the website here .

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Santa's Grottos In Manchester | Where To Meet Father Christmas In Manchester 2019

Every child dreams of meeting Father Christmas! Fortunately your kids have the chance to do exactly that this December with Santa's Grottos popping up in various places around Manchester. Take a look below as we've handpicked the best Santa's Grottos and places to meet Father Christmas in Manchester this Winter.

Santa’s grotto - manchester arndale.

Where: Manchester Arndale

About: Santa and his elves have made the trip from the North Pole to Manchester Arndale to find out who’s been naughty and who’s been nice! Santa’s Grotto will open in the Arndale on November 21st and will run until Christmas Eve, giving your little ones plenty of time to visit Santa and get their present requests in ready for the big day! Santa’s Grotto will be located on the upper mall near Argos. 

Prices: From £5.50

Winter Funland - Intu Trafford Centre

Where: EventCity Intu Trafford Centre

About: EventCity are bringing the true meaning of Christmas to Manchester this December with their Winter Funland set to transform the Intu Trafford Centre into the regions largest indoor Winter Wonderland. Opening on 6th December, the Winter Funland boasts a range of great attractions including Santa’s Grotto, Manchester’s biggest ice-skating rink, indoor funfair, Christmas panto, and much much more. 

Prices: Various

Santa’s Grotto - Chill Factore

Santa’s grotto - the ice village.

Where: The Ice Village

About: It is every kids dream to meet Father Christmas, and now your child has the chance to do so at Manchester’s Ice Village. Santa’s Grotto will be opening at the Ice Village just in time for Christmas with kids being able to experience a magical visit with Santa himself as they sit on Santa’s chair, speak with his elves, and even receive a special Xmas present to take home with them. The Ice Village Grotto opens on 20th November and closes on Christmas Eve. 

Prices: £7.00 - £8.50

Afternoon Tea and Santa’s Grotto - Oddfellows On The Park

Where: Oddfellows On The Park 

About: For one day only Santa has managed to take time out of his hectic Christmas schedule to visit the boys and girls at Oddfellows On The Park. Explore the magical winter wonderland of Bruntwood Hall and watch as your children are left amazed when they visit Santa’s Grotto to meet Father Christmas and his hard-working elves. Every child that visits will receive a special gift to take home with them ahead of Christmas Day. Ticket prices include a festive afternoon tea and visit to Santa’s Grotto

Prices: Adults: £22.00 - Children: £15.00

Cruise with Father Christmas - Salford Quays

Where: Salford Quays

About: Santa is well experienced in travelling around the World delivering presents to kids in every country, but this December the children of Manchester are able to join Father Christmas for a magical tour of the Manchester ship canal. Departing from Salford Quays, The Santa Cruise will take a tour down the Manchester ship canal with guests able to meet and greet with Santa himself and hand over their present requests to Santa and his elves. There will also be a range of festive treats available onboard including mulled wine, mince pies, cookies, and much more. 

Prices: Adults: £11 | Children: £9

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Ho ho ho! Manchester's big Santa is back for Christmas!

• Monday 13 November 2023

More Articles

Manchester's giant Santa is back

Ho ho ho he's back! Manchester's iconic and much-loved big Santa arrived in town at the crack of dawn today to oversee all things Christmas in his favourite festive city.

Coming in at a whopping 12- metres high and weighing over 2.3 tonnes Manchester's giant Santa is powered by low energy LED lightbulbs and is a firm favourite of festive fun seekers.

Perched on high in pride of place atop an enormous, oversized Christmas present in front of Central Library on St Peter's Square, Santa will be keeping a watchful eye on everyone for his naughty and nice lists throughout Christmas and into the New Year.

Manchester's famous red resident with his trademark white beard and whiskers is just one of the magical attractions helping make sure the city looks its twinkly and sparkly best in the run-up to Christmas.

The Manchester Christmas lights trail is also back - perfect for all those crucial Christmas selfies - illuminating the city centre throughout the festive season with giant walk-through baubles, a Manchester bee, lamp post lights, the iconic Manchester Christmas windmill, and much more.

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: "Making sure Manchester looks its twinkly and sparkly best in the run-up to Christmas is an important part of the seasonal magic for young and old alike and visitors to the city centre this year won't be disappointed.

"We've pulled put all the stops to create the perfect backdrops you won't want to miss for all those crucial Christmas selfies we can't get enough of.

"We all know Manchester is Santa's favourite city - come along and celebrate the festive season with us!"

Anyone who can't wait until Christmas Day to see if they're on Big Santa's nice or naughty list can find him on social media @MCRSanta where they should be sure to tag him into any Christmas snaps and use the hashtag #McrChristmas to keep him in the loop!

This year marks a special year for the UK's capital of Christmas as it was exactly 25 Christmases ago that Manchester's first-ever Christmas market took place in 1998.

A quarter of a century later the markets continue to attract Mancunians and visitors alike to the city in their thousands to fill up on the fantastic festive treats on offer.

With over 225 stalls across nine sites in the city centre selling food, drink, crafts and seasonal gifts, and just last week voted Europe's favourite Christmas Markets, the markets are a must-see attraction for visitors and local people alike, guaranteed to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Open every day from 10 am - 9 pm until 21 December.

Also back again this year is the heart-warming event of the season for young and old alike, the magical Manchester Christmas Parade.

Taking place on Sunday 3 December it promises to be bigger and even better than last year's unforgettable first-ever Christmas Parade which saw thousands of families line the city centre streets.

Festive Sundays are also back again this year.  A big hit with families last Christmas they will again fill the city centre with family friendly entertainment pop-ups designed to bring a smile to everyone's faces.  Delivered in partnership with Manchester Business Improvement District they take place on 26 November, 10 December and 17 December.

For those who enjoy a seasonal skate, Skate Manchester's covered ice rink takes up position in Cathedral Gardens where skaters can spin and twirl around a beautiful Christmas tree amid twinkling lights, Christmas songs, and the smell of gingerbread.  It will be open for Christmas skaters until 2 January with food and drink stalls alongside it open until 31 December.

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Where to Visit Santa in Cheshire & Greater Manchester 2023

19 november, 2023 - 24 december, 2023.

Christmas is a magical time for kids and meeting Father Christmas is a highlight of the year for little ones.  There are lots of Christmas experiences, Santa’s Grotto and special events on all around Cheshire and Manchester.  Prices and activities vary greatly so we’ve rounded up a good selection of what’s on and where to visit Santa in Manchester and Cheshire in 2023.  For more festive experiences, check out the Christmas Light Trail Experience guide.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is once again sprinkling some magic fairy dust and opening the doors to its popular Christmas Grotto event this November.  A true winter wonderland, the Grotto is a magical experience where little ones can not only meet Santa, but also marvel at a winter wonderland including games, food and warming drinks, then take a magical ride on Alice in Wonderland.  25th November to 24th December

Where to Visit Santa in Cheshire & Greater Manchester 2023

Cockfield’s Farm Park – Cockfield’s immersive experience kicks off at Passport Control, where the children receive their very own passports. Guided by the chief Elf, they are introduced to Santa.  Next, visit the North Pole Sorting Office before continuing to Elf Village, where they have the chance to snuggle with the fluffy animals, then later a visit to Mrs. Claus’s kitchen to decorate delectable biscuits. A stop at the Animal Barn introduces them to Prancer and Dancer and an opportunity to create your own Reindeer dust. The day concludes at the Elf Academy.

Castaway Mini Alpine Retreat – Visit Santa in his magical grotto and receive a Christmas.  Experience the Winter Wonderland indoor snow play area and enjoy a snowball fight with all the family. (Congleton)

Totally Christmas – Suitable for all ages, enjoy an hour of themed rooms, find the answer to the puzzle and move on to the next before meeting Santa (Walkden) Back for 2023 with exact dates to be confirmed

Stockport Plaza – Since 1944 Breakfast with Santa has been a family tradition in The Plaza Café and this festive season it returns for you and your little ones to enjoy. (Stockport)

Arley Hall & Gardens – Sneaky Experience returns to Arley Hall this December with a brand new festive tale!  The journey finishes with a visit from Father Christmas.(Northwich) 20th – 24th Dec

Knutsford Christmas Market – the Christmas market will take places on 2nd and 3rd December. You can find Santa’s Grotto in Silk Mill Street, a hot food and drink street market in Canute Place alongside incredible live entertainment and the funfair on Princess Street car park. (Knutsford)

Christmas at Bolesworth   – as well as the festive lights trail there will be a Santa’s grotto, ice rink and more. (Tattenhall, near Chester)

Santa’s Grotto at Gullivers World – Escape to Gulliver’s World for a festive family adventure. Look out for Elfie mischief, fairy fun, snowy surprises and meet Father Christmas. (Warrington)

East Lancashire Railway – Santa Specials are back for 2023. Immerse yourself into the festive atmosphere as you take a steam train trip with a host of happy elves and Father Christmas himself.

Lancaster Park –  Journey through a magical Christmas grotto, greet elves along the way, listend to a Christmas story from Mrs Claus, write your letter to Santa then meeting Father Christmas himself. Select dates from 2nd to 24th December 2023

Alderford’s Santa Island Experience – Embark on a magical adventure across the lake to discover the story of Santa and his elves! (Whitchurch)

Lancashire Mining Museum Santa Specials – taking place on 10th, 16th and 17th December (Astley, Manchester)

Reddish Vale Farm – (Reddish, near Stockport)

Embark on a magical journey to visit Father Christmas in his north pole headquarters. Head to passport control to collect your passport so you’re ready to travel, the elves are on hand to check you have everything you need for your journey. Then your off through the spellbound time travel portal to arrive at Father Christmas’s workshop.

The Hayloft – Join the elves for some fun in their enchanting workshop, including making magical reindeer food ready to sprinkle on your lawn on Christmas Eve! Then enter the magical grotto to enjoy a story from Santa and receive a gift for each child and finish the experience with a ride on the Miniature Christmas Railway.(Widnes)

Knowsley Safari – Create festive memories and watch as your little ones’ face lights up as they meet Santa and his elves in their workshop. Each child will receive a special, limited edition cuddly toy as well as a goody bag full of treats for you to take home and enjoy. (Prescot)

The Dunham Barn – The Christmas grotto is running on selected dates  (Dunham Massey)

Quarry Bank – Wish lists at the ready! Join us for a special 30-minute session of festive activities and crafts, including a private family visit to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift. (Styal, Wilmslow)

Jingle Ville at Lower Drayton Farm

Embark on an unforgettable journey that begins with a whimsical tractor trailer ride, surrounded by the beauty of twinkling lights and the crisp winter air. There’s entertainment and of course the chance to meet Father Christmas.

If you’re in the festive mood you might also like these Cheshire events guides

Christmas Lights Switch on dates

Cheshire christmas light trail experiences, cheshire christmas events.

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Santa’s grottos in Manchester: where to find Father Christmas 2019

• Written by Dianne Bourne
• Last updated 4 years ago
• City of Manchester , Family & Kids , Shopping

As we head full throttle into the festive season, Santa Claus is getting ready for his busiest time of year.

And as you can imagine, there are lots of opportunities for families with children across Manchester to catch up with the big man in the weeks ahead in a variety of different grotto settings.

Here we round up some of the best and quirkiest grottos where you can meet Santa, from a LEGO grotto to a Father Christmas river cruise.

Many offer the chance for children to deliver their festive wishes, get a hand-wrapped pressie from Santa himself and a photo or two with the man himself, his elves and maybe even a reindeer in the run-up to Christmas Day.

Father Christmas’s winter kingdom may have a new home up on the fifth floor in Kendals on Deansgate this year after a store reshuffle, but it will be as magical as ever throughout November and December.

Colouring and biscuits (courtesy of McVities) will be provided to children as they wait to enter the magical winter kingdom before catching up with Santa himself in his grotto.

There’s also the chance for an extra special treat with an audience with Santa at his own breakfasts held in store on selected dates at plush Italian San Carlo Cicchetti on Sundays throughout December.

Price: £15 for children, adults free.  No booking required for the grotto, just turn up.

Booking is required for breakfast with Santa (£25) which includes a grotto visit and breakfast – call the store on 0161 832 3414 for details.

Dates:   From 23rd November to December 24th from Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, and on Sundays 11am to 5pm.

Breakfast with Santa starts on Sunday 1st December and then every Sunday until December 22nd.

Manchester Arndale

Start your journey in the snow-covered garden of Santa’s Scandinavian log cabin by casting your wishes into the wishing well, and hang out and have fun with the Lapland Elves while waiting to see the main man.

Santa’s Grotto will once again be located on the Arndale Upper Mall near Argos, and will be open for visits from Thursday, November 21st until Monday, December 24th.

Price: £5.50 plus booking fee which includes a gift.

Dates:  From 21st November until 24th December – you can book morning, afternoon or evening sessions, depending on the date.

intu Trafford Centre

The Peter Rabbit winter wonderland grotto returns to the intu Trafford Centre with new characters and surprises after its successful debut there last year.

Families will be taken on an enchanting journey in search of Father Christmas, meeting Peter Rabbit and his friends along the way.

Little ones can decorate their own Christmas biscuit with Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, spot Squirrel Nutkin’s secret stash of golden acorns, and should keep their eyes peeled for that cunning Mr Tod and his twinkly lair.

Then they’ll visit Father Christmas, where they’ll receive a special gift to take home.

Price : Adult tickets are priced £5.50 and child prices are £8.50.  Booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Dates : From 14th November until 24th December.

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The Ice Village

Visit Santa in his own ice cavern on the Manchester Christmas Markets  at the spectacular Ice Village which has returned to the city for 2019.

There will be plenty of photo opportunities, and each child will get a small gift hand-picked by Santa.

Price:  Tickets are priced at off peak £7 (plus £1 booking fee) and peak £8.50 (plus booking fee) and each child ticket includes one accompanying adult free.

Dates: From November 20th to December 24th – it’s not open Mondays or Tuesdays except for December 23rd and 24th.

Santa River Cruise

If you’re looking for something a bit different, how about heading on a Santa cruise around Salford Quays?

Santa will swap his sleigh for the Princess Katherine for a special hour-long Manchester River Cruise along the Manchester Ship Canal on selected dates in November and December.

There’s mulled wine and mince pies for adults, and cookie and juice for the kids.  And each child will get the chance to visit Santa in his grotto, with a goody bag for those aged 2-10 years old.

Price : £11 per person.

Dates : November 23rd and 24th and December 1st, 7th, 15th, 18th, 19th and 20th.

Christmas at Cockfields Farm

It’s a full on festive experience at Cockfields Farm park in Ashton once again this year – where children collect their North Pole passport and head on a range of activities across the site including a visit to the Elf School, decorating gingerbread men in Mrs Claus’ kitchen and, of course, meeting the big red-suited man himself in his grotto.

There’s also a visit to the Elf Workshop to make a teddy bear and a stop-off at Santa’s stables to meet the real reindeer and perhaps even pet a guinea pig.

For those with younger children, there’s a also a special Christmas Toddler experience, tailored for the under-5s.

Price : Advance bookings only.  The Christmas Experience has different prices depending on the date, starting at £24.95 for children and £12.95 for adults and £4.95 for under ones.  The Christmas Toddler Experience is £18.95 for one adult and one child.

Dates : The Christmas Experience is selling fast – with current availability left on November 30th, December 1st, 7th and 8th.   The Christmas Toddler Experience has availability on December 12th, 13th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th.

LEGO Grotto

For any of you with LEGO-loving children, there’s an entire Christmas Bricktacular going down at the Legoland Discovery Centre at the intu Trafford Centre.

As well as visiting the LEGO winter wonderland, on selected dates in November and December children will have the chance to meet LEGO Santa in his own Grotto at the Barton Square attraction.

Children get to write a letter to Santa and receive a special reply in the post before heading into the brick-built grotto to meet the big man, have a photo and get a LEGO gift.

Price : Visits to Santa are included in entry price to Legoland at Barton Square. Prices are from £14.41 for children and £17.81 for adults when booking online, and advanced booking is strongly advised with multiple savings offered online.

Dates : Christmas Bricktacular runs from November 23rd to January 6th, 2020 – but the LEGO grotto itself is only open on weekends during November and December, plus 23rd and 24th December.

Chill Factore

This is the place where you can be guaranteed there will be festive snow for your Santa visit.  For the under-3s you can visit Santa in Mini Moose Land, or head into the main Snow Park for added snowy fun for older children.

Everyone attending this one will need a ticket for entry, so be sure to factor that into your budget.

Price :  From £9.50 per ticket for Santa and Mini Moose Land off peak, rising to £12.50 peak; and £25 per person for Santa and Snow Park, increasing to £28.50 at peak times.

Dates : From 16th November to 24th December.

Selfridges Trafford

Not a grotto per se, but it’s a magical experience for children as Santa will host a series of special Story Time events at Selfridges in the intu Trafford Centre .

Storytime with Santa will last approx 1 hour and will include craft activities, story telling and a meet and greet with Santa himself.

Children will also receive a copy of the book The Night Before Christmas and a tasty treat to take away.

Price: £10 per child (recommended age 5-10), adults go free.

Dates:   Sundays from December 8th, 15th and 23rd all at 4pm.

Did we miss something? Let us know: [email protected]

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Seasonal & Holidays

Where manchester residents can visit with santa in 2023, several places in hartford and tolland counties are offering visits with santa this year..

Chris Dehnel , Patch Staff

MANCHESTER, CT — Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many Manchester families. For them, there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person.

Here are a few places in Hartford and Tolland counties offering Santa visits within a short distance for Manchester residents:

Hartford County

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• Enfield Square
• Buckland Hills mall
• Westfarms mall
• Glow Hartford
• Santa at Cabellas, East Hartford
• Trolley Museum Tunnel of Lights
• Gray Granite Railroad on Cavannas Farm, South Glastonbury
• Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce
• Santa’s Workshop at Wickham Park
• Flamig Farm

Tolland County

• The Santa House, Vernon
• Breakfast with Santa at Sonny’s Place
• Stafford Winterfest
• Holiday Pops come to Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts
• Brunch with Santa at A Villa Louisa, Bolton

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