Free Christmas things to do near Timperley 2026

There are 83 free Christmas outings within 45 minutes of Timperley this Christmas. The nearest is RSPCA Altrincham branch Christmas Fair at The Larkhill Centre (10 min, Sat 14 Nov). 3 are selling fast or sold out. Free here means free for the whole family to get in; food, rides and parking may still cost.

Updated Monday 26 October. We look for new ones every week and add them as they're announced.

Week of Monday 2 November 1

Father Christmas' Arrival Parade (festive tractors) Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury · 30 min Wed from 5pmFree, adults free

Week of Monday 9 November 6

RSPCA Altrincham branch Christmas Fair (with visiting owls) The Larkhill Centre, 13 Thorley Lane, Timperley · 10 min Date unconfirmed · Saturday 12 noon–3pm. Craft stalls, tombola, toys and cakes, plus owls to meet.Free

Bramhall Early Festive Market (makers, street food, face painting) Bramhall Village Square · 25 min Sat 14 Nov 10am–3pmFree

Warrington Christmas (town-centre festive markets weekend) Warrington town centre · 35 min Date unconfirmed · Listed for Sat 14 Nov; previous years ran as a full weekend with grotto, funfair and street entertainers - checkFree

Oldham Christmas Lights Switch-On (Peppa Pig meet and greet, Father Christmas, fireworks finale) Oldham town centre · 40 min Saturday from 1pm; evening switch-on show from 5.30pm, fireworks to finishFree

Father Christmas grotto at St Andrew's Church Christmas Fayre, Springfield St Andrew's Church and Parish Centre, Springfield Road, Springfield, Wigan · 45 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 14 Nov, 10am–2pmFree

Stockport's Spectacular Sunday and Christmas lights switch-on Stockport town centre · 25 min Sunday 12pm–5pm across the town centre; drummers' parade finale and lights on at 4.45pmFree

Week of Monday 16 November 13

Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas lights switch-on Rochdale Town Hall and gardens · 40 min Fri–Sun 5pm–8pm; lights switched on about 5.30pm on Sunday 22 NovemberFree

Light Night Wigan Wigan town centre and Mesnes Park · 40 min Fri 20 to Sun 22 Nov, 5pm to 9.30pm. Mesnes Park trail needs a free timed ticket (quiet hour 4pm to 5pm); town centre trail needs none.Quiet session Fri 20 NovFree

Ashton on Mersey Village Christmas Market and Light Switch-On Ashton on Mersey village, Sale · 15 min Date unconfirmed · Saturday; times not yet published (last year it was on Green Lane)Free

Christmas Lantern Making Workshop & Santa's Lantern Parade Lower Chambers, Knutsford · 20 min Sat 21 Nov, workshops 9.30-11am or 12-1.30pm; gather at Knutsford station car park 5.30pm for the parade before the lights switch-onFree, adults freeSold out

Knutsford Christmas Lights Switch-On Knutsford town centre · 20 min Saturday afternoon into evening; lantern parade gathers 5.30pm; full times to followFree

Alderley Edge Christmas Lights Switch-On Alderley Edge village centre · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Saturday 3pm–7pm; around 75 market stalls; more details to followFree

Wilmslow Artisan Market (Christmas edition) Wilmslow town centre · 25 min Sat 21 Nov, 10am to 4pm. The town's lights switch-on is listed for 10am to 8pm the same dayFree

Wilmslow Christmas Light Switch-On Wilmslow town centre · 25 min Saturday 21 November; listed by wilmslow.co.uk as running 10am to 8pm; the council says line-up and timings follow nearer the dayFree

Christmas Craft Market at The Lambing Shed The Lambing Shed, Knutsford · 25 min Sat 21 Nov from 10am, Sun 22 Nov to 4pmFree

PHM Winter Makers Market (30+ makers in the Edwardian Engine Hall, choirs, quiet hour) People's History Museum, Manchester · 25 min Sat and Sun 11am–4.30pm (quiet hour 11am–12pm both days)Free

Romiley Christmas Light Switch-On Romiley Forum and The Precinct, Romiley, Stockport · 30 min Saturday 11am–6pm around Romiley Forum and the Precinct; switch-on time not yet givenFree

Northwich Christmas Extravaganza Northwich town centre · 35 min Saturday, all day; Christmas artisan market 10am–7pm; full programme still to comeFree

Mr Bear's Christmas - author storytime Pear Tree Books, Tarporley · 45 min Sat 3pm; free but ticket required to manage numbersSold outFree

Week of Monday 23 November 21

Christmas Gift Fair in the Tenants' Hall Tatton Park Mansion, Knutsford · 22 min Thu 26–Sun 29 Nov, 11am–4pmFree

Christmas light switch-on at The Belmore The Belmore, Brooklands Road, Sale · 10 min Date unconfirmed · Friday from 6pm; free admissionFree

St George's Christmas Fayre (with bookable Santa's Grotto) St George's Church, Altrincham · 10 min Sat 28 Nov, 2-5pm; grotto in half-hour slots from 2pm (2, 2.30, 3, 3.30, 4.30pm on sale)Free

Manchester Made Craft Fair: Winter Edition Waterside Arts, Sale · 15 min Sat 11am-4pmFree

Christmas Fair at St Mary's Davyhulme (stalls, school choir, Santa) St Mary the Virgin, Davyhulme Road · 20 min Sat 28 Nov, 11am to 2pmFree

Christmas Fayre with Santa at All Saints Church, Stretford All Saints Church, 297 Barton Road, Stretford · 20 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 28 Nov, 2–4pmFree

Christmas Bake Off with Knutsford Bake Club (children's categories) Knutsford Market Hall, Silk Mill Street · 25 min Sat 2pm–5pmFree

Melanin Markets Winter Wonders x The Whitworth The Whitworth, Manchester · 25 min Sat 28 and Sun 29 Nov, 10am-3pmFree

Christmas Fayre with Santa's grotto, 12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood) Scouts Scout HQ, Old Warrington Road, off Kinsdale Drive, Locking Stumps, Birchwood, Warrington · 30 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 28 Nov, 11.30am–4.30pmFree

Reddish Christmas Lights Houldsworth Square, Reddish, Reddish, Stockport · 30 min Saturday 12pm–7pm in Houldsworth Square; festive makers' market 12pm–4pmFree

Santa at the Independent Cat Rescue Prestwich Christmas Fair Prestwich Conservative Club, 35 Church Lane · 30 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 28 Nov, 12–4pmFree

The Little Christmas Tree (festive storytelling show at the library) Denton West End Community Library · 30 min Sat 28 Nov, show 3pm to 4pm; the library opens from 2.30pm for refreshmentsFree, adults free

Chadderton Fire Station Christmas Open Day with Santa's grotto Chadderton Community Fire Station, 177 Broadway, Chadderton, Oldham · 35 min Sat 28 Nov, 11am–3pmFree, adults free

Step Into Christmas (live music, walkabout acts, workshops, makers market, Father Christmas Parade) Market Place, Macclesfield · 35 min Sat 28 Nov, 11am-5pm; Father Christmas Parade from 3pm; no fireworks or switch-on moment this yearFree

Sandbach Christmas Lights Switch-On Sandbach town centre · 40 min Saturday; times to be announcedFree

Crewe Christmas Lights Switch-On Crewe town centre · 45 min Saturday afternoon; countdown to the lights at 6pmFree

Frodsham Christmas Festival (parade, lantern making, Santa's grotto, stalls) Frodsham town centre · 45 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 28 Nov 10am–8pmFree

Christmas wreath making afternoon at Sale West Community Church Sale West Community Centre · 10 min Sun 29 Nov, 3-5pmFree

Heald Green Christmas Markets and Lights Switch-On Heald Green village, Finney Lane, Heald Green, Stockport · 20 min Sunday 11am–4pm; stalls and entertainment, with the Christmas lights switched on during the dayFree

Santa's grotto and Christmas stalls at the Didsbury Parsonage The Old Parsonage, Stenner Lane, Didsbury · 20 min Sun 29 Nov, 11am–4pmFree

Community Charity Christmas Markets (Widnes) St Basil's Parish Centre, Widnes · 45 min Sun 29 Nov, 11am to 4pmFree

Week of Monday 30 November 16

Christmas Fayre at Stockport Town Hall Stockport Town Hall · 25 min Thu 3 Dec, 12-6pmFree

Celebration of Colour Lantern Parade Stanley Square, Sale · 15 min Sat 5 Dec; music from 4.30pm at Waterside Plaza, parade sets off 5pm; free lantern-making workshop tickets available on the dayFree

Handmade at Hat Works: Festive Edition (makers market) Hat Works, Stockport · 20 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 5 Dec, 10am to 3pm; drop-in, no bookingFree

Shiny Christmas Fun Day (free crafts, storytelling and winter disco) - SOLD OUT Z-arts, Hulme, Manchester · 20 min Sat from 11am, 3 hours; A Very Merry Minifest shows at 11am and 2pmSold outFree

Knutsford Christmas Market Knutsford town centre · 20 min Two-day market with 120+ traders, Santa's grotto and funfair (per council's earlier-year description)Free

Stan's Secret Santa Saturday Manchester Museum, Manchester city centre · 25 min Sat 5 Dec, 11am-3pmFree

Christmas Fair at Holy Rood Memorial Hall, Swinton (craft stalls, Father Christmas) Holy Rood Memorial Hall, Moorside Road, Swinton, Salford · 30 min Sat 5 Dec, 12 noon to 3pmFree

Christmas Fair with Santa at Nether Alderley Village Hall Nether Alderley Village Hall, Church Lane, Nether Alderley, Alderley Edge · 30 min Sat 5 Dec, 10am–3pmFree

Elf Takeover Day at Bolton Library and Museum Bolton Central Library and Museum · 35 min Sat 11am–3pmFree

Santa's grotto at Wigan & Leigh Hospice Christmas Fair Leigh Library, Civic Square, Leigh, Wigan · 35 min Sat 5 Dec, 10am–2.30pmFree

Reindeer Day at Lowe's Farm Shop (with Hollands) Lowe's Farm Shop, Moss Lane, Byley, Middlewich · 35 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 5 and Sun 6 Dec; the farm shop is open all weekend, specific reindeer times not published yetFree, adults free

Brass Monkeys: Christmas brass bands in the town centre Oldham town centre · 40 min Sat 5 Dec, 11am–4pmFree

Ho Ho Helsby (Christmas stalls and evening festive parade) Helsby village · 45 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 5 Dec, stalls from midday, parade from 6pmFree

Manchester Christmas Parade Manchester city centre retail district · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Sunday 6 Dec reported; time and route to be announced by CityCoFree

Prestbury Christmas Fair (village street fair, funfair, bands) Prestbury village centre · 30 min Date unconfirmed · Sun 6 Dec from 2pmFree

Santa's grotto at the PAWS Christmas Fair, Uppermill Uppermill Civic Hall, Uppermill, Saddleworth · 45 min Date unconfirmed · Sun 6 Dec, 11am–3.30pmFree

Week of Monday 7 December 8

Macclesfield Christmas Twilight Market Market Place, Macclesfield · 35 min Thu 10 Dec, 2pm to 8pm; hosted by Made In Macc, with a heated tepee and live musicFree

Winter Wonderland Craft Fair (for Trafford Domestic Abuse Services) Kids Planet Stanley Square, Sale · 15 min Fri 11 Dec, 5-7pm; open to everyone, not just nursery familiesFree

Lymm Dickensian Day (parade, steam engines, Santa's grotto, stalls) Lymm village centre · 15 min Sat 10am-4pm; village closed to traffic, free park and ride from Lymm High School (vintage bus 10am-4.30pm)Free

The Gift of Christmas Trail & Lantern Parade (Nativity Journey) Altrincham town centre · 20 min Sat: trail cards and stage from 12 noon, lantern workshops at OYEZ Arts (book on Eventbrite), gather at Goose Green 4pm, parade 4.45pm, finale in Stamford Square 5.30pmFree

Knutsford Crib Service and Carol Sing-a-Long Princess Street, Knutsford · 25 min Sat 3.30pm–5pmFree

Winter Wonderland Saturday (Winter Fairy, Betty Twinkle, Bouncing Snowmen, dancing Christmas tree) Oldham town centre · 40 min Sat 12 Dec, 12pm–4pmFree

Scratch Nativity Service (come dressed as a shepherd, angel or king) St George's Church, Altrincham · 10 min Sun 9.30–10.30amFree

Ordsall Hall Winter Festival (Father Christmas roaming the grounds) Ordsall Hall, Ordsall, Salford · 25 min Sunday 13 Dec, 11.30am–3.30pm, drop inFree, adults free

Week of Monday 14 December 7

Carols by Candlelight with brass band and Festival Choir St George's Church, Altrincham · 10 min Sat 19 Dec, 7-8pmFree

Free Christmas Kids Crafts (suncatchers) at Kargo MKT Kargo MKT, Salford Quays · 25 min Sat 19 Dec 10am–12pmFree

Stockport Multicultural Christmas Concert Stockroom, Merseyway, Stockport · 25 min Sat 19 Dec, 2pm-4pmFree

Santa Saturday (Wish Fairies, Circus Elves, Rockin' Robins, brass bands) Oldham town centre · 40 min Sat 19 Dec, 12 noon–4pmFree, adults free

Sale Makers Market: Christmas edition Stanley Square, Sale · 15 min Date unconfirmed · Sunday 20 December, 11am–4pmFree

Scratch Nativity with carols St Mary Magdalene Church, Ashton on Mersey, Ashton upon Mersey · 15 min Sunday 20 December, 9.30am (about an hour)Free

Stableyard Carolling at Tatton Park Tatton Park, Knutsford · 22 min Sun 20 Dec, 3pm-4pm; no bookingFree

Week of Monday 21 December 4

Free Kids' Grinch'mas Party at Kargo MKT (games, bubbles, snow) Kargo MKT, Salford Quays · 25 min Mon 21 Dec 10am–12pmFree

Christingle making afternoon St Mary Magdalene Church, Ashton on Mersey, Ashton upon Mersey · 15 min Wednesday 23 December, 3–5pmFree

Christingle services (two sittings) St George's Church, Altrincham · 10 min Christmas Eve 2pm and 4pmFree

Christmas Eve Christingle services (three sittings) St Mary Magdalene Church, Ashton on Mersey, Ashton upon Mersey · 15 min Thursday 24 December at 3pm (doors 2.30pm, no booking), 4.15pm and 5.30pm (seats bookable from 4 December); each about 45 minutesFree

On through the season 7

Runs of more than a week and weekly sessions, nearest first.

Civic Christmas Star Trail (20 stars decorated by local schools) Wythenshawe Civic · 15 min Daily during centre opening hours; weekly prize drawFree

Christmas Market at The Dunham Barn (opening night and Sunday fairs) The Dunham Barn, Dunham Massey, Altrincham · 15 min Opening night Fri 4 Dec 5-9.30pm, then daytime fairs Sun 6, 13 and 20 DecFree

Manchester Christmas Markets Albert Square and city centre, Manchester · 25 min Fri 6 Nov to Tue 22 Dec across ten city-centre sites; Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens (with Skate Manchester) stay open to Sun 3 JanFree

Wilmslow Way Brighter Christmas Light Trail Wilmslow town centre · 25 min Best after dark; scan QR codes and upload selfies for a prize drawFree

Walkabout Father Christmas in store Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury · 30 min Daily from 5 Nov: weekdays 2-6pm, weekends 12-4pm (check the page for later December times)Free, adults free

Christmas Markets Smithills Open Farm, Bolton · 40 min Sat 21, Sun 22, Sat 28 and Sun 29 November, 11am–4pm; Santa in his grotto tooFree

Small Street Markets at Blakemere (festive Sundays) Blakemere Village, Sandiway, Northwich · 45 min Sun 22 Nov and Sun 6 Dec, 10am to 4pmFree, adults free

By area 83

Nearest areas first.

In Trafford (Timperley, Sale, Altrincham, Dunham Massey)

RSPCA Altrincham branch Christmas Fair Timperley · Sat 14 Nov · 10 min · Free
Christmas light switch-on at The Belmore Sale · Fri 27 Nov · 10 min · Free
St George's Christmas Fayre Altrincham · Sat 28 Nov · 10 min · Free
Christmas wreath making afternoon at Sale West Community Church Sale · Sun 29 Nov · 10 min · Free
Scratch Nativity Service Altrincham · Sun 13 Dec · 10 min · Free
Carols by Candlelight with brass band and Festival Choir Altrincham · Sat 19 Dec · 10 min · Free
Christingle services Altrincham · Thu 24 Dec · 10 min · Free
Ashton on Mersey Village Christmas Market and Light Switch-On Sale · Sat 21 Nov · 15 min · Free
Manchester Made Craft Fair: Winter Edition Sale · Sat 28 Nov · 15 min · Free
Christmas Market at The Dunham Barn Dunham Massey · until Sun 20 Dec · 15 min · Free
Celebration of Colour Lantern Parade Sale · Sat 5 Dec · 15 min · Free
Winter Wonderland Craft Fair Sale · Fri 11 Dec · 15 min · Free
Sale Makers Market: Christmas edition Sale · Sun 20 Dec · 15 min · Free
Scratch Nativity with carols Ashton upon Mersey · Sun 20 Dec · 15 min · Free
Christingle making afternoon Ashton upon Mersey · Wed 23 Dec · 15 min · Free
Christmas Eve Christingle services Ashton upon Mersey · Thu 24 Dec · 15 min · Free
Christmas Fayre with Santa at All Saints Church, Stretford Stretford · Sat 28 Nov · 20 min · Free
The Gift of Christmas Trail & Lantern Parade Altrincham · Sat 12 Dec · 20 min · Free

In Davyhulme

Christmas Fair at St Mary's Davyhulme Davyhulme · Sat 28 Nov · 20 min · Free

In Manchester (Wythenshawe, Didsbury, Hulme)

Civic Christmas Star Trail Wythenshawe · until Fri 18 Dec · 15 min · Free
Santa's grotto and Christmas stalls at the Didsbury Parsonage Didsbury · Sun 29 Nov · 20 min · Free
Shiny Christmas Fun Day Hulme · Sat 5 Dec · 20 min · Free
Manchester Christmas Markets Manchester · until Sun 3 Jan · 25 min · Free
PHM Winter Makers Market Manchester · Sat 21 Nov · 25 min · Free
Melanin Markets Winter Wonders x The Whitworth Manchester · Sat 28 Nov · 25 min · Free
Stan's Secret Santa Saturday Manchester city centre · Sat 5 Dec · 25 min · Free
Manchester Christmas Parade Manchester city centre · Sun 6 Dec · 25 min · Free

In Cheshire East (Knutsford, Alderley Edge, Wilmslow, Nether Alderley)

Christmas Lantern Making Workshop & Santa's Lantern Parade Knutsford · Sat 21 Nov · 20 min · Free
Knutsford Christmas Lights Switch-On Knutsford · Sat 21 Nov · 20 min · Free
Knutsford Christmas Market Knutsford · Sat 5 Dec · 20 min · Free
Christmas Gift Fair in the Tenants' Hall Knutsford · Thu 26 Nov · 22 min · Free
Stableyard Carolling at Tatton Park Knutsford · Sun 20 Dec · 22 min · Free
Alderley Edge Christmas Lights Switch-On Alderley Edge · Sat 21 Nov · 25 min · Free
Wilmslow Artisan Market Wilmslow · Sat 21 Nov · 25 min · Free
Wilmslow Christmas Light Switch-On Wilmslow · Sat 21 Nov · 25 min · Free
Christmas Craft Market at The Lambing Shed Knutsford · Sat 21 Nov · 25 min · Free
Wilmslow Way Brighter Christmas Light Trail Wilmslow · until Tue 5 Jan · 25 min · Free
Christmas Bake Off with Knutsford Bake Club Knutsford · Sat 28 Nov · 25 min · Free
Knutsford Crib Service and Carol Sing-a-Long Knutsford · Sat 12 Dec · 25 min · Free
Christmas Fair with Santa at Nether Alderley Village Hall Nether Alderley · Sat 5 Dec · 30 min · Free
Prestbury Christmas Fair Prestbury · Sun 6 Dec · 30 min · Free
Step Into Christmas Macclesfield · Sat 28 Nov · 35 min · Free
Macclesfield Christmas Twilight Market Macclesfield · Thu 10 Dec · 35 min · Free
Sandbach Christmas Lights Switch-On Sandbach · Sat 28 Nov · 40 min · Free
Crewe Christmas Lights Switch-On Crewe · Sat 28 Nov · 45 min · Free

In Stockport (Heald Green, Bramhall, Romiley, Reddish)

Heald Green Christmas Markets and Lights Switch-On Heald Green · Sun 29 Nov · 20 min · Free
Handmade at Hat Works: Festive Edition Stockport · Sat 5 Dec · 20 min · Free
Bramhall Early Festive Market Bramhall · Sat 14 Nov · 25 min · Free
Stockport's Spectacular Sunday and Christmas lights switch-on Stockport · Sun 15 Nov · 25 min · Free
Christmas Fayre at Stockport Town Hall Stockport · Thu 3 Dec · 25 min · Free
Stockport Multicultural Christmas Concert Stockport · Sat 19 Dec · 25 min · Free
Romiley Christmas Light Switch-On Romiley · Sat 21 Nov · 30 min · Free
Reddish Christmas Lights Reddish · Sat 28 Nov · 30 min · Free

In Salford (Ordsall, Glazebury, Swinton)

Ordsall Hall Winter Festival Ordsall · Sun 13 Dec · 25 min · Free
Free Christmas Kids Crafts Salford Quays · Sat 19 Dec · 25 min · Free
Free Kids' Grinch'mas Party at Kargo MKT Salford Quays · Mon 21 Dec · 25 min · Free
Father Christmas' Arrival Parade Glazebury · Wed 4 Nov · 30 min · Free
Walkabout Father Christmas in store Glazebury · until Wed 23 Dec · 30 min · Free
Christmas Fair at Holy Rood Memorial Hall, Swinton Swinton · Sat 5 Dec · 30 min · Free

In Warrington (Lymm, Birchwood)

Lymm Dickensian Day Lymm · Sat 12 Dec · 15 min · Free
Christmas Fayre with Santa's grotto, 12th Warrington East Birchwood · Sat 28 Nov · 30 min · Free
Warrington Christmas Warrington · Sat 14 Nov · 35 min · Free

In Bolton

Elf Takeover Day at Bolton Library and Museum Bolton · Sat 5 Dec · 35 min · Free
Christmas Markets Bolton · Every Saturday and Sunday · 40 min · Free

In Oldham (Chadderton, Uppermill)

Chadderton Fire Station Christmas Open Day with Santa's grotto Chadderton · Sat 28 Nov · 35 min · Free
Oldham Christmas Lights Switch-On Oldham · Sat 14 Nov · 40 min · Free
Brass Monkeys: Christmas brass bands in the town centre Oldham · Sat 5 Dec · 40 min · Free
Winter Wonderland Saturday Oldham · Sat 12 Dec · 40 min · Free
Santa Saturday Oldham · Sat 19 Dec · 40 min · Free
Santa's grotto at the PAWS Christmas Fair, Uppermill Uppermill · Sun 6 Dec · 45 min · Free

In Wigan (Leigh, Springfield)

Santa's grotto at Wigan & Leigh Hospice Christmas Fair Leigh · Sat 5 Dec · 35 min · Free
Light Night Wigan Wigan · Fri 20 Nov · 40 min · Free
Father Christmas grotto at St Andrew's Church Christmas Fayre, Springfield Springfield · Sat 14 Nov · 45 min · Free

In Cheshire West and Chester (Northwich, Tarporley, Sandiway, Frodsham)

Northwich Christmas Extravaganza Northwich · Sat 21 Nov · 35 min · Free
Mr Bear's Christmas - author storytime Tarporley · Sat 21 Nov · 45 min · Free
Small Street Markets at Blakemere Sandiway · until Sun 6 Dec · 45 min · Free
Frodsham Christmas Festival Frodsham · Sat 28 Nov · 45 min · Free
Ho Ho Helsby Helsby · Sat 5 Dec · 45 min · Free

Further afield

Santa at the Independent Cat Rescue Prestwich Christmas Fair Prestwich · Sat 28 Nov · 30 min · Free
The Little Christmas Tree Denton · Sat 28 Nov · 30 min · Free
Reindeer Day at Lowe's Farm Shop Byley · Sat 5 Dec · 35 min · Free
Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas lights switch-on Rochdale · Fri 20 Nov · 40 min · Free
Community Charity Christmas Markets Widnes · Sun 29 Nov · 45 min · Free

Every one side by side

The same list as a table, nearest first. A dash means the organiser doesn't say.

What	When	Price	Booking
RSPCA Altrincham branch Christmas FairThe Larkhill Centre · 10 min	Sat 14 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
Christmas light switch-on at The BelmoreThe Belmore · 10 min	Fri 27 Nov 2026	Free admission	No booking
St George's Christmas FayreSt George's Church · 10 min	Sat 28 Nov 2026	Fayre free; grotto charged and booked on TicketSource	On sale
Christmas wreath making afternoon at Sale West Community ChurchSale West Community Centre · 10 min	Sun 29 Nov 2026	Free; mince pies included. Book a place online.	–
Scratch Nativity ServiceSt George's Church · 10 min	Sun 13 Dec 2026	Free	No booking
Carols by Candlelight with brass band and Festival ChoirSt George's Church · 10 min	Sat 19 Dec 2026	Free	No booking
Christingle servicesSt George's Church · 10 min	Thu 24 Dec 2026	Free	No booking
Ashton on Mersey Village Christmas Market and Light Switch-OnAshton on Mersey village · 15 min	Sat 21 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
Civic Christmas Star TrailWythenshawe Civic · 15 min	23 Nov – 18 Dec 2026	Free; pick up a trail sheet	No booking needed
Manchester Made Craft Fair: Winter EditionWaterside Arts · 15 min	Sat 28 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
Christmas Market at The Dunham BarnThe Dunham Barn · 15 min	4–20 Dec 2026	Free to browse; Santa visits ticketed separately	No booking
Celebration of Colour Lantern ParadeStanley Square · 15 min	Sat 5 Dec 2026	Free	No booking
Winter Wonderland Craft FairKids Planet Stanley Square · 15 min	Fri 11 Dec 2026	No entry price published	No booking
Lymm Dickensian DayLymm village centre · 15 min	Sat 12 Dec 2026	Free to attend; grotto and stalls charged	No booking needed
Sale Makers Market: Christmas editionStanley Square · 15 min	Sun 20 Dec 2026	Free	No booking
Scratch Nativity with carolsSt Mary Magdalene Church · 15 min	Sun 20 Dec 2026	Free	No booking
Christingle making afternoonSt Mary Magdalene Church · 15 min	Wed 23 Dec 2026	Free	No booking
Christmas Eve Christingle servicesSt Mary Magdalene Church · 15 min	Thu 24 Dec 2026	Free	–
Christmas Lantern Making Workshop & Santa's Lantern ParadeLower Chambers · 20 min	Sat 21 Nov 2026	Free	Sold out
Knutsford Christmas Lights Switch-OnKnutsford town centre · 20 min	Sat 21 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
Christmas Fair at St Mary's DavyhulmeSt Mary the Virgin · 20 min	Sat 28 Nov 2026	Entry price not listed; raffle tickets on the day; no entry charge is mentioned	–
Christmas Fayre with Santa at All Saints Church, StretfordAll Saints Church · 20 min	Sat 28 Nov 2026	Price for seeing Santa not given	No booking
Heald Green Christmas Markets and Lights Switch-OnHeald Green village · 20 min	Sun 29 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
Santa's grotto and Christmas stalls at the Didsbury ParsonageThe Old Parsonage · 20 min	Sun 29 Nov 2026	Grotto price not published	No booking
Handmade at Hat Works: Festive EditionHat Works · 20 min	Sat 5 Dec 2026	Free drop-in event; no booking or payment needed. Supports Arc's mental health programmes	No booking
Shiny Christmas Fun DayZ-arts · 20 min	Sat 5 Dec 2026	Free	Sold out
Knutsford Christmas MarketKnutsford town centre · 20 min	5–6 Dec 2026	Free entry; grotto and funfair rides extra	No booking needed
The Gift of Christmas Trail & Lantern ParadeAltrincham town centre · 20 min	Sat 12 Dec 2026	Free	No booking
Christmas Gift Fair in the Tenants' HallTatton Park Mansion · 22 min	26–29 Nov 2026	Fair free; standard Tatton parkland entry applies	No booking
Stableyard Carolling at Tatton ParkTatton Park · 22 min	Sun 20 Dec 2026	Free event; parkland vehicle entry applies	No booking
Manchester Christmas MarketsAlbert Square and city centre · 25 min	6 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027	Free to wander	No booking
Bramhall Early Festive MarketBramhall Village Square · 25 min	Sat 14 Nov 2026	Free entry	No booking needed
Stockport's Spectacular Sunday and Christmas lights switch-onStockport town centre · 25 min	Sun 15 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
Alderley Edge Christmas Lights Switch-OnAlderley Edge village centre · 25 min	Sat 21 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
Wilmslow Artisan MarketWilmslow town centre · 25 min	Sat 21 Nov 2026	Open-air street market; no entry charge is mentioned	No booking needed
Wilmslow Christmas Light Switch-OnWilmslow town centre · 25 min	Sat 21 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
Christmas Craft Market at The Lambing ShedThe Lambing Shed · 25 min	21–22 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
PHM Winter Makers MarketPeople's History Museum · 25 min	21–22 Nov 2026	Free entry; paid preview evening Fri 20 Nov (£10) and paid workshops	No booking needed
Wilmslow Way Brighter Christmas Light TrailWilmslow town centre · 25 min	21 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027	Free	No booking
Christmas Bake Off with Knutsford Bake ClubKnutsford Market Hall · 25 min	Sat 28 Nov 2026	Free to enter; small prizes for ages 4–11, 12–17 and adults	On sale
Melanin Markets Winter Wonders x The WhitworthThe Whitworth · 25 min	28–29 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
Christmas Fayre at Stockport Town HallStockport Town Hall · 25 min	Thu 3 Dec 2026	Free entry; grotto small fee	No booking needed
Stan's Secret Santa SaturdayManchester Museum · 25 min	Sat 5 Dec 2026	Free; bring gifts or seasonal food to donate	On sale
Manchester Christmas ParadeManchester city centre retail district · 25 min	Sun 6 Dec 2026	Free	No booking
Knutsford Crib Service and Carol Sing-a-LongPrincess Street · 25 min	Sat 12 Dec 2026	Free; mince pies and soft drinks served	No booking needed
Ordsall Hall Winter FestivalOrdsall Hall · 25 min	Sun 13 Dec 2026	Free	No booking
Free Christmas Kids CraftsKargo MKT · 25 min	Sat 19 Dec 2026	Free, book a ticket	On sale
Stockport Multicultural Christmas ConcertStockroom · 25 min	Sat 19 Dec 2026	Free	No booking
Free Kids' Grinch'mas Party at Kargo MKTKargo MKT · 25 min	Mon 21 Dec 2026	Free, book a ticket	On sale
Father Christmas' Arrival ParadeBents Garden & Home · 30 min	Wed 4 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
Walkabout Father Christmas in storeBents Garden & Home · 30 min	5 Nov – 23 Dec 2026	Free	No booking
Romiley Christmas Light Switch-OnRomiley Forum and The Precinct · 30 min	Sat 21 Nov 2026	Free	No booking needed
Christmas Fayre with Santa's grotto, 12th Warrington EastScout HQ · 30 min	Sat 28 Nov 2026	Grotto price not given	No booking
Reddish Christmas LightsHouldsworth Square · 30 min	Sat 28 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
Santa at the Independent Cat Rescue Prestwich Christmas FairPrestwich Conservative Club · 30 min	Sat 28 Nov 2026	Free entry	No booking needed
The Little Christmas TreeDenton West End Community Library · 30 min	Sat 28 Nov 2026	Free	On sale
Christmas Fair at Holy Rood Memorial Hall, SwintonHoly Rood Memorial Hall · 30 min	Sat 5 Dec 2026	Entry price not listed; festive refreshments on sale; no entry charge is mentioned	–
Christmas Fair with Santa at Nether Alderley Village HallNether Alderley Village Hall · 30 min	Sat 5 Dec 2026	Free ticket; any charge for Santa not stated	On sale
Prestbury Christmas FairPrestbury village centre · 30 min	Sun 6 Dec 2026	Free entry; rides and stalls extra	No booking needed
Warrington ChristmasWarrington town centre · 35 min	Sat 14 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
Northwich Christmas ExtravaganzaNorthwich town centre · 35 min	Sat 21 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
Chadderton Fire Station Christmas Open Day with Santa's grottoChadderton Community Fire Station · 35 min	Sat 28 Nov 2026	Free	On sale
Step Into ChristmasMarket Place · 35 min	Sat 28 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
Elf Takeover Day at Bolton Library and MuseumBolton Central Library and Museum · 35 min	Sat 5 Dec 2026	Free drop-in	No booking needed
Santa's grotto at Wigan & Leigh Hospice Christmas FairLeigh Library · 35 min	Sat 5 Dec 2026	Free entry to the fair; grotto price not published	No booking
Reindeer Day at Lowe's Farm ShopLowe's Farm Shop · 35 min	5–6 Dec 2026	Free	No booking needed
Macclesfield Christmas Twilight MarketMarket Place · 35 min	Thu 10 Dec 2026	Free	No booking needed
Oldham Christmas Lights Switch-OnOldham town centre · 40 min	Sat 14 Nov 2026	Free; council car parks free after 3.30pm	No booking needed
Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas lights switch-onRochdale Town Hall and gardens · 40 min	20–22 Nov 2026	Free; flashing lights, fire effects and loud noises	No booking
Light Night WiganWigan town centre and Mesnes Park · 40 min	20–22 Nov 2026	Town centre free; Mesnes Park installations need a ticket	No booking
Christmas MarketsSmithills Open Farm · 40 min	Every Saturday and Sunday	Market free to enter; Santa's grotto paid on the door (price not given); farm tickets separate (adults £13.50, children 2–16 £11.50, family £45)	No booking
Sandbach Christmas Lights Switch-OnSandbach town centre · 40 min	Sat 28 Nov 2026	Free	No booking
Brass Monkeys: Christmas brass bands in the town centreOldham town centre · 40 min	Sat 5 Dec 2026	Free	No booking
Winter Wonderland SaturdayOldham town centre · 40 min	Sat 12 Dec 2026	Free	No booking
Santa SaturdayOldham town centre · 40 min	Sat 19 Dec 2026	Free	No booking needed
Father Christmas grotto at St Andrew's Church Christmas Fayre, SpringfieldSt Andrew's Church and Parish Centre · 45 min	Sat 14 Nov 2026	No entry fee; grotto price not given	No booking needed
Mr Bear's Christmas - author storytimePear Tree Books · 45 min	Sat 21 Nov 2026	Free ticket via Eventbrite	Sold out
Small Street Markets at BlakemereBlakemere Village · 45 min	22 Nov – 6 Dec 2026	Free	No booking needed
Crewe Christmas Lights Switch-OnCrewe town centre · 45 min	Sat 28 Nov 2026	Free	No booking needed
Frodsham Christmas FestivalFrodsham town centre · 45 min	Sat 28 Nov 2026	Free to attend	No booking needed
Community Charity Christmas MarketsSt Basil's Parish Centre · 45 min	Sun 29 Nov 2026	Free (Eventbrite tickets are £0); free parking	–
Ho Ho HelsbyHelsby village · 45 min	Sat 5 Dec 2026	Free	No booking needed
Santa's grotto at the PAWS Christmas Fair, UppermillUppermill Civic Hall · 45 min	Sun 6 Dec 2026	Grotto price not given	No booking

Questions parents ask

What's the nearest free Christmas outing to Timperley?

The nearest to Timperley are RSPCA Altrincham branch Christmas Fair (Timperley, Sat 14 Nov, 10 min), Christmas light switch-on at The Belmore (Sale, Fri 27 Nov, 10 min) and St George's Christmas Fayre (Altrincham, Sat 28 Nov, 10 min).

Are there free Santa visits near Timperley?

A few: community grottos at fairs, libraries and churches are sometimes free. The Santa comparison lists every Santa visit near Timperley with its price, the free ones first.

What does free mean on this page?

Free for the whole family to get in. Many free events have things to pay for once you're there, like rides, food or parking, and each listing says so where the organiser does.