Christmas things to do this weekend near Altrincham, Sale and Timperley 2026

Nightly from 20 November to 2 January, timed entry from 4.30pm. A mile-long light and sound trail round the house and gardens, with Father Christmas along the way. Off-peak from £13 a child; Saturdays in December cost more and go first.

Weekends from 14 November, then nightly 19 to 23 December. A winter festival trail through Tatton’s gardens, with acrobats, fire jugglers and storytellers along the way and marshmallows to toast. Allow about 90 minutes; the first hour on 21 and 22 November is quieter and sensory friendly.

Until 22 December across the city centre; Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens to 3 January. Free to wander, with the big wheel in Albert Square and the Skate Manchester rink. Busiest on Saturday afternoons, so go early.

Wednesday to Sunday until 3 January. The hall’s rooms dressed for Christmas, this year on a Christmas music theme. Under-16s go free and there’s no need to book; pair it with the Elf Trail for younger ones.

Saturday from 2pm; lights on at 6pm. One of the first switch-ons near us, on Sir Tony Lloyd Square: stalls, roasted chestnuts, Stretford Uke at 4pm and the brass band at 5.30pm.

Saturday 10am to 3pm. An early Christmas market on Bramhall’s village square, with makers’ stalls, street food for lunch and face painting. Free to go.

Sunday noon to 5pm; lights on at 4.45pm. More than 50 street shows across Stockport town centre, from a giant Snow Lion to stilt walkers, ending with a parade of over 100 drummers and the switch-on. Free; be in the centre by mid-afternoon.

Sunday 11am to 4pm. Makers and vintage sellers inside the Edwardian swimming baths. £3 for grown-ups, under-12s free; one for gift-hunting rather than children’s activities.

Saturday 3pm to 6pm. Tribute acts and choirs on a stage on Regent Road and George Street. Free and outdoors; arrive early to see the stage.

Saturday noon to 7pm; lights on at about 6pm. In the Golden Hill Park car park this year: a market, a children’s fairground, face painting and lantern decorating, with a small charge for Santa’s grotto.

Saturday from 10am; countdown at about 5pm. Markets on Alderley Road, free crafts on Hawthorn Lane from noon and a stage at Bank Square. The council says timings may change.

Saturday 11am to 2pm. A church winter fair with its own children’s corner: a Christmas tree craft, face painting, a toy stall and a table for letters to Santa. £1 for grown-ups, children free.

Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4.30pm. Thirty-odd makers in the People’s History Museum’s Engine Hall, with choirs on both days. Free and indoors; the first hour each day is kept quieter.

Saturday from noon; lights on at 6pm. The village’s own switch-on: a market, funfair rides, a music stage and a festive jumper dog show. Santa’s grotto and crafts are at the Methodist church, with more stalls indoors at the Larkhill Centre.

Saturday 2pm to 5pm. St George’s Christmas fayre, run with Altrincham CE Primary: gift stalls, crafts, food and local choirs. Free to go in; Santa’s grotto is booked in half-hour slots.

Sunday: family 2.2K at 9am, 5K at 10.30am. Santa suits round Sale Water Park. Selling fast when we checked, and the family ticket had sold out.

Sunday from 10.30am. A festive 5k walk, jog or run round Wythenshawe Park for The Christie, with music and face painting at the finish. Child entry £6, with reindeer ears.

Saturday 11am to 4pm. The children’s hospice’s own Christmas fair: cards, decorations, toys and a gift tombola, with everything raised going on Christmas for the families it supports.

Saturday: performances from 2pm, parade 5pm to 6pm. Glowing lanterns, costumed characters and dancers from Waterside to Stanley Square in Sale. Free; wrap up for an evening outdoors.

Sunday 1pm to 2pm. An hour of well-known carols in the grounds of Wythenshawe Hall, led by three local churches. Free; bring a blanket or folding chairs.

Sunday 11am to 2pm. A free Christmas market at Brooklands Health Club, open to everyone, with traders, music and a Santa’s grotto. The club hasn’t said if the grotto costs extra.

Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm. A free LEGO gift factory at the People’s History Museum where children build a small present to give away. No tickets; weekend afternoons are busiest, so go first thing.

Saturday 11am to 3pm. Manchester Museum’s Secret Santa day: bring a gift or festive food to donate, then join the activities while singers perform round the galleries. Free, with a ticket from Eventbrite.

Saturday noon to 6pm; parade from Goose Green at 4.45pm. A character trail round Altrincham town centre, choirs on Stamford Square, then a nativity lantern parade as it gets dark. Free; the lantern workshops at OYEZ Arts need booking.

Saturday 10am to 4pm. Lymm’s long-running Christmas day: stalls, a Santa’s grotto, steam engines and a parade with Father Christmas. The village is closed to traffic, so use the free park and ride from Lymm High School.

Saturday 3pm, crafts from 2.30pm. John Burningham’s Christmas picture book told with flute and folk music, made for ages three to seven. 45 minutes, so it suits little ones.

Saturday 7.30pm to 9.30pm. A big family sing-along of carols at the cathedral. An evening and about two hours, so best for children who can sit through a concert.

Saturday 11am. A 45-minute workshop at Hobbycraft Altrincham making a clay character for a snow globe, from age three. Five children a session, and it was selling fast when we checked.

Friday 18 and Saturday 19 December. A pantomime made up on the spot from the audience’s suggestions, at Waterside in Sale. For ages seven and up; the version for under-6s has sold out.

Sunday 20 December at 10.30am, and two mornings after. The Polar Express on the big screen in Sale. Under-5s £5, and CEA Card companions go free.

Saturday: juniors’ race at 12.30pm. Christmas races round MediaCity for Salford Foodbank, with a juniors’ race and elf t-shirts for foodbank runners. The 5k is from age 11.

Saturday 7pm to 8pm. Nine lessons and carols by candlelight at St George’s in Altrincham, with a brass band and the festival choir. About an hour, in the evening.