Christmas holidays 2026

Saturday 19 December 10

Fri 18 Dec

ComedySportz Improvised Panto (Juniors, 7+) Waterside Arts, Sale · 15 min Fri 18 Dec 6pm; Sat 19 Dec 4.30pm and 6.30pm; 75 mins; the Tots version (6 and under, Sat 2.30pm) is sold outUnder £10

Sat 19 Dec

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

Sat 19 Dec

ComedySportz Improvised Panto (Tots) - SOLD OUT Waterside Arts, Sale · 15 min Sat 19 Dec, 2.30pm, 75 mins, ages 6 and underSold outUnder £10

Sat 19 Dec

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

Sat 19 Dec

Stockport Multicultural Christmas Concert Stockroom, Merseyway, Stockport · 30 min Sat 19 Dec, 2pm-4pmFree

Sat 19 Dec

Zoology Club with Animal Teach (hands-on animal encounters) Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Runcorn · 40 min Sat 19 Dec 2026; age-banded timeslots£10–25

Sat 19 Dec

Goofus Theatre: Stars and Stones (puppet show in the Space Dome) Jodrell Bank, Goostrey, Macclesfield · 35 min Sat 19 and Sun 20 Dec, showings 11.15am, 12.45pm and 2.30pmUnder £10

Sat 19 Dec

Hallé Carol Concert (with Hallé Children's and Youth Choirs) The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester · 30 min Sat 19 Dec 3pm, Sun 20 Dec 3pm and 7.30pmSelling fast£10–25

Sat 19 Dec

The Snowman family concert, hosted by Maddie Moate Liverpool Philharmonic Hall · 55 min Sat 19 - Sun 20 Dec 2026 (BSL-interpreted show Sat 2.30pm)£10–25

Sat 19 Dec

Breakfast Santa Cruise (cooked breakfast then Santa cruise with games and gifts) Anderton Boat Lift, Anderton, Northwich · 30 min 9.30am start, about 1h45 (breakfast in the coffee shop then 45-min cruise)£10–25

Sunday 20 December 6

Sun 20 Dec

A Christmas Carol performed by Gerald Charles Dickens (great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens) The Stoller Hall, Manchester city centre · 25 min Sun 20 Dec, 2.30pm matinee (doors 2pm) and 7.30pm£10–25

Sun 20 Dec

Breakfast with Frozen Friends Princess Street, Knutsford · 25 min Sun 20 Dec, 9.30-11.30am£10–25

Sun 20 Dec

RNCM Christmas Family Day: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse with live orchestra Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester (Oxford Road) · 30 min Sun 20 Dec 2026; sessions 10am-12.30pm and 1.30-4pm£10–25

Sun 20 Dec

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

Sun 20 Dec

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

Sun 20 Dec

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

Monday 21 December 2

Mon 21 Dec

The Snowman Film with Live Orchestra Chester Cathedral · 55 min Mon 21 Dec 2pm, 4pm (both selling fast) and 6.30pm; approx 60 minSelling fast£10–25

Mon 21 Dec

Breakfast with Santa at The Dunham Barn The Dunham Barn, Altrincham · 15 min 8.30–9.30am (dates shown include Mon 21 and Wed 23 December; check Eventbrite). Full English, songs with Santa and Mrs Claus, small gift per child.£10–25

Tuesday 22 December 1

Tue 22 Dec

Christmas Musical Spectacular with Michael Ball AO Arena, Manchester · 25 min Tue 22 and Wed 23 Dec, event starts 4pm£25+

Wednesday 23 December 2

Wed 23 Dec

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

Wed 23 Dec

Christmas Carol Singalong with Jonathan Cohen and Louise Dearman The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester · 30 min Wed 23 Dec, 7.30pm£25+

Thursday 24 December 3

Thu 24 Dec

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

Thu 24 Dec

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

Thu 24 Dec

Christmas Eve Polar Express party and Santa meet and greet (PJs essential) ICONS, 511 Bury New Road, Prestwich · 30 min Thu 3–5pm; hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas dancingUnder £10

Saturday 26 December 1

Sat 26 Dec

Boxing Day Matlock Raft Race park & ride and Mince Pie Specials Peak Rail, Darley Dale / Matlock · 65 min Sat 26 Dec 2026; steam trains leave Matlock 11.40am, 1.40pm & 3.40pmUnder £10

Sunday 27 December 1

Sun 27 Dec

The Music of Zimmer vs Williams (Manchester Concert Orchestra) The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester · 30 min Sun 27 Dec, 3pm£25+

Wednesday 30 December 1

Wed 30 Dec

The Hallé: How to Train Your Dragon 2 in concert The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester · 30 min Wed 30 Dec, 5pm£25+

Thursday 31 December 2

Thu 31 Dec

Family New Year's Eve Party at Gulliver's World Gulliver's World Resort, Warrington · 30 min Thu 31 Dec, 6pm-midnight; rides 6pm-9.45pm, fireworks 10pm£25+

Thu 31 Dec

Raver Tots NYE family daytime rave Escape to Freight Island, Manchester · 30 min Thu 31 Dec, 12.30-2pm; adults enter only with a child£10–25

Saturday 2 January 2

Sat 2 Jan

The Nutcracker - Varna International Ballet and Orchestra The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester · 30 min Sat 2 Jan, 5.30pm£25+

Sat 2 Jan

Snow White - Varna International Ballet and Orchestra The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester · 30 min Sat 2 and Sun 3 Jan, 2pm matinees£25+

Sunday 3 January 1

Sun 3 Jan

Swan Lake - Varna International Ballet and Orchestra The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester · 30 min Sun 5.30pm (last day of the Christmas holidays)£25+

On through Christmas holidays 168

Trails, exhibitions and seasonal runs, nearest first. Check opening days.

Fri 20 Nov

A Trail of Tails: Christmas in the House Dunham Massey, Altrincham · 10 min Daily 10am-3pm, last entry 3pm£10–25

Fri 20 Nov

Christmas at Dunham Massey (illuminated trail) Dunham Massey, Altrincham · 10 min Every evening 20 Nov–2 Jan, 4.30pm–8.30pm timed slots£10–25

Fri 4 Dec

Robin Hood: the Garrick pantomime (30 performances, one relaxed show) Altrincham Garrick Playhouse · 10 min Fri 4 Dec - Sun 3 Jan; evenings 7.30pm, weekend/holiday shows 1.30pm and 5.30pm; relaxed performance Sat 12 Dec 5.30pm; dark 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan; ages 3+Selling fast£10–25

Sat 24 Oct

Camera Obscura: Experiments in Animation (free exhibition) Waterside Arts, Sale · 15 min Gallery hours; animated shorts shown with their hand-drawn framesFree

Fri 20 Nov

HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto (early-bird family bundles until 2 Nov; SEND sessions) The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park · 15 min Timed 30-minute sessions; weekday mornings off-peak until 18 DecSEN session£10–25

Mon 30 Nov

Mr Popper's Penguins (Pins and Needles musical with penguin puppets) Waterside Arts, Sale · 15 min Public shows weekends and 19–27 Dec, times vary; BSL and relaxed performance Sat 5 Dec 11am; 60 mins, age 3+Relaxed Sat 5 Dec£10–25

Wed 2 Dec

Operation Elf: Save Christmas - festive play space Quarry Bank, Styal, Wilmslow · 15 min Daily 10.30am-4pm (closed some days; check calendar); 4th floor of the Mill£10–25

Fri 4 Dec

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

Fri 4 Dec

Enchanted Winter Walk at Quarry Bank Quarry Bank, Styal, Wilmslow · 15 min 4, 5, 11, 12, 18-23 and 28-31 Dec; 10-min entry slots 5pm–7pm; walk takes about 30 minQuiet sessionUnder £10

Fri 4 Dec

Snowstorm: A Frozen Adventure (ice show) The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park · 15 min 12pm-7pm on show days; check performance times£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

Meet Father Christmas at Quarry Bank (SOLD OUT) Quarry Bank, Styal, Wilmslow · 15 min Now listed as sold out on the National Trust events page (17 Oct)Sold out£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

The Dunham Barn Santa's Grotto 2026 (private family slots) The Dunham Barn, Dunham Massey, Altrincham · 15 min Selected dates 5-24 Dec; private slots for up to 6, some dates already sold outSelling fast£25+

Sat 12 Dec

Enchanted Winter Walk quiet sessions (neurodivergent-friendly, before the main trail opens) Quarry Bank, Styal, Wilmslow · 15 min Sat 12 and Tue 29 Dec, 4.15–5pmUnder £10

Sat 21 Nov

Cruise with Father Christmas (floating grotto on the Ship Canal) Manchester River Cruises, Salford Quays · 18 min Date unconfirmed · Selected dates from 21 Nov; one-hour sailings at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 4.30pm and 6pm; sensory-adapted sailings 19 and 22 Dec at 10am; ages 2-10; end date assumedQuiet session Sat 19 Dec£10–25

Fri 4 Dec

The Jolly Christmas Postman The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Fri 4 Dec - Sun 3 JanRelaxed Sun 27 Dec£10–25

Thu 10 Dec

Showstopper at Christmas! (improvised musical) The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Thu 10 – Sun 20 Dec; the Lowry suggests ages 12+£10–25

Fri 11 Dec

A Christmas Carol (The Old Vic) The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Fri 11 Dec – Sun 10 Jan; ages 8+, about 2 hours with an interval£25+

Wed 23 Dec

A Very Messy Christmas The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Wed 23 Dec - Sun 3 Jan; matinee performances£10–25

Sat 14 Nov

Yuletide: A Glittering Winter Adventure (1.4km light trail with folklore characters, acrobats and fire jugglers) Tatton Park, Knutsford · 22 min 14, 21, 22, 28, 29 Nov; 5, 6, 12, 13, 19–23 Dec; entry slots 3–7.30pm, trail closes 9.30pm, allow 90 min£10–25

Sat 21 Nov

Father Christmas at the Farm Tatton Park, Knutsford · 22 min Selected dates, 10:30am-4pm£10–25

Sat 21 Nov

Around the World in 80 Days: The Christmas Mansion Tatton Park, Knutsford · 22 min Selected dates 21 Nov – 31 Dec, 11am–4pm, last entry 3pm (e.g. 21–22, 25–29 Nov; most Dec weekends and 18–23 Dec)£10–25

Until 25 Dec

Sir Alex Ferguson pop-up exhibition National Football Museum, Manchester · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Included with museum admission (annual pass)Under £10

Until 31 Dec

Smithsonian Starstruck: Immersive Space Experience Transmission House, Manchester (Northern Quarter) · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Timed tickets via Fever; runs to end of December£10–25

Until 31 Dec

The Wind in the Willows family garden trail RHS Garden Bridgewater, Worsley · 25 min Every day until December 2026 during garden hours£10–25

Until 3 Jan

2026 Banner Exhibition with family Banner Bingo trail People's History Museum, Manchester · 25 min Open daily except Tuesdays, 10am–4pmFree

Until 3 Jan

Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, Manchester · 25 min 13 Feb 2026 – 3 Jan£10–25

Until 4 Apr

Performing Trees (free collection exhibition) - closes 4 April The Whitworth, Manchester (Whitworth Park) · 25 min Gallery opening hoursFree

Until 31 Dec

Dead or Alive: Birds in our World Manchester Museum · 25 min Mainly an online exhibition on the museum's collections website; check with the museum what's on show in the buildingFree

Thu 22 Oct

The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail Arley Hall & Gardens, Great Budworth, Cheshire · 25 min 22 Oct 2026 - 3 Jan 2027 evenings; times and prices on Fever (organiser)£10–25

Sat 24 Oct

Adventures in Wonderland (interactive play experience, ages 1-8) Z-arts, Hulme, Manchester · 25 min Selected days, 10am and 11.30am sessions (1 hour)Relaxed Sat 14 NovUnder £10

Thu 5 Nov

Walkabout Father Christmas in store Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury · 25 min Daily from 5 Nov: weekdays 2-6pm, weekends 12-4pm (check the page for later December times)Free

Thu 5 Nov

Bramall Hall Decorated for Christmas 2026: A Musical Celebration Bramall Hall, Bramhall, Stockport · 25 min Hall opening days from Thu 5 Nov to Sun 3 Jan, from 11am (council listings run in weekly blocks through Dec 29-31 and Jan 2-3)Under £10

Thu 5 Nov

The Elf Trail at Bramall Hall Bramall Hall, Bramhall, Stockport · 25 min Runs on hall opening days from Thu 5 Nov to Sun 3 Jan (11am-4.30pm, last admission 3.45pm); no trail on 5-6 Dec, bank holidays or Christmas closureUnder £10

Fri 6 Nov

Skate Manchester (covered ice rink, now on sale; free kids' skating on selected Tuesdays) Cathedral Gardens, Manchester city centre · 25 min Daily 11am–9pm to 6 Dec, then 10am–9pm; 45-minute sessions; closed Christmas Day£10–25

Sat 14 Nov

Believe! The Polar Express Experience O2 Victoria Warehouse, Trafford Wharf, Manchester · 25 min Date unconfirmed · 14 Nov-31 Dec; session times not listedRelaxed£25+

Fri 20 Nov

The Grotto at the Corn Exchange (immersive Santa experience) Corn Exchange, Manchester · 25 min Daily timed slots; ~30 mins of elf missions then Santa; gift per child; Whispering Winter quieter SEN sessions on selected dates; December weekends already ~75% soldSelling fastSEN session

Fri 20 Nov

The Magic Lamp in the Hidden Garden: A Winter Light Trail (Aladdin-inspired) Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury · 25 min 4.30-7.30pm; off-peak and peak pricing; Winter Food Market afterwardsRelaxed Mon 23 Nov£10–25

Fri 20 Nov

The Manifold of Memory: immersive felt installation by Gulnur Mukazhanova The Whitworth, Manchester · 25 min Gallery open daily 10am–5pm (Thu to 9pm)Free

Sat 21 Nov

Festive Junior Farmers at Kenyon Hall Farm (indoor tree forest, tractor ride, craft) Kenyon Hall Farm, Croft, Warrington · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Every weekend from Sat 21 Nov; 45-60 min sessions (end date not yet published)On sale Sun 1 Nov£10–25

Sat 21 Nov

Meet Father Christmas in the Power Hall Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, Manchester · 25 min Sat-Sun 21-22, 28-29 Nov, 5-6, 12-13 Dec; daily Wed 16-Wed 23 Dec£10–25

Sat 21 Nov

The Magic of Christmas at Freight Island (storybook trail, Santa's Lodge, Christmas Village) Freight Island, Manchester city centre · 25 min Selected dates, weekends through the season then daily 18–24 Dec; 15-minute arrival slots from 9am; about 90 minutes; first hour SEN-friendly£10–25

Sat 21 Nov

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

Sat 21 Nov

Football Art Prize exhibition National Football Museum, Manchester · 25 min 21 Nov 2026 – 21 Feb£10–25

Thu 26 Nov

RHS Glow at RHS Garden Bridgewater RHS Garden Bridgewater, Worsley, Salford · 25 min Selected dates 26 Nov - 30 Dec; Super Off Peak tickets on some datesQuiet session Tue 8 Dec£10–25

Fri 27 Nov

Festive Skating at The Lambing Shed (Christmas on the Farm) The Lambing Shed, Knutsford · 25 min 1-hour sessions (45 mins skating); socks and gloves required; individual session times on booking page£10–25

Sat 28 Nov

Santa's Grotto (Warrington Disability Partnership) Walton Hall and Gardens, Warrington · 25 min Sat 28 Nov to Tue 22 Dec, selected days 10am-4pm (weekends 28/29 Nov, 5/6, 12/13, 19/20 Dec, plus Mon 21 and Tue 22 Dec)Under £10

Sun 29 Nov

The North Pole Experience Reddish Vale Farm, Stockport · 25 min 9:30am-4:30pmSEN session£10–25

Wed 2 Dec

Billy Elliot the Musical Palace Theatre, Manchester city centre · 25 min Wed 2 Dec to Sat 9 Jan; matinee and evening times on ATG£25+

Sat 5 Dec

Festive Family Breakfast with Father Christmas Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury · 25 min Saturdays 5, 12 and 19 Dec, 9.30-11am; everyone attending needs a ticketSold out£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

William Morris: Common Paradise (major free exhibition) The Whitworth, Manchester · 25 min Gallery open daily 10am–5pm (Thu to 9pm)Free

Tue 8 Dec

Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs Aviva Studios, Manchester · 25 min Tue 8 Dec - Wed 6 Jan£10–25

Thu 10 Dec

Sleeping Beauty (The Big Tiny) Contact, Manchester · 25 min Thu 10 - Thu 31 DecRelaxed Sat 12 Dec£10–25

Wed 16 Dec

Disney On Ice: Discover the Magic AO Arena, Manchester · 25 min Wed 16 - Sun 20 Dec; 5pm & 6.30pm midweek, earlier shows Fri-Sun£25+

Sat 2 Jan

Winter Welly Walks at Kenyon Hall Farm (free self-led farm trails with activity sheet) Kenyon Hall Farm, Croft, Warrington · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Farm says walks return 'in January and February 2027'; open daily from 9am, last entry 4pm; no bookingFree

Until 10 Jan

Your Salford 100 (centenary exhibition of 100 objects chosen by Salfordians) - final weeks Salford Museum and Art Gallery · 30 min Museum opening hoursFree

Until 31 Jan

Warrington Wolves: A Game For All (free rugby league exhibition) - final weeks Warrington Museum & Art Gallery · 30 min Museum opening hoursFree

Sat 24 Oct

Land of Lights at Gulliver's World Gulliver's World, Warrington · 30 min 24 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan£25+

Fri 6 Nov

Manchester Christmas Markets Albert Square and city centre, Manchester · 30 min 6 Nov - 22 Dec; Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens to 3 JanFree

Sat 7 Nov

Lapland Manchester at Capesthorne Hall Capesthorne Hall, Siddington · 30 min 7 Nov - 24 Dec, timed sessionsSelling fast£25+

Sat 14 Nov

Christmas at Gulliver's World Warrington Gulliver's World Resort, Warrington · 30 min Selected dates 14 Nov - 24 Dec; Smasher 10.30am-5pm, Cracker 10am-5pm (to 2pm on 24 Dec)£25+

Thu 19 Nov

Northern Lights at Heaton Park: A Christmas Time Machine Heaton Park, Manchester · 30 min Thu 19 Nov - Thu 31 Dec, first entry 4.15pm; neuro-inclusive evenings Wed 2 & 9 Dec£10–25

Sat 21 Nov

Emergency on Planet Earth: The Cost of Pollution (free exhibition with hands-on interactives) Warrington Museum & Art Gallery · 30 min Museum opening hoursFree

Fri 27 Nov

The Sorcerer's Apprentice HOME, Manchester · 30 min Fri 27 Nov - Sat 2 Jan£10–25

Sat 28 Nov

Breakfast and Brunch with Santa Stockport Plaza Cafe · 30 min Sat 28 Nov, 5 Dec, 12 Dec and 19 Dec, 9.30/10am breakfasts and 12pm brunchesSold out£10–25

Sat 28 Nov

Christmas at the Dragon Miniature Railway (Father Christmas grotto and decorated train circuit, Romiley and Marple Lions) Dobbies Garden Centre, Marple · 30 min Date unconfirmed · Father Christmas arrives Sat 28 Nov, then weekends to Christmas; times to be postedUnder £10

Fri 4 Dec

Jack and the Beanstalk (Stockport's family panto) Stockport Plaza · 30 min Performance times on the Plaza website£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

Sleeping Beauty - A Traditional Pantomime Salford Arts Theatre · 30 min Sat 5 - Thu 31 Dec; 11am, 2pm and 7pm performances£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

Dick Whittington (Jason Manford & Ben Nickless) Opera House Manchester · 30 min Daily matinees and evenings; relaxed performance Wed 30 Dec 1.30pmRelaxed Wed 30 Dec£10–25

Sun 6 Dec

The Grumpy Grotto (treetop-nets Christmas quest, ages 3+) Zip World Manchester, Prestwich · 30 min Date unconfirmed · Weekends 6–24 Dec; one-hour sessions£10–25

Tue 8 Dec

David Bowie: You're Not Alone (Lightroom immersive show) Aviva Studios, Manchester · 30 min Slots every 30 mins; one-hour loop; daytime slots all ages, 6pm onwards 12+£25+

Sat 19 Dec

Santa Cruise on the River Weaver (songs, stories and Santa on board) Anderton Boat Lift, Anderton, Northwich · 30 min 19, 20, 21 and 23 Dec; 45-minute cruises between 9.30am and 4.30pm, timed slots£10–25

Wed 30 Dec

Aladdin (Parr Hall family pantomime) Parr Hall, Warrington · 30 min Wed 30 Dec - Sun 10 Jan; morning, afternoon and evening shows (9.45am, 11am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 6.30pm, 7pm)Relaxed Sat 9 Jan£10–25

Until 24 Jan

The North Revisited (photography exhibition, free with admission) Jodrell Bank, Lower Withington (Macclesfield) · 35 min Tue–Sun 10am–5pm (last entry 3.30pm)£10–25

Sat 14 Nov

What Santa Sees (Space Dome show) Jodrell Bank, Lower Withington · 35 min Weekends 14 Nov-20 Dec at 10.30 & 14.00 (plus 12.00 from 5 Dec); Mon 21-Wed 23 Dec at 10.30, 12.00, 14.00Under £10

Sat 14 Nov

Festive Fun at Jodrell Bank Jodrell Bank, Lower Withington · 35 min Tue-Sun 10am-5pm (last entry 3.30pm); Goofus Theatre puppet show Stars and Stones Sat 19 & Sun 20 Dec (£6)£10–25

Thu 26 Nov

Magical Christmas Experience with Santa and Friends The Southfields Pub, Bolton · 35 min Selected dates 26 Nov-24 Dec, 1-7pm, timed 30-minute family sessions£10–25

Fri 27 Nov

The World at Christmas at Lyme Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport · 35 min 27-30 Nov and 1-24 Dec, 11am-4pm (last entry 3pm)£10–25

Sat 28 Nov

Santa Specials at East Lancashire Railway East Lancashire Railway, Bury · 35 min 28-29 Nov, 5-6, 12-13, 19-24 Dec; departures from Bury roughly 9.30am to 3.20pm; 80-min steam tripSEN session Sat 28 Nov£25+

Sat 5 Dec

Christmas at the Zoo (guided tour of the Children's Zoo plus bauble craft) Walton Hall and Gardens, Warrington · 35 min Selected dates 5–19 Dec, 10.30am–11.30am session£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

Christmas on the Farm (grotto with Mrs Claus story) Lancaster Park & Animal Farm, Chadderton, Oldham · 35 min 5-6, 12-13 and 17-24 Dec; farm 9.30am-4pm, last entry 3pm; online booking only, bring cash for extras£10–25

Sun 6 Dec

Show White (family pantomime) Northwich Memorial Court · 35 min Date unconfirmed · 6-19 Dec 2026; check performance times£10–25

Sun 3 Jan

Relaxed Visits to Jodrell Bank (quieter early opening, first Sunday of the month) Jodrell Bank, Goostrey, Macclesfield · 35 min Sun 3 Jan, Sun 7 Feb and Sun 7 Mar; 10am-11am relaxed session with reduced sound and lights, relaxed showing of the intro film at 10.15am, quiet space£10–25

Fri 20 Nov

Enchanted at Knowsley Safari (illuminated Foot Safari) Knowsley Safari, Prescot · 40 min Selected dates 20 Nov–23 Dec, eveningsSEN sessionUnder £10

Fri 20 Nov

Santa at Knowsley Safari (daytime and Enchanted-evening grotto) Knowsley Safari, Prescot · 40 min Evening grotto 20 Nov–23 Dec with Enchanted; daytime grotto 21 Nov–24 Dec with safari admission; SEN evening 9 Dec£10–25

Fri 20 Nov

Cinderella (Sally Cookson & Adam Peck) Octagon Theatre, Bolton · 40 min Fri 20 Nov - Sat 9 Jan; check performance timesRelaxed Sun 3 Jan£10–25

Sat 21 Nov

Cockfields Christmas Experience (Cockfields Express to the North Pole) Cockfields Farm Park, Ashton-under-Lyne · 40 min Selected dates from 21 Nov (28-29 Nov, 5-6, 12-13, 19-24 Dec listed); train to the North Pole, post office, private grotto, enchanted forest, Mrs Claus biscuit decorating, elf show, Build-a-Bear; SEN sessions also from 21 Nov; up to 45% off early datesSEN session Sat 21 Nov£25+

Tue 1 Dec

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Bolton's biggest ever pantomime) Albert Halls Bolton · 40 min 1–31 Dec; shows at 10.15am, 1.30pm and 6.30pm depending on the day; no shows Mon 7, Mon 14, Fri 18, Fri 25 Dec£10–25

Fri 4 Dec

Sleeping Beauty (Buxton Opera House pantomime) Buxton Opera House · 40 min Fri 4 Dec - Sat 2 JanRelaxed£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

Jack and the Beanstalk (family panto) The Met, Bury · 40 min Sat 5-Mon 28 Dec; relaxed show Sun 13 Dec 11am; pyjama show Fri 11 Dec 6.30pmSelling fastRelaxed Sun 13 Dec

Wed 9 Dec

Sammy the Snowman's Christmas Surprise (Octagon and The Big Tiny) Octagon Theatre, Bolton · 40 min Wed 9 - Thu 24 Dec, typically 11am and 1pm; age 3+£10–25

Sat 12 Dec

The Princess & The Frog (interactive Christmas show, ages 3-8) Buxton Opera House · 40 min Sat 12 - Wed 23 Dec; 1 hour, no interval; showtimes on the venue site£10–25

Until 31 Jan

Our Story with David Attenborough (immersive experience) Chester Zoo, Upton, Chester · 45 min Daily 10.30am-4.30pm in 50-min slots (not 25-26 Dec, 20 Jan); evening showings Thu-Sun until 9 Nov£10–25

Fri 13 Nov

Lanterns & Light at Chester Zoo Chester Zoo · 45 min Selected dates, 4.30pm–8pm timed entry (Anytime tickets available)£10–25

Tue 1 Dec

Christmas Lights at Poole's Cavern (with cave scavenger hunt) Poole's Cavern, Buxton · 45 min Daily 9.45am-4pm (4.30pm weekends); closed 25-26 Dec£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

Festive Boat Trips and Santa's Grotto Experience National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port · 45 min 5-6 Dec, 12-13 Dec and 19-24 Dec, 10am-4pm£10–25

Fri 11 Dec

Sleeping Beauty (Crewe Lyceum pantomime) Lyceum Theatre, Crewe · 45 min Fri 11 Dec - Sun 3 Jan; marked 'selling fast'Selling fast£10–25

Sat 12 Dec

Father Christmas at Smithills Hall (grotto with elves and photos) Smithills Hall, Bolton · 45 min Date unconfirmed · Planned days 12, 13, 15, 18, 19 and 20 Dec incl. a My First Father Christmas (0-3) day and SEND days; public times and prices not yet publishedNot on sale yet£10–25

Sat 12 Dec

Santa & Steam Specials Rudyard Lake Steam Railway, Rudyard, near Leek · 45 min Sat/Sun 12, 13, 19 & 20 Dec 2026; experience lasts 60-90 mins, train leaves 10 mins after ticket time£10–25

Sat 12 Dec

Chorley Winter Wonderland (real ice rink, children's rides, festive tipis) Cleveland Street car park, Chorley · 45 min Open every day except Christmas Day, Sat 12 Dec-Sun 3 Jan; session times to be announcedNot on sale yetUnder £10

Sun 20 Dec

Breakfast with Scuba Santa Blue Planet Aquarium, Ellesmere Port · 45 min Date unconfirmed · 20–24 DecNot on sale yet£10–25

Until 17 Jan

The Worst Record Covers in the World (free exhibition) Grosvenor Museum, Chester · 50 min During museum opening hoursFree

Fri 23 Oct

Oaks on Ice and Winter Village at Cheshire Oaks (ice rink, big wheel, free Christmas film screenings) Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, Ellesmere Port · 50 min Date unconfirmed · Rink opens Fri 23 Oct; end date not yet published; free film showings from 6.30pm on selected dates; big wheel weekdays from 12pm, weekends from 10am£10–25

Fri 20 Nov

Magical Woodland at Christmas Magical Woodland, Sandiway, Northwich · 50 min Fri 20 Nov-Thu 24 Dec; timed evening entry, allow 1.5-2 hours; live Christmas characters and light-and-sound trail£10–25

Sat 21 Nov

Christmas at Astley Hall (Nutcracker-themed decorated hall) and An Audience with Father Christmas Astley Hall, Chorley · 50 min Hall dressed Sat 21 Nov-Sun 20 Dec; Father Christmas weekends only, ticketed personal family meetingNot on sale yet£10–25

Tue 1 Dec

12 Days of Christmas Trail (free museum clue hunt) Grosvenor Museum, Chester · 50 min Daily during opening hours; collect a trail sheet from receptionFree

Fri 4 Dec

Misrule at Yule Little Moreton Hall, Congleton · 50 min 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 Dec, 10.30am-4pm; live music and jesters on weekends only£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

Festive Breakfast with Father Christmas Rufford Old Hall, Rufford, near Ormskirk · 50 min 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 Dec; 10-11am single sitting£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

The Eureka! Christmas Experience (private meet with Santa) Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Halifax · 50 min 5-6, 12-13 and 18 Dec, then daily 19-23 Dec; timed slots, 12 families per slot£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

The Pied Piper of Hamelin Millgate Arts Centre, Delph, Saddleworth · 50 min Sat 5 Dec-Sat 2 Jan; first show Sat 5 Dec 1pm; shows through Christmas and New Year, prices vary by date£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

A Very Merry Christmas at Eureka! (Gruffalo's Child storytelling, trail) Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Halifax · 50 min December weekends, daily 18-23 Dec and 28 Dec-3 Jan; storytelling 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm£10–25

Until 14 Feb

Rae-Yen Song: •~TUA~• 大眼 •~MAK~• (free glowing-pond installation) FACT, 88 Wood Street, Liverpool · 55 min Wed–Sun 11am–6pmFree

Until 28 Feb

National Museums Liverpool at 40 (free exhibition: Titanic artefacts and treasures from seven museums) World Museum, Liverpool · 55 min Date unconfirmed · Museum opening hoursFree

Sat 14 Nov

The Rock 'n' Roll Panto: Beauty and the Beast Liverpool Everyman · 55 min Sat 14 Nov - Sat 16 Jan; relaxed, BSL, captioned and audio-described performances availableSelling fastRelaxed Thu 14 Jan

Wed 18 Nov

Chester Christmas Market Town Hall Square, Chester · 55 min 18 Nov - 22 Dec; Grotto on the Square 20 Nov - 24 DecFree

Fri 20 Nov

Grotto on the Square (Santa's Enchanted Elevator and gingerbread grotto) Eastgate Square, Chester · 55 min Fri 20 Nov to Christmas Eve; bookings openSEN session£10–25

Fri 20 Nov

Liverpool Christmas Wonderland at Pier Head (covered ice rink, rides, Santa's Grotto) Pier Head, Liverpool waterfront · 55 min Open daily 11am-9pm; skating sessions hourly 11am-8pm£10–25

Sat 21 Nov

Skate St George's St George's Hall, Liverpool · 55 min 21 Nov - 3 Jan£10–25

Tue 1 Dec

Little Liverpool Christmas Special (festive sensory play, under-6s) Pier Head, Liverpool · 55 min Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun 11.15am; Fri 2.15pmOn sale Sun 1 NovUnder £10

Fri 4 Dec

Christmas concerts in the Great Hall (choirs, hand chimes, lute and flute) Rufford Old Hall, Rufford, near Ormskirk · 55 min Fri/Sat/Sun; mostly 11am–1pm (lute and flute Sundays 11am–3.30pm; Preston Orpheus Choir Sat 12 Dec 11.30 and 12.30); Great Hall holds 60 so arrive early£10–25

Fri 4 Dec

Rapunzel (Storyhouse Originals pantomime) Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Matinees 12pm/2pm and evenings 5pm–7pm; relaxed Sun 27 Dec 12pm; BSL Sat 2 Jan 2pm; audio-described Sun 20 Dec 12pmRelaxed Sun 27 Dec£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

Santa Special Cruise on the River Dee ChesterBoat, The Boating Station, Souters Lane · 55 min Sat 5, Sat 12 and Sat 19 Dec at 12pm and 2.30pm (one hour)£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

A Magical Meeting with Father Christmas at Hoghton Tower (Postmaster, Reindeer Keeper, Mrs Claus storytime) Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Preston · 55 min Sat 5, Sun 6, Sat 12, Sun 13, Sat 19, Sun 20 and Mon 21 Dec; timed slots; tearoom 10am-4pm; Sun 20 Dec also farmers' market (£3/car site fee)£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

Sail to Santa (boat trip to Santa's Island, elves' workshop crafts) WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough, Lancashire · 55 min 5, 6, 12, 13, 19–23 Dec; timed boat slots, last boats from 3pm, activities end 4pm£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

Christmas Carol Concerts in Peak Cavern (brass bands underground) Peak Cavern, Castleton · 55 min Sat 5, Sun 6, Sat 12, Sun 13, Sat 19, Sun 20 and Wed 23 Dec at 6pm; Thu 24 Dec at 4pm; 60-70 min seatedSelling fast£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

Story Time with Santa at Liverpool Town Hall Liverpool Town Hall, Liverpool city centre · 55 min Selected dates; sessions about 45-60 minutes; sensory-friendly session usually offered£10–25

Sun 6 Dec

Brunch with Santa in the Refectory Chester Cathedral Refectory · 55 min Sun 6, 13 and 20 Dec, sittings 9am-11.30am; also Thu 24 Dec from 8.30am; ages 1-10; Afternoon Tea with Santa on 6 and 20 Dec 1.30-3pm£10–25

Fri 11 Dec

Santa's Grotto at The Ice Cream Farm The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall · 55 min Date unconfirmed · Ticket includes all-day entry and two scoops of ice cream in a collectible Christmas mugSEN session£10–25

Fri 11 Dec

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Regent Theatre pantomime with Jonathan Wilkes) Regent Theatre, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent · 55 min Opens Fri 11 Dec; audio-described/BSL show 29 Dec; performance times on ATG listing£10–25

Sat 12 Dec

Cinderella - Liverpool's biggest ever pantomime M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool · 55 min 12-29 Dec; mostly 2.30pm & 6pm, some 1pm/5pm and 11am shows; BSL Mon 21 Dec 6pm£10–25

Mon 14 Dec

The Reindeer Who Saved Christmas Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Mon 14 - Thu 24 Dec; approx 60 minutes; recommended 3+Selling fast£10–25

Sat 19 Dec

Melting Moments: free winter family art activities (Christmas holidays) Tate Liverpool + RIBA North · 55 min Daily 10am–4pm; closed 24–26 DecFree

Sat 19 Dec

Liverpool Indoor Funfair Winter Exhibition Centre Liverpool · 55 min 19 Dec-9 Jan; sessions 10am-1pm, 2-5pm, 6-9pmUnder £10

Sun 3 Jan

Family Feastival Sundays (kids' crafts, free face painting, kids' quiz and food deals) Boxpark Liverpool, Liverpool (Baltic Triangle) · 55 min Most Sundays 12pm-4pm (not 14 Mar)Under £10

Sat 7 Nov

The Polar Express Train Ride 2026 Churnet Valley Railway, Froghall, Staffordshire · 60 min Selected dates 7 Nov–23 Dec; about 2 hours£25+

Fri 13 Nov

The Piece Hall Christmas Market The Piece Hall, Halifax · 60 min Fri-Sun weekends only, 10am-4pm: 13-15, 20-22, 27-29 Nov, 4-6 Dec and two further December weekendsFree

Fri 20 Nov

Trentham Winter Light Trail Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent · 60 min 20 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan£10–25

Sun 22 Nov

Breakfast with Santa (buffet, storytime, games, crafts and face painting) Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Pulford, Chester · 60 min Sun 22 Nov, Sun 13 Dec and Sun 20 Dec, 10am–12pm£25+

Sat 28 Nov

Farmer Christmas (reindeer, private Santa visit and toy shop) Farmer Ted's Adventure Farm, Downholland, Ormskirk · 60 min 28 Nov - 24 Dec 2026; timed sessions£25+

Sat 5 Dec

Santa's Steam Train Adventure Ribble Steam Railway & Museum, Preston · 60 min 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21 & 22 Dec 2026; 75 mins incl. 55 mins on the train£25+

Sat 5 Dec

Meet Father Christmas at Trentham Trentham Shopping Village, Stoke-on-Trent · 60 min 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19-24 Dec, 9am-6pm£10–25

Wed 11 Nov

Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market at Haddon Hall Haddon Hall, Bakewell · 65 min Wed-Sun only; timed sessions 9.15am-12.45pm, 1pm-4.30pm, twilight 3pm-4.30pm£10–25

Fri 27 Nov

Magical Days Out: Christmas at Alton Towers (CBeebies Land, Hey Duggee Live, Santa's Grotto) Alton Towers, Alton, Staffordshire · 65 min Selected dates only; reduced seasonal selection of rides in CBeebies Land and Mutiny Bay£10–25

Sat 28 Nov

BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas (light trail, mini panto, Father Christmas) BeWILDerwood Cheshire, Whitchurch · 65 min Sparkling after-dark Christmas light trail; session times not listed£10–25

Sat 28 Nov

Santa and the Reindeer Rangers at Cannon Hall Farm Cannon Hall Farm, Cawthorne, Barnsley · 65 min 28-29 Nov; 5-6, 12-13, 19-24 Dec only£25+

Sat 28 Nov

The Elf Explorer at Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Oxenhope Station, Oxenhope, Keighley · 65 min 28-29 Nov; 5, 6, 12, 13, 19-24 Dec; sessions 9am, 10.30am, 12.15pm, 1.45pm, 3.15pm£25+

Fri 4 Dec

Cinderella - Southport's Pantomime The Atkinson, Southport · 65 min Sat/Sun 1pm & 5.30pm; Christmas week 2.30pm & 7pm; relaxed shows Sat 12 Dec 1pm and Sun 27 Dec 1pm; approx 2 hrs£25+

Sat 5 Dec

Santa Specials at Peak Rail Peak Rail, Matlock · 65 min 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 Dec; Mince Pie Specials from 26 Dec£10–25

Until 3 Jan

Blackpool Illuminations 2026 Blackpool Promenade · 70 min Full route to Sun 1 Nov; shorter Pleasure Beach-Gynn section from 2 Nov, Christmas by the Sea from 20 Nov, season ends 3 JanFree

Sat 21 Nov

Aladdin: The Pantomime Blackpool Pleasure Beach · 70 min 21 Nov to 24 Dec; performance times on site£10–25

Sat 21 Nov

Christmas Grotto Wonderland Blackpool Pleasure Beach · 70 min 21 Nov to 24 Dec; 30-minute timed slots, book by midnight the day before£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz on Ice (BIDCA) Blackpool Pleasure Beach · 70 min 5-26 Dec; performance times on site£10–25

Sat 7 Nov

Christmas at Chatsworth: The 12 Days of Christmas Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire · 75 min 7 Nov - 3 Jan (some pages say 4 Jan); market access 7 Nov-13 Dec onlySelling fast£25+

Fri 20 Nov

The Lights of Abraham (winter lights trail with new installations and route) Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire · 75 min Selected evenings 20 Nov-30 Dec; session times and prices 'coming soon' on the venue site£25+

Sat 28 Nov

Reverse Grotto at Erddig Erddig, Wrexham · 75 min 28 Nov - 20 Dec, 11am-3pm (selected dates)£10–25

Sat 28 Nov

Storytime with Father Christmas at Chatsworth Farmyard Chatsworth House, Bakewell · 75 min 28 Nov-13 Dec sessions include Christmas at Chatsworth entry; 18-23 Dec farmyard-only; relaxed 5 Dec, autism-friendly 21-22 DecRelaxed Sat 5 Dec£25+

Sat 26 Dec

Mince Pie Specials at Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Keighley and Worth Valley Railway · 75 min Twixmas steam services with mince pies£10–25

Sat 14 Nov

Winter Illuminations at Yorkshire Wildlife Park Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster · 80 min 14-15, 20-22, 26-29 Nov; 3-6, 10-24, 26-31 Dec; 1-3 and 9 Jan; closes by 9pm; trail about 90 min£10–25

Fri 27 Nov

Follies Safari: 4x4 ride to Santa's hillside grotto Hawkstone Park Follies, Weston-under-Redcastle, Shrewsbury · 80 min Selected dates; timed bookings£25+

Sat 5 Dec

Breakfast with Santa Live Show at The Yorkshire Hive Evolution Experience Restaurant, Doncaster · 80 min 5–6, 12–13 and 19–24 Dec, 8.45am–10.30amSelling fast£25+

Sat 5 Dec

Polar Bear Santa's Grotto Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster · 80 min 5-6, 12-13 and 19-24 Dec£10–25

Thu 19 Nov

Leeds Christmas Market at City Square (with Elf Hunt trail, Big Wheel and carousel) City Square and Victoria Gardens, Leeds · 85 min Opens Thu 19 Nov; daily to 23 Dec (hours not yet published); Elf Hunt family trail, Big Wheel at Victoria Gardens, Golden Gallopers carousel on Cookridge StreetFree

Thu 19 Nov

Ice Cube at Christmas (covered ice rink, Penguin Club for under-9s, Starflyer) Millennium Square, Leeds · 85 min Opens Thu 19 Nov to 31 Dec; Penguin Club weekend sessions for skaters under nine; session times on booking site£10–25

Sat 21 Nov

Once Upon a Time... The Snow Queen (house dressed for Christmas) The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Sudbury, Ashbourne · 85 min 11am-4pm on 21-23 and 27-30 Nov; 4-7, 11-23, 27-31 Dec; 1-3 Jan£10–25

Fri 4 Dec

Jack and the Beanstalk (Blackpool Grand pantomime, Steve Royle and Lisa George) Blackpool Grand Theatre · 85 min Opens Fri 4 Dec 7pm; Sat/Sun 2pm & 7pm, weekday 10.15am/1.30pm shows in term time; relaxed 'Chilled' show Sun 27 Dec 5pm; closes Sun 3 Jan 1pm & 5pm£10–25

Sat 5 Dec

Santa at SEA LIFE Blackpool SEA LIFE Blackpool · 85 min 5-6, 12-13, 19-23 Dec 10.15am-3pm; 24 Dec 10.15am-1pm£10–25

Sat 28 Nov

Santa Specials at Llangollen Railway (steam to Lapland at Carrog) Llangollen Station · 90 min Selected dates; evening trains£25+

Sun 27 Dec

Mince Pie Specials (steam trains between Christmas and New Year) Llangollen and Corwen Railway · 90 min 27-31 Dec 2026 and 1 Jan 2027; from Llangollen 10:00, 12:20 & 15:15£10–25

Fri 6 Nov

Magic at the Mansion: Christmas at Harewood (Studio McGuire) Harewood House, Leeds · 95 min Timed house slots; weekdays 10am-4pm, weekends and 21-23 Dec 10am-5.30pm; closed 25-26 Dec£25+