Free things to do with kids near Altrincham, Sale & Trafford

October 2026

500 Words story-writing workshops (ages 5-11) Trafford Libraries, Altrincham · 10 min 4-5pm: Sale Mon 19, Urmston Tue 20, Altrincham Wed 21, Stretford Thu 22 Oct; drop in, under-8s with an adultFree

Farmer Bertie's Pumpkin Patch (walk-in picking) Farmer Bertie's, Glazebury, Warrington · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm; walk in, pay for what you pickFree

High Legh Pumpkin Patch (weekends, Moonlit Fridays, Half-Term Golden Pumpkin Hunt) High Legh Pumpkin Patch, High Legh, Knutsford · 25 min Sat & Sun 10am-5pm; Fri evenings from 9 Oct 5-9pm; Golden Pumpkin Hunt Mon 26 - Fri 30 Oct 10am-5pmFree

Indoor Pumpkin Patch and free Autumn Pumpkin Trail Summerseat Garden Centre, Bury · 45 min Daily 9am-6pm; free entry, woodland-themed patch with scarecrows and photo spots; bookable extras: Lancashire Hawks and Owls Mon 26 Oct, Pumpkin Patch Magic School Thu 29 OctFree

Portrait of Black Britain (Cephas Williams photography exhibition) Aviva Studios, Manchester · 30 min Tue-Sun 10am-6pm; closes Sun 1 NovFree

Seven Sisters Pumpkin Patch and Creamatorium maize maze Seven Sisters Ice Cream Farm, Knutsford · 25 min Open Fri 16, Sat 17, Sun 18, Fri 23, Sat 24, Sun 25, Wed 28 - Sat 31 Oct, Sun 1 Nov (11am-4/5pm). Closed Mon 19 - Thu 22 and 26-27 OctFree

Secret Society Skeleton activity People's History Museum, Manchester · 25 min Museum open daily except TuesdaysFree

Goodwood Field junior parkrun (2k, ages 4–14) Goodwood Field, Manor Avenue, Sale · 15 min Every Sunday at 9am. Register once before your first run.Free

Kids' football with Altrincham FC at Broomwood Broomwood Community Wellbeing Centre, Mainwood Road, Timperley · 10 min Mondays 5–6pm (free group football) and Tuesdays 4.30–5.30pm (informal drop-in), both coached by Altrincham FC in the Community. Parents stay responsible for their children; may be called off in bad weather.Free

Rhymetime at Timperley Library Timperley Library · 10 min Mondays 2–2.30pm. Free tickets on the day, first come first served, 10 children per session.Free

Salisbury Field junior parkrun (free 2k for 4–14s) Salisbury Field, Broadheath Central FC ground, Salisbury Road · 10 min Every Sunday at 9am. Register once with parkrun beforehand and bring the barcode; a grown-up stays for the whole run.Free

Saturday LEGO Club at Timperley Library Timperley Library · 10 min Saturdays 11am–12pm. Just turn up; space is limited.Free

Storytime at Altrincham Library (under 5s) Altrincham Library · 10 min Mondays 11am. First come, first served on the day.Free

Storytime at Timperley Library Timperley Library · 10 min Thursdays 2–2.30pm, for under-fives. No booking: places go first come first served on the day, up to 10 children.Free

Under-5s storytime at Brooklands Library Brooklands Library, Moor Road, Baguley · 10 min Mondays 11am–12pm, term time only.Free

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

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

Family Drop-In after school at St George’s St George's Church, Altrincham · 10 min Tuesdays 3.30–4.30pm, term time. LEGO, bracelet making, games and a cuppa for grown-ups; aimed at primary-age children.Free

Rhymetime at Hale Library Hale Library · 10 min Tuesdays 2pm. First come, first served (one adult and one child per ticket).Free

Storytime at Sale Library (under 5s) Sale Library, Waterside · 15 min Tuesdays 10.30am. First come, first served on the day.Free

Under-5s storytime at Forum Library, Wythenshawe Wythenshawe Forum library · 15 min Tuesdays 11–11.30am, term time only.Free

Lightpool Festival (free light art installations and shows) Blackpool town centre and Tower Festival Headland · 85 min Half-term week; installations nightly, Glowtots 22 Oct, Carnival Magic 26 Oct, Magic & Mayhem kids party 29 OctFree

Rhymetime at Coppice Library Sale West Community Centre · 10 min Wednesdays 10.30–11.30am, term time only.Free

Rhymetime at Altrincham Library Altrincham Library · 10 min Thursdays, two sessions: 10.15–10.45am and 11.15–11.45am. Tickets handed out 15 minutes before each.Free

Green Libraries Week: Family Eco Craft drop-in (leaf creatures, dried-flower badges, spooky spider plant pots) Bredbury Library, Bredbury, Stockport · 30 min Fri 23 Oct, 2.30-4pm, drop inFree

Halloween Sensory Storytime: That's Not My Halloween Waterstones Altrincham · 10 min Date unconfirmed · Friday 10–11am. Board-book story with sensory play and songs for babies and toddlers. Free but limited; contact the shop to book.Free

Threaded Legacies - Black Heritage in Manchester Museum Manchester Museum · 25 min 23–30 OctFree

River of Light 2026 Liverpool city centre & waterfront · 55 min Nightly 5pm-9pmFree

Wilmslow Halloween Trail (pumpkins and gargoyles in shop windows) Wilmslow town centre · 25 min Daily during shop opening hours; download the free map PDFFree

Rhymetime at Partington Library Partington Library and Wellbeing Centre · 20 min Fridays 2pmFree

Rhymetime at Sale Library Sale Library, Waterside · 15 min Fridays, two 30-minute sessions at 10.15am and 11.15amFree

Storytime at Hale Library (under 5s) Hale Library · 10 min Fridays 2pm. First come, first served on the day.Free

Under-5s storytime at Northenden Community Library Northenden Community Library, St Wilfrid's Church Hall, Wythenshawe · 15 min Fridays 11–11.30am, term time only.Free

Green Libraries Week: Saturday craft activities (junk modelling and eco crafts) Trafford Libraries, Altrincham · 10 min Sat 1-2.30pm at libraries across Trafford; just turn upFree

Little Reads Family Day Manchester Central Library, Manchester city centre · 25 min Roughly 10.30am-3pm, times vary by activity; ages 3+Free

Meet Jack Skellington, Sally and Oogie Boogie (free face painting) Affinity Lancashire outlet, Fleetwood · 90 min Meet and greets 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm; face painting 11am-4pmFree

Merseyday of the Dead Merseyway & Redrock, Stockport · 25 min Merseyway 12-3pm; Redrock 5-7pm (parade finale)Free

Autumn Gift Fair in the Tenants' Hall Tatton Park Mansion, Knutsford · 22 min Sat 24 and Sun 25 Oct; free fair entry, standard parkland vehicle charge appliesFree

Halloween in the City (MCR Monsters weekender) Manchester city centre · 25 min Monster trail runs for eight days; main weekender Sat 24 and Sun 25 OctFree

Horrible Hunt (free Horrible Histories quest trail) Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Sat 24 Oct from 9am, Sun 25 Oct from 10am; drop inFree

Haunted Halloween Trail around Congleton town centre Congleton town centre · 45 min Sat 24 - Sat 31 Oct, any time shops are openFree

Haunted Pumpkin Patch Trail at Stanley Square Stanley Square, Sale · 15 min Daily 10am-4pm; collect a free map from Bean and Brush, return the completed sheet for a treatFree

LEGO Store Halloween scary-creatures scavenger hunt LEGO Store, Trafford Park · 15 min Store hours; find the brick-built creatures hidden in store for a treat while supplies lastFree

Branching Out: October half-term family art Tate Liverpool + RIBA North · 55 min Daily 10am-4pmFree

Brereton Heath Halloween Trail Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve, Congleton · 40 min Daily, maps 9am-4pm from the visitor centre; easy walkFree

Hidden Horrors trail across Manchester parks (incl. Wythenshawe Park) Wythenshawe Park, Wythenshawe / Manchester · 30 min Date unconfirmed · Half term; free checklist from each park's cafe or reception; council says 13 parks take part this year, plus free pumpkin carving sessions through the week and a giant recycled haunted house at Alexandra ParkFree

October half term at IWM North: Story Seekers trail, Making a Museum hub and We Were There IWM North, Trafford Park · 25 min Story Seekers drop-in trail daily 24 Oct-1 Nov 10am-4pm; Making a Museum family hub Mon 26-Fri 30 Oct; meet veterans and eyewitnesses Wed 28 Oct 11am-3pmFree

October half term: Aliens have landed Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, Manchester · 25 min Daily 10am-4pm; animation sessions 10.20-12.20 & 13.20-16.20Free

Step into the Shadows: Chester city-centre Halloween trail Chester city centre · 55 min Any time during shop hours over half termFree

LEGO club at Altrincham Library Altrincham Library · 10 min Saturdays 11am–12pm. Just turn up; spaces are limited. Duplo for little ones too.Free

LEGO club at Coppice Library Sale West Community Centre · 10 min Saturdays 10–11.30am. No booking; spaces are limited.Free

LEGO club at Hale Library Hale Library · 10 min Saturdays 11am–12pm. Drop in; spaces are limited.Free

LEGO club at Sale Library Sale Library, Waterside · 15 min Saturdays 11am–12pm. Drop in; spaces are limited.Free

Sale Water parkrun (5k) Sale Water Park · 15 min Every Saturday at 9am. Run, jog or walk; register once first.Free

Wythenshawe parkrun (5k) Wythenshawe Hall · 10 min Every Saturday at 9am. Run, jog or walk; register once first.Free

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

Half Term Spooky Crafts at North Manchester Libraries Newton Heath, North Manchester · 30 min Mon 26 Newton Heath; Tue 27 North City; Wed 28 Abraham Moss and New Moston; Thu 29 Beswick and Miles Platting; Fri 30 Avenue; all 2-3pmFree

Count-Alty's Fang-tastic Halloween Town Trail Altrincham town centre · 10 min Mon 26 Oct-Sun 1 Nov, around 10am-4pm; pick up a trail sheet at Everyman AltrinchamFree

Craft and Story October Half Term at Eastham Library Eastham Library, Eastham, Wirral · 55 min Tue 27 Oct 2.30-3.30pm; free (Wirral Libraries)Free

Halloween half-term disco at Urmston Library Urmston Library · 20 min Tue 5-6pm; costumes encouraged, prizes for best dressedFree

Self-Led Crafts: Spooky Museum Grosvenor Museum, Chester · 50 min Tue 27 & Wed 28 Oct, drop inFree

Little Terrors Trail The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park · 15 min Tue 27 to Thu 29 Oct, 11am-4pm dailyFree

Half term family fun at Manchester Museum Manchester Museum · 25 min Tue 27 - Sat 31 Oct, 10am-5pm: Waste to Wonder building (28-29 Oct), Billie Bee storytime (28 and 30 Oct, ages 2-7, book on the day), Halloween eco-makes with Biffa (30 Oct), CALFE storytelling (31 Oct)Free

Halloween Fun Day at Smithills Hall Smithills Hall, Bolton · 35 min Wed 28 Oct, 11am-3pmFree

Is Generosity Incompatible with a Rising Cost of Living? (free family research day) Manchester Central Library · 25 min Wed 28 Oct, 10am-3.30pm drop-inFree

Pumpkin Paper Plate Wreaths at Halton Lea Library Halton Lea Library, Runcorn · 45 min Wed 28 Oct 11am-12.30pm; free, no booking neededFree

Self-Led Crafts: Creepy Bats and Spiders Lion Salt Works, Northwich · 30 min Wed 28 & Thu 29 Oct, 10.30am-3.30pmFree

Family Art Workshop with Michelle Leigh Warrington Museum & Art Gallery · 30 min Thu 29 Oct, 1pm-3pm; max 15 participants, children must be accompaniedFree

Free Halloween Mini Disco with Wednesday Kargo MKT, Salford Quays · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Thu 10am-12pm; bubbles, games, face painting; kids eat free during the holidaysFree

Grosvenor Museum's 140th Birthday Party (free half-term drop-in) Grosvenor Museum, Chester · 55 min Thu 10.30am–3.30pm; Victorian birthday party in the Roman Chester Gallery; highlights tours 11am daily 27–30 OctFree

Halloween half-term disco at Timperley Library Timperley Library · 3 min Thu 5-6pm; costumes encouraged, prizes for best dressedFree

Autumn walk and play for under-5s Walton Park, Sale · 10 min Friday 30 October, 2–3pmFree

Ghost Puppets (Halloween craft) Stockport Museum · 25 min Fri 30 Oct, 10am-12pm drop-inFree

Halloween Crafts in the Creative Space (squishy making, diamond painting, log decorating) Wythenshawe Forum library · 15 min Fri 30 Oct, sessions 1.30-2.30pm and 3-4pm; ages 8+, under-13s dropped off and signed inFree

Knutsford Pumpkin Path Knutsford town centre · 20 min Fri 4pm-7pm; King St and Minshull St closed to trafficFree

Little Monsters Ball kids' Halloween party The Little B, Marsland Road, Sale · 10 min Date unconfirmed · Friday 30 October, from 12pmFree

Monster Face Craft at Ditton Library Ditton Library, Widnes · 50 min Fri 30 Oct 11am-12.30pm; free, no booking neededFree

Spooky goings-on at Stockport Museum: gruesome trail and sugar skull masks Stockport Museum · 25 min Fri 30 Oct, 1pm-3pm mask craft (ghost puppets 10am the same day); gruesome trail and craft table all half-term weekFree

Autumn Fayre Stockport Town Hall · 25 min Sat 31 Oct, 10am-4pmFree

Broomwood Spooktacular (free family Halloween in the park) Broomwood Community Wellbeing Centre, Mainwood Road, Timperley · 10 min Saturday 11am–2pm. Bouncy castle, face painting, big garden games, food and a fancy-dress contest.Free

Creepy Crafts with Our Kids Social (pumpkin-patch headbands) Market Walk, Sale · 15 min Sat 31 Oct, 45-min sessions at 1.30pm and 2.30pm; ages 3+Free

Family Halloween Silent Disco at Chorlton Library Chorlton Library · 20 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 5.30-7pm; headphones, games and spooky crafts; listing shows limited availabilityFree

Feast of Fire: Oldham's free Halloween and Bonfire Night celebration (fire dancers, Puppets with Guts show, fireworks) Oldham town centre · 40 min Sat 31 Oct, fireworks from 5.30pm; fire dance and The Lips Halloween Show beforehandFree

Festival of Diwali parade and street dancing Town Hall Square, Chester · 55 min Sat 31 Oct, parade from 11.45am, dancing on Eastgate Street 12.30pmFree

Flip into Wonder with CALFE (children's authors, storytelling, drums, mask-making) Manchester Museum · 25 min Sat 11.30am–4pmFree

Halloween at Park Wood (free spooky fun) Park Wood, Wythenshawe · 15 min Sat 31 Oct, 12-4pm; storytelling 12.30-2pm, lantern making 2-4pm; moves indoors to Brownley Methodist Church if wetFree

Halloween Craft: decorate your own trick-or-treat bag Merseyway Shopping Centre, Stockport · 30 min Sat 31 Oct from 11am; free drop-inFree

Halloween Crafty Kids Pop Up Heald Green Library, Heald Green, Cheadle · 20 min Sat 31 Oct, 11.30am-12.30pmFree

Halloween ghost train and fairground at Walton Park Walton Park, Sale · 10 min Date unconfirmed · Saturday 31 October: fairground from 1pm, ghost train 4–8pmFree

Kids Halloween Games and Crafts Grill on the Green, Worsley · 25 min Sat 31 Oct 2-3pm at Grill on the Green, Beesley Green, Worsley M28 2QWSold outFree

Light Party (glow-themed Halloween alternative) St Mary Magdalene Church, Ashton on Mersey, Ashton upon Mersey · 15 min Saturday 31 October, 5.30–7pmFree

Little Monsters Halloween party at Jackson's Boat Jackson's Boat, Rifle Road, Sale · 15 min Date unconfirmed · Saturday 31 October, 3–6pmFree

Make a Flying Bat Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery · 30 min Sat 31 Oct, 2-4pm drop-inFree

Salford Firework Weekend: Buile Hill Park Buile Hill Park, Salford · 25 min From 4pm; three displays including a quieter one for younger children; no bonfireFree

Spooky Saturday in Macclesfield town centre Macclesfield town centre · 35 min Sat 31 Oct, from 11am; full programme still to be publishedFree

The Light Stop! (free family Halloween evening) Church on the Brow, Altrincham · 10 min Sat 5.00-7.30pmFree

Victoria Park Guardians: The Lost Key (self-led Halloween adventure) Victoria Park, Stretford · 20 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 31 Oct, day or dusk; pick up an adventure booklet from the Tea Room; up to 90 mins; ages 3-12Free

Free fireworks and funfair at the Irish World Heritage Centre (Halloween and Bonfire Night) Irish World Heritage Centre, Cheetham Hill, Manchester · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 31 Oct and Thu 5 Nov; fireworks around 7pm in previous years; funfair rides paidFree

April 2026

Human Natures (exhibition, final week) Manchester Museum · 25 min Closes Sun 1 Nov; museum closed MondaysFree

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

July 2026

Wild Things: free animal storybook exhibition The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min 18 Jul – 1 NovFree

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

March 2026

Beneath the Great Wave: Hokusai and Hiroshige The Whitworth, Manchester · 25 min Closes Sun 15 Nov; gallery open Tue-SunFree

September 2026

Mythic Reinvention: costumes from 50 years of the Royal Exchange Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester · 25 min 16 Sep – 15 NovFree

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

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

January 2026

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

February 2026

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

September 2025

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

November 2026

Family Spooky Spider Search in Stamford Park Stamford Park, Stamford Park Road, Altrincham · 10 min Sunday 2–3pm. Pick up a spider map between the play areas; fancy dress encouraged.Free

Knutsford Makers Market Princess Street, Knutsford · 25 min Sun 1 Nov, 11am-4pmFree

Read and Make: There's a Ghost in This House Waterstones Altrincham · 10 min Sun 10-11am; ideal for ages 3-7, all welcomeFree

Salford Firework Weekend: Prince's Park (bonfire) Prince's Park, Salford · 30 min From 4pm; traditional bonfire and funfairFree

Middleton Bonfire and Fireworks Display Bowlee Community Park, Middleton, Rochdale · 35 min Mon 2 Nov: funfair 6pm, bonfire 7pm, fireworks 7.30pmFree

Heywood Bonfire and Fireworks Display (reduced noise) Queen's Park Road, Heywood, Rochdale · 40 min Tue 3 Nov: funfair 6pm, bonfire 7pm, fireworks 7.30pmFree

Father Christmas' Arrival Parade (festive tractors) Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury · 25 min Wed from 5pmFree

Manchester Museum Celebrates Diwali Manchester Museum · 25 min Wed 4 Nov, 4pm-9pm; drop inFree

Rochdale Bonfire and Fireworks Display (reduced noise) Cronkeyshaw Common, Rochdale · 50 min Wed 4 Nov: bonfire 7pm, fireworks 7.30pmFree

Digital Bonfire Night at Printworks Printworks Pumpyard, Manchester city centre · 25 min 4.30pm-7pm; digital fireworks 5.20pm; storytimes incl. SEN-friendly at 5pmSEN session Thu 5 NovFree

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

Dinting Cricket Club Bonfire Night (free entry, donations) Dinting Cricket Club, Glossop · 40 min Date unconfirmed · Fri 6 Nov, from 5.30pmFree

Light up Astley (free bonfire, reduced-noise fireworks and lights) Astley Park, Chorley · 45 min 5-8pm; bonfire 7pm; reduced-noise fireworks 7.45-8pm; laser shows and two stagesFree

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

Free Fireworks at Wythenshawe Park (also Heaton Park and Platt Fields) Wythenshawe Park, Wythenshawe, Manchester · 10 min Lantern workshops/parade first; reduced-noise display 5pm; main display 8pmFree

Storytime with Ian Rudolfer-Arnold Bredbury Library, Bredbury, Stockport · 30 min Sat 7 Nov, 11amFree

Altrincham Remembrance Sunday service Garden of Remembrance, Dunham Road, Altrincham · 10 min Sunday, arrive by 10.30am; service about 10.55am for 30–40 minutes, then a short service at the Chapel Street memorial on Regent Road. Refreshments at St Margaret's afterwards.Free

Bowdon Remembrance service Stamford Park, Stamford Park Road, Bowdon · 10 min Sunday: arrive by 9.45am; church service 10am, wreath laying at the memorial outside 11am.Free

Hale Barns Remembrance service All Saints Parish Church, Hale Road, Hale Barns · 15 min Sunday 10am church service, procession to the war memorial 10.40am, outdoor interfaith service 10.55–11.15am.Free

Hale Remembrance parade and service Hale War Memorial, Broomfield Lane · 10 min Sunday: parade leaves St Peter's Church about 2.45pm; service at the war memorial 3.15pm. Rolling road closure 2.15–4.30pm.Free

Trentham Christmas Street Party Trentham Shopping Village, Stoke-on-Trent · 60 min Thu 12 Nov, entertainment 4pm-8.30pm, shops open until 9pmFree

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

Castleton Christmas Lights Switch-On (Santa parade, craft fair, vintage fairground) Castleton village and Peveril Centre · 50 min Santa's parade 4pm along Cross Street; countdown 4.30pm; floodlit Peveril CastleFree

Christmas Toy Parade at Liverpool ONE (dancing toys, festive characters and Santa, with Walk The Plank) Liverpool ONE, Liverpool city centre · 55 min Sat; time not yet publishedFree

Curated in Bunbury Christmas Market (makers market in and around the village church) St Boniface Church, Bunbury, Tarporley · 50 min Sat 10am–3pmFree

Oldham Christmas Lights Switch-On (Peppa Pig meet and greet, Father Christmas, fireworks finale) Oldham town centre · 40 min Sat 14 Nov, family programme from 1pm; Switch On Show from 5.30pm with fireworks and laser finaleFree

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

Warrington Christmas (town-centre festive markets weekend) Warrington town centre · 30 min Date unconfirmed · Listed for Sat 14 Nov; previous years ran as a full weekend with grotto, funfair and street entertainers - checkFree

WYC Makes: free drop-in making workshop led by young artists The Whitworth, Manchester · 25 min Sat 1pm–3pm, drop in; run by and mainly for teenagers and young adultsFree

Crafted 2026: designer-makers fair at OYEZ Arts Oyez Arts, Altrincham · 20 min Sat 14 and Sun 15 Nov; opening hours not yet listedFree

Stockport's Spectacular Sunday and Christmas lights switch-on Stockport town centre · 25 min Sun 15 Nov, 12-5pm; switch-on 4.45pmFree

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

Put Big Light On Festival Bolton town centre · 40 min Thu 19 - Sun 22 Nov, 5-9pmFree

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

Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas lights switch-on Rochdale Town Hall and gardens · 45 min 20-22 Nov; switch-on Sun 22 Nov about 5.30pm, festival until 8pmFree

Light Night Wigan Wigan town centre and Mesnes Park · 45 min Fri 20-Sun 22 NovFree

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

Alderley Edge Christmas Lights Switch-On Alderley Edge village centre · 25 min Sat 21 Nov from 4pm; stalls and festive entertainment (more details to follow)Free

Ashton on Mersey Village Christmas Market and Light Switch-On Ashton on Mersey village, Sale · 15 min Date unconfirmed · Sat; times not yet publishedFree

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-onSold outFree

Knutsford Christmas Lights Switch-On Knutsford town centre · 20 min Saturday; afternoon entertainment before the switch-onFree

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

Romiley Christmas Light Switch-On Romiley Forum and The Precinct, Romiley, Stockport · 30 min Sat 21 Nov, 11am-6pmFree

Wilmslow Christmas Light Switch-On Wilmslow town centre · 25 min Sat 21 Nov, listed 10am-8pm; full programme still to be confirmedFree

Christmas Craft Market at The Lambing Shed The Lambing Shed, Knutsford · 30 min Sat 21 Nov from 10am, Sun 22 Nov to 4pmFree

Trentham Christmas Makers Markets Trentham Shopping Village, Stoke-on-Trent · 60 min 21-22 Nov, 28-29 Nov, 5-6 Dec, 10am-4pmFree

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

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

Chorley Christmas Lights Switch-On and Totally Locally Christmas Market Chorley town centre · 45 min Sun 22 Nov: market 10am-6pm, stage entertainment from 1pm, lights switch-on 5pmFree

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

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

Sandbach Christmas Lights Switch-On Sandbach town centre · 45 min Sat 28 Nov; timings and entertainment still to be announcedFree

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

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

Christmas Fair Weekend at Samlesbury Hall Samlesbury Hall, Samlesbury, Preston · 60 min 10am-4pm both daysFree

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

December 2026

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

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

Chester Winter Watch Parade (ghosts, dragons, Lord of Misrule, fire-breathing finale) Town Hall Square, Chester · 55 min Thu 3 and Thu 10 Dec, 7pm from Town Hall Square; sword fights and fire in Eastgate StreetFree

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

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

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

Christmas Cracker Weekend: North Pole takeover (elves, animatronic polar bear, giant snow globe) Cleveland Street, Chorley · 45 min Sat 5 Dec 12pm-4pm; A Taste of Christmas trader events run Sat 5 and Sun 6 DecFree

Handmade at Hat Works: Festive Edition (makers market) Hat Works, Stockport · 20 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 5 Dec; drop-in; time not listedFree

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

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

Wishmas at Liverpool ONE (all-day free festive entertainment and prizes) Liverpool ONE, Liverpool city centre · 55 min Sat, all day; hosted by Jay Hynd and Gemma CuttingFree

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

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

Manchester Christmas Parade Manchester city centre retail district · 30 min Date unconfirmed · Sunday 6 Dec reported; time and route to be announced by CityCoFree

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 2027

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

February 2027

Draw a Line in the Sand: free February half-term family art activities Tate Liverpool + RIBA North · 55 min Daily 10am–4pmFree

March 2027

Bricks & Paper: A Story in Light (outdoor projection show on Elizabeth Gaskell's House, two nights only) Elizabeth Gaskell's House, Manchester (Longsight / Victoria Park) · 30 min Fri 12 and Sat 13 Mar, 6.30pm–9pmFree

Palm Sunday parade with a donkey St George's Church, Altrincham · 10 min Sunday 11.15am–12.15pm. All-age service with a short parade, palm branches and a real donkey.Free

Easter Eve bonfire with toasted marshmallows St George's Church, Altrincham · 10 min Saturday 7.30–8.30pm. Short outdoor vigil around a fire, ending with marshmallows; all ages welcome.Free

Easter Organ Coffee Morning (free Compton organ concert) Stockport Plaza · 30 min Easter Saturday 11am-2pm, drop inFree

Easter Day service with confetti and an egg hunt St George's Church, Altrincham · 10 min Sunday 10–11am; the egg hunt is outside at the end of the service.Free

April 2027

Manchester Marathon 2027 passes through Sale, Timperley and Altrincham Route from Old Trafford via Stretford, Timperley / Altrincham · 5 min Sun 18 Apr; elite start 9am, waves follow for about two hours; runners reach Sale/Timperley/Altrincham mid-late morningFree

June 2027

Altrincham Festival weekend and grand parade Beech Fields, Langham Grove, Timperley · 5 min Date unconfirmed · Parade Saturday 26 June from 11am; two days of funfair, inflatables, stalls and entertainment expected (2026 ran 11am–6pm both days). Dates from a parade entrant; organiser yet to confirm.Free

July 2027

Tour de France 2027 Stage 2 finish: Keswick to Liverpool waterfront sprint The Strand, Liverpool · 55 min Sat 3 Jul; finish on The Strand, afternoon (timings to be announced)Free

Manchester Science Festival 2027 (20th anniversary summer festival) Science and Industry Museum, Manchester · 25 min Sat 24 – Tue 28 Jul 2027, with activities continuing to 31 AugFree

Tour de France Femmes 2027 Stage 1 finish: Leeds to Manchester (Deansgate) Deansgate, city centre, Manchester · 30 min Fri 30 Jul; finish on Deansgate, afternoon (timings to be announced)Free

Tour de France Femmes 2027 Stage 2 start: Manchester (Albert Square) to Sheffield via Stockport Albert Square, Manchester / Stockport · 30 min Sat 31 Jul; depart Albert Square in front of the Town Hall, morning (timings TBA)Free

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