Family theatre, pantos and shows near Manchester, Altrincham & Sale

October 2026

The Evolution of Magic Blackpool Pleasure Beach · 70 min Daily 14-30 Oct; show times on site£10–25

Fright Fiesta at Gulliver's World Gulliver's World Resort, Warrington · 30 min 10 Oct - 1 Nov, selected operating days; park 10.30am-4pm£10–25

Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular Circus The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park · 15 min Shows at 12pm, 2.30pm and 5.30pm (times vary by date); about 1hr 45min£10–25

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

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

Caterpillars baby and toddler group St Mary Magdalene Church, Ashton on Mersey, Ashton upon Mersey · 15 min Tuesdays 1–2.30pm in term time (no session in half-term week)Under £10

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

English National Ballet: Romeo and Juliet Palace Theatre, Manchester city centre · 25 min Wed 21 to Sun 25 Oct; Sat 24 and Sun 25 fall in the half-term weekend£25+

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

Twist & Tales: music and movement for toddlers St George's Church, Altrincham · 10 min Wednesdays 10.15–11.15am, term time only. Singing, dancing and marching games for little ones with their grown-ups.Under £10

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians Storyhouse Theatre, Chester · 55 min Thu 22 - Sun 25 Oct; showtimes on booking page£10–25

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Altrincham Garrick Playhouse · 10 min Thu 22 Oct - Sun 1 Nov; check performance times£10–25

WayWord Festival (October half-term family programme) Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Includes free Horrible Hunt 24-25 Oct, storytimes, Aardman Claystations 26 Oct, Oliver Jeffers 28 Oct, Meet The Hatter 31 Oct, Stars and Sto£10–25

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

Aardman in Concert (Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep with live orchestra) Manchester Central Exchange Auditorium · 30 min Fri 23 Oct 7pm-8.30pm (a relaxed/SEN performance at 1.30pm is also listed); ages 3-103Relaxed Fri 23 Oct£10–25

Big Kid Circus: Jurassic (dinosaur animatronics) Haydock Park Racecourse car park, Newton-le-Willows · 35 min Run 23 Oct-1 Nov; the 23 Oct show is 7pm; check other times on Eventbrite£10–25

Gandeys Circus Halloween Spooktacular Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent · 60 min Fri 23 Oct-Sun 1 Nov in the Big Top at Trentham; show times at booking£10–25

Halloween at HOME (family films, The Littlest Yak, free Creativity Corner crafts) HOME, Manchester · 30 min Family strand includes Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (U), Laika's Wildwood and The Littlest Yak (27-29 Oct); free spider-headdress and enchanted-forest crafts downstairs alongside selected family shows; horror double bills are adults-onlyUnder £10

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

ComedySportz: improvised comedy match for families Waterside Arts, Sale · 15 min Saturday 24 October, 6.30pm (about 2 hours with an interval)Under £10

Haunted Halloween Party (Lyceum Creative Learning) Lyceum Theatre, Crewe · 45 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 24 Oct; listed as a community/creative learning event - times on the Lyceum siteUnder £10

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

Steve Backshall's Deadly Live! M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool · 55 min Sat 24 Oct, doors 1pm, show 2pm£10–25

The Enormous Turnip Z-arts, Hulme, Manchester · 20 min 11am and 2pm both days; recommended ages 3-10£10–25

Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out (live show) Jodrell Bank, Goostrey · 35 min 24–25 OctSold out£10–25

Romeo and Juliet (For Kids) - WayWord festival Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Sat 24 - Fri 30 Oct, approx 50 minutesSelling fast£10–25

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

Not Now, Bernard (Roustabout Theatre) Waterside Arts, Sale · 10 min Sun 25 Oct, 2.30pm£10–25

Raver Tots Halloween Party Escape to Freight Island, Manchester city centre · 25 min Sun 25 Oct, 10am-12pm£10–25

The Wind in the Willows (Box Tale Soup puppet show) Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Sun 25 Oct, 11.30am and 2pm; 60 minutes no interval£10–25

Aardman in Concert (Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep with live orchestra) Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Mon 26 Oct, 1.30pm and 3.30pm; Aardman Claystations clay workshops the same morning are sold out£10–25

K-Pop Dance Heroes (KPop Demon Hunters hits live) Stockport Plaza · 30 min Mon 26 Oct, 7pm£10–25

Musical Theatre Masterclass (ages 7-12) Palace Theatre, Manchester city centre · 25 min Mon 26 Oct, 10am–4pmSold out£10–25

Octopia: Half Term Drama Workshop (Garrick Academy, ages 6-18) Altrincham Garrick Playhouse · 10 min Mon 26 - Fri 30 Oct, 10am-4pm daily; book single days or the week£25+

October Half Term at Jodrell Bank Jodrell Bank, Goostrey · 35 min Tue-Sun 10am-5pm (last entry 3:30pm)£10–25

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Mon 26 Oct - Sun 1 Nov; check times£10–25

October Half-term Drama Day: Doorway to Dimensions! (ages 5-11) The Met, Bury · 40 min Tue 27 Oct, 10am-4pm£25+

The Brain Bending Science Illusion Show The Met, Bury · 40 min Tue 27 Oct, 2pm; ages 6+£10–25

The Littlest Yak HOME, Manchester · 30 min Tue 27 - Thu 29 Oct£10–25

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure Liverpool Playhouse · 55 min Tue 27 - Sat 31 Oct; daytime shows e.g. 2pm and 4pm on 27 Oct£10–25

Beano Presents Dennis the Menace's Year of Mischief! Z-arts, Hulme, Manchester · 20 min 11am-12pm; ages 6+£10–25

The World of Oliver Jeffers (author event) Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Wed 28 Oct, 11am; 60 minutes£10–25

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

Kids' Halloween Disco at Nell's (hosted by the Sanderson Sisters) Nell's Pizza, Altrincham · 10 min Thu 3-5pm; pizza and goodies sold on the dayUnder £10

Halloween Party at The Ice Cream Farm The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall · 55 min Thu 29 & Fri 30 Oct, 4.30pm-6pm£10–25

The Wizarding Adventure steam train East Lancashire Railway, Bury · 35 min Thu 29 & Fri 30 Oct; arrive 20 min before departure£10–25

Halloween Ghost Trains: the Swamp Monster of Irwell Vale East Lancashire Railway, Bury · 35 min Thu 29–Sat 31 Oct; Scream Train departs Bury 5.30pm, 7pm and 8.30pm (walkthrough has jump scares)£10–25

Myth, Magic and Mystery at the Old Hall Tatton Park, Knutsford · 22 min 29–31 Oct£10–25

The Spooky Express at Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Oxenhope Station, Oxenhope, Keighley · 65 min Sessions 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.05pm, 4.35pm£10–25

Halloween Family Party in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom (Monster Magic Show, UV show, fancy dress competition) The Blackpool Tower Ballroom · 85 min Fri 30 Oct 7pm-11pm£10–25

Halloween in Concert (live band spooky hits, fancy-dress prize) Stockport Plaza · 30 min Fri 30 Oct, 7.30pm£10–25

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

Michael Rosen: Nice! (80th birthday poetry show) Buxton Opera House · 40 min Fri 30 Oct, 7.30pm; about 1 hr 10 mins; all ages£10–25

Dayglo of the Dead Family Rave with Our Kids Social Waterside Arts, Sale · 15 min Sat 31 Oct, 2.30pmSold outUnder £10

Family Friendly Broadway Rave (Halloween musicals party) Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Sat 31 Oct, 1pm-4pm; fancy dress encouraged£10–25

Family Halloween Disco Ramsbottom Civic Hall, Ramsbottom, Bury · 40 min Sat 31 Oct, 6-8.30pm (last entry 6.30pm)Under £10

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

Haigh Monster Mash (family Halloween party) Haigh Woodland Park, Wigan · 35 min Sat 31 Oct, 2pm-4pm, marquee on the small car parkUnder £10

Joss Arnott Dance: Meet The Hatter Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Sat 31 Oct, 2pm; 65 minutes no interval£10–25

Kreepy Kargo: Our Kids Social Halloween Party Kargo MKT, Salford Quays · 25 min Sat 31 Oct 10am-12pm; DJ, silent disco, LEGO, crafts, mystery trail, foam machine, circus skills, face painting; best for 10 and underUnder £10

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 Ball Irish World Heritage Centre, Cheetham Hill, Manchester · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 31 Oct 5pm-8pm; £5 per person; book via the centreUnder £10

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

Mega Halloween Party (Born To Be Wild Child Monster Mash) Aviva Studios, Manchester · 30 min Sat 31 Oct, sessions 11am-1pm and 2.30pm-4.30pmUnder £10

Monster Disco (Headstrung Puppets) - SOLD OUT Z-arts, Hulme, Manchester · 20 min Sat 31 Oct 12pm and 2.30pm; ages 4-8; both performances listed as sold outSold out£10–25

The Magic Stick (Indian dance, storytelling and stage magic) The Met, Bury · 40 min Sat 31 Oct, 2pm; 40-45 minutes plus Q&A; recommended ages 6-12£10–25

Ultimate Family Halloween Disco Alford Hall Sports and Social Club, Warrington · 30 min Sat 3-6pm; fancy dress competition, live DJUnder £10

Trentham Halloween Festival Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent · 60 min 5-9pm both nights£10–25

September 2026

Scarefest at Alton Towers (Trick O' Treat Town, CBeebies Monster Ball, rides in the dark) Alton Towers, Alton, Staffordshire · 65 min 26-27 Sep, 2-4 and 9-11 Oct, then daily 16 Oct-1 Nov; park open until 9pm£25+

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

November 2026

Manchester Storm v Cardiff Devils (half-term ice hockey) AO Arena, Manchester city centre · 25 min Sun 1 Nov, starts 5.30pm£10–25

Mischief Under the Moon: family Halloween day party Campfield House, Castlefield, Manchester · 30 min Sun 1 Nov, 2-4pm (last entry 3.45pm)Under £10

Steve Backshall's Deadly Live! Winter Gardens Opera House, Blackpool · 70 min Sun 1 Nov, 2pm (doors 1.30pm)£25+

The Nick Cope Family Show Waterside Arts, Sale · 10 min Sun 1 Nov, 11am & 2pmSelling fast£10–25

Hallé Relaxed Concert for young families (November) Hallé St Peter's, Ancoats, Manchester · 25 min Mon 2 Nov 2.30pm (mixed audience); Tue 3 Nov 11am (young families). About 50 minutes.Relaxed Mon 2 NovUnder £10

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

Bramhall Firework & Music Festival 2026 (10th anniversary) Stockport Rugby Club, Bramhall · 25 min Fri gates 5pm; children's Disney display 7.15pm, main display 8.45pm; funfair, live bands, fire dancers£10–25

Cavendish PTA Bonfire Night (bonfire, fireworks, live music) Cavendish Community Primary School, West Didsbury · 20 min Fri gates 5pm, bonfire 5.30pm, fireworks 6.30-7pm; ticket only, card only on the nightUnder £10

Tameside Firework Spectacular (fireworks and live music) Tameside Stadium, Ashton-under-Lyne · 35 min Date unconfirmed · Fri 6 Nov, 4.30pm–9.30pm£10–25

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+

Henbury Bonfire and Fireworks Display Henbury Millennium Green, Henbury, Macclesfield · 30 min Sat 7 Nov, gates 5pm, bonfire 6pm, fireworks 7pm£10–25

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

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

Bolton School Fireworks: British Music Legends (family display) Bolton School · 40 min Sun 8 Nov, gates 4.30pm, finishes 7pm£10–25

Hay! (wordless clown and puppet show about a scarecrow growing up) The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Date unconfirmed · Sun; time not confirmed£10–25

Crown Ballet presents The Nutcracker Stockport Plaza · 30 min Tue 7.30pm (performed to recorded music)£10–25

The Prince of Egypt (JS80 musical) Waterside Arts, Sale · 15 min Tue-Sat 7.30pm; suitable for 5+Selling fast£10–25

CATS Palace Theatre, Manchester · 25 min Tue 10 - Sat 21 Nov; check matinee times£10–25

The Nutcracker (touring ballet) Parr Hall, Warrington · 30 min Wed 7.30pm£10–25

A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens plays 30 characters, ages 8+) Stockport Plaza · 30 min Wed 11 and Thu 12 Nov; times on the booking page£10–25

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

The Snowman: Live with Yorkshire Imperial Band Stockport Plaza · 30 min Fri 13 Nov, 7pm; Cert U£10–25

Gladiators Live Tour AO Arena, Manchester city centre · 25 min Sat 14 and Sun 15 Nov; times on AO Arena listing£25+

High Jinx contemporary variety show at the Blackpool Tower Circus The Blackpool Tower Circus · 85 min Sat 14, Sun 15, Sat 28 and Sun 29 Nov, 2.30pm£10–25

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

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

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+

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

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

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

MC Grammar: The Mic Drop Tour (family rap and reading party) The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Date unconfirmed · Sun; time not confirmed£10–25

Miss Americana - A Tribute to Taylor Swift The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester · 30 min Sun 15 Nov, 6pm (doors 5.30pm, finish approx 8pm)£10–25

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

A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong Opera House Manchester, Manchester city centre · 30 min Tue 17 to Sat 21 Nov; times on ATG£25+

The Little Mermaid (South Manchester AOS panto) Z-arts, Hulme, Manchester · 20 min Wed 18 - Fri 20 Nov 7.30pm; Sat 21 Nov 12.30pm & 5.30pm£10–25

Elf The Musical (BOST Musicals) Liverpool Empire · 55 min Thu 19 - Sun 22 Nov£10–25

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

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

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

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

Christmas Gift Fair (local makers, choir and brass band, mince pies) Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Runcorn · 40 min Sun 11am–4pm (ticket page says 10am–5pm)Under £10

Matthew Bourne's Cinderella (New Adventures, 30th anniversary) The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Tue–Sat; evening shows plus matinees (check times)£25+

Elf The Musical (Big Top Arena) Trentham Shopping Village, Stoke-on-Trent · 60 min Performance times vary by date (11am, 1pm, 2pm, 5pm, 7pm)£10–25

The Gruffalo (stage show) Z-arts, Hulme, Manchester · 20 min Fri-Sun; ages 3+Selling fast£10–25

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

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

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

Gladiators Live Tour M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool · 55 min Sat 28 & Sun 29 Nov, shows 11.30am and 5.30pm (doors 10am/4pm)£25+

Victorian Christmas Weekend at Gawthorpe Hall (Father Christmas, crafts, bellringers) Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, Burnley · 60 min Sat 28 & Sun 29 Nov 11am-3.30pm; phone 01282 771004 to reserve a Father Christmas slotUnder £10

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

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+

Everything Stops For Festive Tea (fundraising afternoon tea with entertainment) Stockport Plaza · 30 min Sun 29 Nov, 4pm; shared tables, served by the Plazarettes£10–25

The Snowman Film with Live Orchestra (Carrot Productions 2026 tour) Stockport Town Hall · 30 min Sun 29 Nov 2.30pm (SOLD OUT) and 4.30pm (almost sold out); approx 60 minSelling fast£10–25

The Snowman Film with Live Orchestra (Carrot Productions, with Shaun the Sheep 'Fleece Navidad') The Loom, Oldham · 40 min Mon 30 Nov 10.45am; approx 60 min, no intervalSelling fast£10–25

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

December 2026

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

The Snowman Film with Live Orchestra Buxton Octagon · 45 min Wed 2 Dec, 6.30pm public performance (approx 60 mins)£10–25

Home Alone in Concert (film with live orchestra and choir) The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester · 30 min Wed 2 and Thu 3 Dec 7.30pmSelling fast£25+

An Evening of Festive Music (carols by candlelight in the Tudor Great Hall) Speke Hall, Speke, Liverpool · 50 min Wed 2, Fri 4 and Thu 10 Dec; sessions 5.45–7.30pm and 7.15–9pm; cake and a hot drink first in the Home Farm Restaurant£10–25

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

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+

Frozen Jr (NK Theatre Arts junior cast) Romiley Forum, Romiley, Stockport · 30 min Thu 3 - Sat 5 Dec; Thu 7pm, other times on the Forum siteSelling fast£10–25

NCO Christmas Concert at Tatton Park Tatton Park, Knutsford · 22 min Fri 4 Dec, performances 3.30pm and 7pm£10–25

Christmas Pantomime: Cinderella (Forum Events with OnYa Bike Theatre) Wythenshawe Forum · 15 min Fri 4 Dec 7pm, Sat 5 Dec 1.30pm, Sun 6 Dec 1.30pm; doors 30 min beforeUnder £10

Festively Floral: Movie Magic Arley Hall & Gardens, Great Budworth, Cheshire · 25 min Fri 4 to Tue 8 Dec; hall 10am-3.30pm, choir at 11am and 2pm£10–25

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

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

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

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+

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Very Merry Minifest Z-arts, Hulme, Manchester · 20 min 11am and 2pm; ages 2–8£10–25

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

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

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+

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Christmas Carol pantomime (M&M Theatrical Productions) Chorley Town Hall · 45 min Sun 6 Dec, three performances: 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pmUnder £10

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

The Hallé: The Snowman and Friends The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester · 30 min Sun 6 Dec, 1pm and 4pm (hour-long concert)£25+

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

Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert - Live to Film The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester · 30 min Mon 7 Dec 7pm and Thu 17 Dec 7pmSelling fast£25+

Jack and the Beanstalk on ice (Planet Ice Christmas show) Planet Ice Altrincham, Oakfield Road · 10 min Tuesday 8 December, matinee 1pm (doors noon) and evening 7pm. Local Learn to Skate skaters with a professional touring cast.£10–25

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

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+

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

'Twas the Night Before Christmas (immersive Victorian Christmas Eve market in the Stable Yard, LJMU students) Croxteth Hall, Croxteth, Liverpool · 50 min Thu 10 and Fri 11 Dec 6pm; Sat 12 Dec 1pm and 4pm; outdoors, bring a torchSelling fastUnder £10

Peter Pan: A Magical Christmas Pantomime (DATS) The Evans Theatre, Wilmslow · 25 min Thu/Fri 7pm; Sat and Sun 1pm and 5pm£10–25

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

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

Carols in the Courtyard at Bramall Hall Bramall Hall courtyard, Bramhall, Stockport · 25 min Fri 11 Dec (hall 6.45pm, choir 7.30pm) and Sun 13 Dec (5.15pm start)£10–25

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

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

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+

Family Carols at Manchester Cathedral Manchester Cathedral, Manchester city centre · 25 min Sat 12 Dec, 7.30pm-9.30pmUnder £10

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

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert Co-op Live, Manchester · 25 min Sat 12 Dec; matinee doors 11.30am, evening doors 5.30pm£25+

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

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

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

Christmas Underground: Brass & Voices Poole's Cavern, Buxton · 45 min Sun 13 Dec, 7pm; pre-booking required£10–25

Hallé Christmas Family Concert: A Festive World Adventure The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester city centre · 30 min Sun 13 Dec, 3pm£10–25

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

Stockport Symphony Orchestra Christmas family matinee Stockport Town Hall · 25 min Sun 13 Dec, 3pm-5.30pmUnder £10

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

A Christmas Carol (A Place For Us Theatre Company) Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Runcorn · 40 min Wed 16 – Fri 18 Dec, 6pm or 7.45pm; 60 minutes£10–25

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+

The Hallé: Christmas Cracker (festive hits and The Nightmare Before Christmas film music) The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester city centre · 30 min Fri 18 Dec, 7.30pm£10–25

The Snowman Film with Live Orchestra Liverpool Cathedral · 55 min Fri 18 Dec 5pm (selling fast) and 7.30pm; approx 80 min with intervalSelling fast£10–25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 2027

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

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

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

Robin Hood and His Merry Men Waterside Arts, Sale · 10 min Fri 8 - Sun 17 Jan 2027. Family matinees Sat 9 Jan 2pm, Sun 10 Jan 12pm & 4pm, Sat 16 Jan 2pm, Sun 17 Jan 12pmUnder £10

Holmes & Watson: The Curious Case of the Masked Magician (family magic show) The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Sat 2pm (Quays Theatre), about 1hr 40min with an interval£10–25

Dynamo live (magician, Quays Theatre) The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Date unconfirmed · Sun 17 - Fri 22 Jan, 8.15pm shows (evening only)£25+

The Brain Bending Science Illusion Show The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Sun 1.30pm-3pm (Quays Theatre)£10–25

Dog Man: The Musical Palace Theatre, Manchester city centre · 30 min Date unconfirmed · Thu 28 - Sat 30 Jan; times not confirmed£10–25

Hallé Orchestra: John Williams - Music and Movies The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester · 30 min Fri 7.30pm£25+

February 2027

The Legend of Korra in Concert (live orchestra to HD scenes from the animated series) The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester city centre · 30 min Mon 1 Feb, 7.30pm (timings TBC)£25+

Hallé Relaxed Concert for young families (February) Hallé St Peter's, Ancoats, Manchester · 25 min Wed 3 Feb 2.30pm (mixed audience); Thu 4 Feb 11am (young families). About 50 minutes.Relaxed Wed 3 FebUnder £10

Meet the Hatter (Joss Arnott Dance: Alice-inspired dance and animation) The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Sat 11am and 2pm (Quays Theatre)£10–25

Dear Zoo Live! Stockport Plaza · 25 min Sat 6 Feb 1.30pm; Sun 7 Feb 11am£10–25

Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2027 AO Arena, Manchester · 25 min Sat 6 Feb 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Sun 7 Feb 1.30pm£25+

RNCM Young Explorers: Wallace and Gromit - A Close Shave (live brass band) RNCM Concert Hall, Manchester · 25 min Sun 7 Feb 2027, 2pm (ends approx 4pm, with interval)£10–25

Disney Descendants, ZOMBIES & Camp Rock: Worlds Collide Concert Tour AO Arena, Manchester · 25 min Wed 10 Feb 2027, evening (start time TBA)£25+

ComedySportz: improvised comedy match for families (February) Waterside Arts, Sale · 15 min Saturday 13 February 2027, 6.30pm (about 2 hours with an interval)Under £10

For the Love of Time & Space (independent Doctor Who convention) Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Trafford Park · 25 min Sat-Sun of February half term, doors 9am£10–25

Gordon Buchanan: Lions and Tigers and Bears (wildlife filmmaker live) The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Mon 7.30pm (February half term)£10–25

Dinosaur World Live The Lowry, Salford · 18 min Mon 15-Thu 18 Feb 2027 (Feb half-term); 50 mins + 15-min meet & greet; times TBCNot on sale yet£10–25

Ministry of Science LIVE: Science Saved The World Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent · 55 min Tue 16 Feb 2027 (Feb half-term), 4pm£10–25

The Dinosaur That Pooped (stage show) Opera House Manchester, Manchester city centre · 30 min Tue 16 Feb 2027 (February half term); check times when booking£10–25

Matthew Bourne's Cinderella Liverpool Empire · 55 min 16-20 Feb 2027 (Feb half-term); eves 7.30pm, matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm£10–25

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show Liverpool Playhouse · 55 min Tue 16 - Sat 20 Feb 2027 (February half term)£10–25

The Dinosaurs Are Back! (Dommy B) The Met, Bury · 40 min Wed 17 Feb 2027 (Feb half-term), 2pm£10–25

Amazing Animals (life-size puppet animal show) Lyceum Theatre, Crewe · 45 min Thu 18 Feb (half term), 2.30pm£10–25

Fun For Little Ones: a tribute to Ms Rachel (half-term toddler show) Opera House Manchester · 30 min Thu 12 noon (half term)£10–25

Scheherazade - Concerts for Families (Chetham's young musicians, Feb half term) The Stoller Hall, Manchester city centre · 25 min Thu 18 and Fri 19 Feb, 11am (approx 1 hour)Under £10

Shrek The Musical (Cou-Cou Theatre Productions) at Pleasure Beach Arena Blackpool Pleasure Beach · 80 min Thu 18 – Sat 20 Feb (half term); showtimes not yet listed£10–25

Dog Man: The Musical Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Fri 19 Feb 2.30pm & 6pm; Sat 20 Feb 11am, 2.30pm & 6pm; Sun 21 Feb 11am & 2.30pm£10–25

Sonic Live in Concert (35th anniversary) The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester city centre · 30 min Fri 19 Feb 7.30pm (SOLD OUT) and Sun 21 Feb 7.30pmSelling fast£25+

Not Now, Bernard! (Roustabout Theatre, half term) The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Sun 1pm and 3.30pm (Aldridge Studio), 1 hr£10–25

Pinocchio (Indefinite Articles puppetry) Waterside Arts, Sale · 15 min Sun 21 Feb 2027, 2.30pm (60 mins, no interval)£10–25

The Harlem Globetrotters: 2027 Rivalry Tour M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool · 55 min Thu 25 Feb 2027, doors 6.30pm, show time TBC£25+

Cirque: The Greatest Show (circus acts meet musical theatre hits, with BGT's Max Fox and Christian Lee) M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool · 55 min Sat 27 Feb, shows 2pm and 6pm (doors 1pm/5pm)£25+

March 2027

Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical Liverpool Empire · 55 min 2-21 Mar 2027; eves 7.30pm, matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm, Sun 2pm£25+

Opera North: The Big Opera Mystery (family opera, ages 7–11) The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Date unconfirmed · Thu; time not confirmed£10–25

Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool · 55 min Thu/Fri 6.30pm; Sat 10.30am, 2.30pm, 6.30pm; Sun 10.30am, 2.30pm£25+

Family Wrestling Night at the Plaza Stockport Plaza · 30 min Sat 6.30pm£10–25

Amazing Animals (life-size puppet show) Buxton Opera House · 45 min Sun 7 Mar 2027, 2.30pm (1hr 20 plus interval)£10–25

Ministry of Science LIVE: Science Saved The World Parr Hall, Warrington · 30 min Sun 7 Mar 2027, 3.30pm£10–25

Shrek The Musical (Romiley Operatic Society) Stockport Plaza · 30 min Wed 10 - Sun 14 Mar; times on Quaytickets£10–25

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

Room on the Broom (Tall Stories) Octagon Theatre, Bolton · 40 min Fri 12 Mar 4.30pm; Sat 13 & Sun 14 Mar 10.30am & 1.30pm (55 mins)£10–25

Hallé Youth Celebration (young singers and players) The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester · 30 min Sat 12 noon£10–25

Nick Cope Family Show: I've Lost My Bobble Hat... Again! The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Sun 11am and 2pm (Quays Theatre), 60 mins£10–25

Super League Basketball Cup Finals (men's and women's double-header) AO Arena, Manchester · 25 min Sun; tip-off times TBA (listings show 12.30pm)£10–25

James and the Giant Peach (Garrick Easter family show) Altrincham Garrick Playhouse · 10 min Thu 25 Mar 7.30pm; Sat 27 Mar 1.30pm & 5.30pm; Mon 29 Mar 6pm; Tue-Fri 7.30pm; Sat 3 & Sun 4 Apr 1.30pm & 5.30pm£10–25

James and the Giant Peach (Garrick family musical) Altrincham Garrick Playhouse · 10 min 12 performances: evenings 7.30pm (Mon 29 Mar 6pm), matinees Sat 27 Mar, Sat 3 Apr and Sun 4 Apr at 1.30pm, plus 5.30pm shows those days. About 2 hours with an interval.£10–25

Pip and Posy Live on Stage Lyceum Theatre, Crewe · 45 min Fri 26 Mar 4pm; Sat 27 Mar 3pm (Easter holidays)£10–25

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

The Ultimate Bubble Show (Ray Bubbles) The Met, Bury · 40 min Sat 27 Mar 2027, 1pm (approx 65 mins)£10–25

The Wizard of Oz - Easter Family Panto Stockport Plaza · 25 min Tue 30 Mar 2027, 3pm & 7pm (Easter holidays)£10–25

Pip and Posy Live on Stage Liverpool Playhouse · 55 min Wed 31 Mar - Sat 3 Apr 2027 (Easter holidays)£10–25

April 2027

The Wiggles: Sparkle! Big Show M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool waterfront · 55 min Sat 3 Apr 2027, 11:00am (Easter holidays)On sale Fri 23 Oct 10am£10–25

Disney Princess - The Concert Opera House Manchester · 30 min Sun 4 Apr 2027 (Easter holidays), 2pm & 7pm£25+

Zog and the Flying Doctors (musical) Liverpool Playhouse · 55 min Tue 6 - Sat 10 Apr 2027 (6 Apr is the last day of the Easter holidays)£10–25

The Last Wild (Unicorn / National Theatre world premiere) The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Wed 2.30pm; Thu 11am (autism-friendly) & 2.30pm; Fri 2.30pm & 7pm; Sat 11am (BSL) & 2.30pm£10–25

The Lamb Who Came For Dinner (Riding Lights) The Met, Bury · 40 min Thu 8 Apr 2027 (Easter holidays), 2pm (approx 60 mins)£10–25

The Space Explorers Academy (Science Museum / UK Space Agency live show, ages 6-12) Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton · 40 min Fri 9 Apr (Easter holidays), 12.30pm£10–25

Natural History Museum Presents Dinosaurs Live Buxton Opera House · 45 min Sun 11 Apr 2027, 12.30pm£10–25

Singin' in the Rain (Chichester Festival Theatre tour) Liverpool Empire · 55 min Tue-Sat evenings plus matinees£25+

Zog and the Flying Doctors - Live on Stage The Lowry, Salford · 18 min Tue 13-Sun 18 Apr 2027 (approx 1hr, no interval); times on Lowry booking page£10–25

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Colour Bash AO Arena, Manchester · 25 min Sat 17 Apr 11.30am & 6.30pm; Sun 18 Apr 11.30am£25+

Cirque: The Greatest Show (circus meets musical theatre) Buxton Opera House · 40 min Sun 25 Apr, 6pm£25+

May 2027

The Night Sky Show: A Sky Full of Hope (astronomer Adrian West) The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Date unconfirmed · Sun; show times not yet published£10–25

The Smeds and The Smoos (Tall Stories) Octagon Theatre, Bolton · 40 min Tue 11 & Wed 12 May 1.30pm & 4.30pm; Thu 13 May 10.30am & 1.30pm£10–25

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway 1940s Weekend (steam, swing bands, re-enactors, vintage vehicles) Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, Keighley / Haworth · 75 min Fri 14 – Sun 16 May; trains all day, times to be publishedNot on sale yet£10–25

Natural History Museum Presents Dinosaurs Live Parr Hall, Warrington · 30 min Sat 15 May 2027, 3.30pm£10–25

Blue Planet III Live in Concert (Hans Zimmer score, giant screen) AO Arena, Manchester city centre · 25 min Fri 21 May 2027, evening (tour opens in Manchester)£25+

Starlight Express (UK tour) Liverpool Empire · 55 min 26 May-12 Jun 2027; eves 7.30pm, matinees Thu/Sat 2.30pm, Sun 30 May 1pm & 6pm£25+

Dear Zoo Live! Lyceum Theatre, Crewe · 45 min Sat 29 May (May half term), 1.30pm£10–25

Jurassic Wild: The Musical Adventure (life-size dinosaur show) Wythenshawe Forum · 15 min Sat & Sun of May half term, 12 noon and 4pm£10–25

Jurassic Wild: The Musical Adventure M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool · 55 min Mon 31 May 2027 (bank holiday, May half-term), 12pm & 4pm (doors 11am & 3pm)£10–25

June 2027

Pip and Posy - Live On Stage! HOME, Manchester city centre · 30 min Date unconfirmed · Wed 2 - Fri 4 Jun (May half term); times not confirmed£10–25

Dinosaur Adventure Live: Trouble on Volcano Island Stockport Plaza · 25 min Sat 5 Jun 2027, 2pm (end of May half term)£10–25

Strawberry Festival 2027 (family music festival: Boney M, Five Star, Betty Boo, Dollar) Richmond Rovers Football Club, Hazel Grove, Stockport · 30 min Sat 12pm-10.30pm, last entry 6pm; chairs allowed, no gazebos, no dogs, no outside food£10–25

Horrible Histories Live: Horrible Henrys Lyceum Theatre, Crewe · 45 min Sun 6 Jun 2027; performance times on the Lyceum booking page£10–25

WN7 FEST 2027 family festival day (kids zone, funfair, live music) Leigh Miners Welfare · 30 min Sat 12 Jun family day (Fri 11 Jun is country music day); times TBAUnder £10

Disney's Frozen (Garrick musical) Altrincham Garrick Playhouse · 10 min Evenings 7.30pm (17–19 and 23–26 June), matinees Sat 19 and Sat 26 June 2.30pm, Sun 20 June 4pm.£10–25

Disney's Frozen (Garrick summer musical) Altrincham Garrick Playhouse · 10 min Thu 17 - Sat 26 Jun; evenings plus weekend matinees (times to be confirmed)£10–25

Lymm Festival 2027 (village arts festival with Family Fun strand) Venues around Lymm village · 15 min Thu 17 - Sun 27 Jun; programme published nearer the timeNot on sale yetUnder £10

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain (Birmingham Stage Company) Opera House Manchester · 30 min Thu 24 Jun 1.30pm; Fri 25 Jun 10.30am & 6.30pm; Sat 26 Jun 2.30pm & 6.30pm£10–25

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

Manchester International Festival 2027 (20th anniversary) Aviva Studios, Manchester city centre · 25 min 1-18 Jul 2027; family programme not yet announcedNot on sale yetUnder £10

Hairspray The Musical (new UK tour launches in Manchester) Palace Theatre, Manchester city centre · 30 min Fri 2 - Sun 18 Jul; evening and matinee performances (see ATG)£25+

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2027 (80th anniversary) Royal International Pavilion, Llangollen, Denbighshire · 90 min Wed 7 to Sun 11 Jul; Jools Holland Thu 8 Jul; 80th Gala Concert Sat 10 Jul£10–25

Hot Ice 2027 (world-champion skaters' ice spectacular) Blackpool Pleasure Beach · 80 min Mon–Sat; 2.30pm matinee and 7pm evening shows, no Sunday performances£10–25

Foodies Festival Tatton Park 2027 (kids' cookery school, fairground, live music) Tatton Park showground, Knutsford · 22 min Fri 2pm-10pm, Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm; Kids Cookery School 12-4pm Sat and Sun£25+

Tributes on the Hill 2027 (tribute-band family festival with fairground rides and children's activities) Higher Mickledale Farm, Frodsham · 45 min Fri 9 Jul 11am - Sun 11 Jul 10pm; camping optional£25+

Back To The Future The Musical Opera House Manchester · 30 min 13 Jul-21 Aug 2027; evenings 7.30pm, matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm£25+

The Brit Fest 2027 (four-day British music festival with camping; under-16 and Altrincham-resident tickets) Ashley Hall Showground, Ashley, Altrincham · 15 min Thu 15 (evening) - Sun 18 Jul£25+

Alice Frozen in a Wonderland of Dreams (summer family ice show) Blackpool Pleasure Beach · 80 min 2.30pm performances; included with a same-day Pleasure Beach eTicketUnder £10

Singin' in the Rain (Lyric Theatre summer run) The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Tue 20 - Sat 31 Jul; evenings plus matinees£25+

Outdoor theatre: The (almost) Complete Myths & Legends of Britain (Pantaloons) in the Walled Garden Arley Hall & Gardens, Great Budworth, Northwich · 25 min Wed; gardens open from 6pm, performance 7pm-9.20pm with 15-min interval around 8.15pm; bring a picnic and something to sit onNot on sale yet£10–25

Together Again Festival 2027 (with Together Tots under-5s arena) Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, Cheshire · 55 min Fri 23 - Sun 25 Jul 2027 (camping weekend; start of summer holidays)£25+

Styal Family Festival (live music, family day out at the sports club) Wilmslow Phoenix Sports Club, Styal, Wilmslow · 20 min Sat 31 Jul, 12pm-10pm£10–25

August 2027

Deva Fest 2027 (family camping music festival with free fairground) Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas, Cheshire · 55 min Thu 5 to Sun 8 Aug; day and camping ticketsSelling fast£25+

Dinosaur World Live (interactive dinosaur puppet show) Lyceum Theatre, Crewe · 45 min Sat 7 Aug 2pm; Sun 8 Aug 3pm (summer holidays)£10–25

Outdoor theatre: Much Ado About Nothing (The Lord Chamberlain's Men) in the Walled Garden Arley Hall & Gardens, Great Budworth, Northwich · 25 min Thu; gardens from 6pm, show 7pm-9pm with interval around 8.15pm; bring a picnic and chairsNot on sale yet£10–25

Southport Flower Show 2027 Victoria Park, Southport · 65 min Thu 19 to Sun 22 Aug, 10am-6pm (5pm Sunday)£10–25

Just So Festival 2027 (family arts festival, camping weekend or day tickets) Rode Hall Estate, Scholar Green, Cheshire · 40 min Fri 20 Aug 12pm to Sun 22 Aug 10pm; Sat/Sun day tickets£25+

Made in Manchester Festival - Stockport (live music and family entertainment, August bank holiday weekend) Waterside Farm, Compstall, Stockport · 35 min Sat 28 Aug, 12pm-11pm£10–25

September 2027

The Dinosaur That Pooped (live stage show) Parr Hall, Warrington · 30 min Sun 12 Sep 2027, 3.30pm£10–25