What's on in December 2026

163 events

Family events starting in December 2026 within about an hour of Timperley, week by week. Exhibitions and weekly sessions are at the bottom.

163 events coming up, 29 free and 40 within 20 minutes of Timperley. Nearest: Robin Hood: the Garrick pantomime at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse (10 min, Fri 4 Dec). Next up: Little Liverpool Christmas Special (Tue 1 Dec).

30 Nov – 6 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

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

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

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

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

Festive Family Tea with Father Christmas Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury · 25 min Wed 2, Fri 4, Tue 8, Fri 11, Tue 15, Wed 16 and Fri 18 Dec, 5-6.30pm£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+

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

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

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

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+

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

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

Breakfast with Santa at The Lost and Found Princess Street, Knutsford · 25 min Sat 5 Dec, 9.15am-12pm (a Sun 6 Dec listing also appears)£10–25

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

Christmas Fun Day (Santa visit, games and activities) Alford Hall Sports and Social Club, Warrington · 30 min Sat 5 Dec, 2-5pm; free parkingUnder £10

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

Storytime and Crafts with Mother Christmas Grosvenor Museum, Chester · 50 min Sat 11am–3pm; storytelling at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pmUnder £10

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

Dear Santa Claus: Christmas Grotto at Delamere Station House Delamere Station House, Delamere Forest, Northwich · 50 min Sat 5 Dec 11.30am-1.30pm confirmed on the organiser's Eventbrite (15-minute slots, arrive 10 min early); listing also shows Sun 6 Dec from 9.30am£10–25

Father Christmas Experience at Bramall Hall Bramall Hall, Bramhall, Stockport · 25 min Sat 5 and Sun 6 Dec; timed slots from 10am£10–25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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+

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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+

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

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

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

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

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

HWMC Kids Christmas Party (games, crafts, face painting, meet Santa) Houldsworth Working Men's Club, Reddish, Stockport · 25 min Sun 6 Dec, 1-4pmUnder £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

Marple Santa Dash Marple Sports Club · 30 min Sun 6 Dec, 9.30am-1pmUnder £10

Messy Cafe: Christmas Crafts St George's Church, Altrincham · 10 min Sun 1–2.30pmUnder £10

Santa Dash at Walton Hall (3km walk, jog or cycle in a Santa suit, Warrington Disability Partnership) Walton Hall and Gardens, Warrington · 35 min Sun 10–11am£10–25

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

Victorian Father Christmas at Samlesbury Hall Samlesbury Hall, Samlesbury, Preston · 60 min Sundays 6 and 13 Dec only, 11am-4pm, timed slots; private 5-minute meeting for 1-4 children aged 10 and underUnder £10

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

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

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

7–13 Dec

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

Baby's First Santa Visit at The Dunham Barn The Dunham Barn, Altrincham · 15 min Short 10-minute visits for babies and very young children, from 2.30pm; check Eventbrite for all slots. Bring your own camera.£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

Story Time with Santa and Mrs Claus The Dunham Barn, Dunham Massey · 15 min Thu 10 Dec, 11am-12.30pm£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

Baby and Toddler Festive Play Session with Father Christmas Quarry Bank, Styal, Wilmslow · 15 min Thu 10, Fri 11, Thu 17 and Fri 18 Dec; ages 6 months to 5 years, older children welcome£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

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

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

A Quiet Visit with Father Christmas (neurodivergent-friendly sessions) Quarry Bank, Styal, Wilmslow · 15 min Fri 11 Dec mornings and Wed 16 Dec 9.30am-4.20pm, 30-minute slotsQuiet session Fri 11 Dec£10–25

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

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

Lunch with Father Christmas Piccolo Bar and Restaurant, Gatley · 20 min Sat 12 Dec, 12pm-2.30pmUnder £10

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

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

Christmas at Wythenshawe Hall (hall dressed for Christmas, Santa's grotto) Wythenshawe Hall · 15 min Sat 12 and Sun 13 Dec; usual open-day hours 11am-4pm; 2026 prices to be confirmed (last time £3 entry, grotto £3.50 per child, grotto queue closes 2pm)Under £10

Santa Special train ride with Santa in a replica miners' cottage Lancashire Mining Museum, Astley, Wigan · 25 min Sat 12 and Sun 13 Dec; times not yet published; open carriages so wrap upUnder £10

Santa's Grotto at the Town Hall Town Hall Square, Chester · 55 min Sat 12 & Sun 13 Dec 2026, 10.30am-4.30pm£10–25

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

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

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

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

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

Breakfast with Santa at Tegg's Nose Tegg's Nose Country Park, Macclesfield · 40 min Sun 13 Dec, from 8.30am£10–25

Christmas at The Works (Santa's grotto, frosty science, letters to Santa, carols, free crafts) Lion Salt Works, Northwich · 30 min Sun 11am–4pm; grotto and science sessions are timed and bookableUnder £10

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

14–20 Dec

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

Deer Feed Trailer Ride with the Rangers (Christmas holidays) Tatton Park, Knutsford · 22 min Wed 16 Dec 2026, 9.30-11am; meet at Main Car Park£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+

Twilight Supper with Santa The Dunham Barn, Dunham Massey · 15 min Thu 17 Dec, 5pm-6.30pm£10–25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21–27 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

28 Dec – 3 Jan

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

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+

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

Already running in December 2026 96Exhibitions, trails and seasonal runs that started earlier.

Sir Alex Ferguson pop-up exhibition National Football Museum · until Fri 25 Dec
Smithsonian Starstruck: Immersive Space Experience Transmission House · until Thu 31 Dec
The Wind in the Willows family garden trail RHS Garden Bridgewater · until Thu 31 Dec
2026 Banner Exhibition with family Banner Bingo trail People's History Museum · until Sun 3 Jan
Blackpool Illuminations 2026 Blackpool Promenade · until Sun 3 Jan
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos Science and Industry Museum · until Sun 3 Jan
Your Salford 100 (centenary exhibition of 100 objects chosen by Salfordians) - final weeks Salford Museum and Art Gallery · until Sun 10 Jan
The Worst Record Covers in the World (free exhibition) Grosvenor Museum · until Sun 17 Jan
The North Revisited (photography exhibition, free with admission) Jodrell Bank · until Sun 24 Jan
Our Story with David Attenborough (immersive experience) Chester Zoo · until Sun 31 Jan
Warrington Wolves: A Game For All (free rugby league exhibition) - final weeks Warrington Museum & Art Gallery · until Sun 31 Jan
Rae-Yen Song: •~TUA~• 大眼 •~MAK~• (free glowing-pond installation) FACT, 88 Wood Street · until Sun 14 Feb
National Museums Liverpool at 40 (free exhibition: Titanic artefacts and treasures from seven museums) World Museum · until Sun 28 Feb
Performing Trees (free collection exhibition) - closes 4 April The Whitworth · until Sun 4 Apr
Dead or Alive: Birds in our World Manchester Museum · until Fri 31 Dec
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail Arley Hall & Gardens · until Sun 3 Jan
Oaks on Ice and Winter Village at Cheshire Oaks (ice rink, big wheel, free Christmas film screenings) Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet · until Sun 3 Jan
Camera Obscura: Experiments in Animation (free exhibition) Waterside Arts · until Sat 9 Jan
Land of Lights at Gulliver's World Gulliver's World · until Sun 31 Jan
Adventures in Wonderland (interactive play experience, ages 1-8) Z-arts · until Wed 31 Mar
Walkabout Father Christmas in store Bents Garden & Home · until Thu 24 Dec
Bramall Hall Decorated for Christmas 2026: A Musical Celebration Bramall Hall · until Sun 3 Jan
The Elf Trail at Bramall Hall Bramall Hall · until Sun 3 Jan
Magic at the Mansion: Christmas at Harewood (Studio McGuire) Harewood House · until Sun 3 Jan
Manchester Christmas Markets Albert Square and city centre · until Sun 3 Jan
Skate Manchester (covered ice rink, now on sale; free kids' skating on selected Tuesdays) Cathedral Gardens · until Sun 3 Jan
Chatsworth Christmas Market Chatsworth House · until Sun 13 Dec
The Polar Express Train Ride 2026 Churnet Valley Railway · until Wed 23 Dec
Lapland Manchester at Capesthorne Hall Capesthorne Hall · until Thu 24 Dec
Christmas at Chatsworth: The 12 Days of Christmas Chatsworth House · until Sun 3 Jan
Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market at Haddon Hall Haddon Hall · until Sun 20 Dec
The Piece Hall Christmas Market The Piece Hall · until Sun 20 Dec
Lanterns & Light at Chester Zoo Chester Zoo · until Sun 3 Jan
What Santa Sees (Space Dome show) Jodrell Bank · until Wed 23 Dec
Yuletide: A Glittering Winter Adventure (1.4km light trail with folklore characters, acrobats and fire jugglers) Tatton Park · until Wed 23 Dec
Christmas at Gulliver's World Warrington Gulliver's World Resort · until Thu 24 Dec
Festive Fun at Jodrell Bank Jodrell Bank · until Wed 30 Dec
Believe! The Polar Express Experience O2 Victoria Warehouse · until Thu 31 Dec
Winter Illuminations at Yorkshire Wildlife Park Yorkshire Wildlife Park · until Sat 9 Jan
The Rock 'n' Roll Panto: Beauty and the Beast Liverpool Everyman · until Sat 16 Jan
Chester Christmas Market Town Hall Square · until Tue 22 Dec
Leeds Christmas Market at City Square (with Elf Hunt trail, Big Wheel and carousel) City Square and Victoria Gardens · until Wed 23 Dec
Ice Cube at Christmas (covered ice rink, Penguin Club for under-9s, Starflyer) Millennium Square · until Thu 31 Dec
Northern Lights at Heaton Park: A Christmas Time Machine Heaton Park · until Thu 31 Dec
Enchanted at Knowsley Safari (illuminated Foot Safari) Knowsley Safari · until Wed 23 Dec
A Trail of Tails: Christmas in the House Dunham Massey · until Thu 24 Dec
Grotto on the Square (Santa's Enchanted Elevator and gingerbread grotto) Eastgate Square · until Thu 24 Dec
HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto (early-bird family bundles until 2 Nov; SEND sessions) The Trafford Centre · until Thu 24 Dec
Magical Woodland at Christmas Magical Woodland · until Thu 24 Dec
Santa at Knowsley Safari (daytime and Enchanted-evening grotto) Knowsley Safari · until Thu 24 Dec
The Grotto at the Corn Exchange (immersive Santa experience) Corn Exchange · until Thu 24 Dec
The Lights of Abraham (winter lights trail with new installations and route) Heights of Abraham · until Wed 30 Dec
The Magic Lamp in the Hidden Garden: A Winter Light Trail (Aladdin-inspired) Bents Garden & Home · until Wed 30 Dec
Christmas at Dunham Massey (illuminated trail) Dunham Massey · until Sat 2 Jan
Liverpool Christmas Wonderland at Pier Head (covered ice rink, rides, Santa's Grotto) Pier Head · until Sun 3 Jan
Trentham Winter Light Trail Trentham Estate · until Sun 3 Jan
Cinderella (Sally Cookson & Adam Peck) Octagon Theatre · until Sat 9 Jan
The Manifold of Memory: immersive felt installation by Gulnur Mukazhanova The Whitworth · until Sun 16 May
Trentham Christmas Makers Markets Trentham Shopping Village · until Sun 6 Dec
Christmas at Astley Hall (Nutcracker-themed decorated hall) and An Audience with Father Christmas Astley Hall · until Sun 20 Dec
Festive Junior Farmers at Kenyon Hall Farm (indoor tree forest, tractor ride, craft) Kenyon Hall Farm · until Sun 20 Dec
Meet Father Christmas in the Power Hall Science and Industry Museum · until Wed 23 Dec
Aladdin: The Pantomime Blackpool Pleasure Beach · until Thu 24 Dec
Christmas Grotto Wonderland Blackpool Pleasure Beach · until Thu 24 Dec
Cockfields Christmas Experience (Cockfields Express to the North Pole) Cockfields Farm Park · until Thu 24 Dec
Cruise with Father Christmas (floating grotto on the Ship Canal) Manchester River Cruises · until Thu 24 Dec
Father Christmas at the Farm Tatton Park · until Thu 24 Dec
The Magic of Christmas at Freight Island (storybook trail, Santa's Lodge, Christmas Village) Freight Island · until Thu 24 Dec
Around the World in 80 Days: The Christmas Mansion Tatton Park · until Thu 31 Dec
Once Upon a Time... The Snow Queen (house dressed for Christmas) The Children's Country House at Sudbury · until Sun 3 Jan
Skate St George's St George's Hall · until Sun 3 Jan
Wilmslow Way Brighter Christmas Light Trail Wilmslow town centre · until Tue 5 Jan
Emergency on Planet Earth: The Cost of Pollution (free exhibition with hands-on interactives) Warrington Museum & Art Gallery · until Sun 21 Feb
Football Art Prize exhibition National Football Museum · until Sun 21 Feb
Breakfast with Santa (buffet, storytime, games, crafts and face painting) Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa · until Sun 20 Dec
Elf The Musical (Big Top Arena) Trentham Shopping Village · until Sun 6 Dec
Magical Christmas Experience with Santa and Friends The Southfields Pub · until Thu 24 Dec
RHS Glow at RHS Garden Bridgewater RHS Garden Bridgewater · until Wed 30 Dec
Follies Safari: 4x4 ride to Santa's hillside grotto Hawkstone Park Follies · until Wed 23 Dec
Magical Days Out: Christmas at Alton Towers (CBeebies Land, Hey Duggee Live, Santa's Grotto) Alton Towers · until Wed 23 Dec
Festive Skating at The Lambing Shed (Christmas on the Farm) The Lambing Shed · until Thu 24 Dec
The World at Christmas at Lyme Lyme Park · until Thu 24 Dec
The Sorcerer's Apprentice HOME · until Sat 2 Jan
Breakfast and Brunch with Santa Stockport Plaza Cafe · until Sat 19 Dec
Christmas at the Dragon Miniature Railway (Father Christmas grotto and decorated train circuit, Romiley and Marple Lions) Dobbies Garden Centre · until Sun 20 Dec
Reverse Grotto at Erddig Erddig · until Sun 20 Dec
Santa's Grotto (Warrington Disability Partnership) Walton Hall and Gardens · until Tue 22 Dec
BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas (light trail, mini panto, Father Christmas) BeWILDerwood Cheshire · until Wed 23 Dec
Storytime with Father Christmas at Chatsworth Farmyard Chatsworth House · until Wed 23 Dec
Farmer Christmas (reindeer, private Santa visit and toy shop) Farmer Ted's Adventure Farm · until Thu 24 Dec
Santa and the Reindeer Rangers at Cannon Hall Farm Cannon Hall Farm · until Thu 24 Dec
Santa Specials at East Lancashire Railway East Lancashire Railway · until Thu 24 Dec
Santa Specials at Llangollen Railway (steam to Lapland at Carrog) Llangollen Station · until Thu 24 Dec
The Elf Explorer at Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Oxenhope Station · until Thu 24 Dec
The North Pole Experience Reddish Vale Farm · until Thu 24 Dec
Mr Popper's Penguins (Pins and Needles musical with penguin puppets) Waterside Arts · until Sun 27 Dec

Every week 37Regular sessions running this month.

Goodwood Field junior parkrun (2k, ages 4–14) Goodwood Field, Manor Avenue, Sale · Every Sun
Kids' football with Altrincham FC at Broomwood Broomwood Community Wellbeing Centre, Mainwood Road · Weekly Mon+
Move It Kids: drop-in gymnastics play for under 9s (move Altrincham) move Altrincham · Weekly Mon+
Play and Stay for babies and toddlers at Broomwood Broomwood Community Wellbeing Centre, Mainwood Road · Every Mon
Rhymetime at Timperley Library Timperley Library · Every Mon
Salisbury Field junior parkrun (free 2k for 4–14s) Salisbury Field, Broadheath Central FC ground, Salisbury Road · Every Sun
Saturday LEGO Club at Timperley Library Timperley Library · Every Sat
SEND drop-in gymnastics play at move Altrincham move Altrincham · Weekly Wed+
Simply Cycling: all-ability bikes and trikes on the Timperley track Altrincham & District Athletics track, Park Road · Weekly Wed+
Storytime at Altrincham Library (under 5s) Altrincham Library · Every Mon
Storytime at Timperley Library Timperley Library · Every Thu
Under-5s storytime at Brooklands Library Brooklands Library, Moor Road · Every Mon
Walton Park miniature railway rides Walton Park · Every Sun
Baby and toddler swims at move Altrincham move Altrincham · Weekly Tue+
Caterpillars baby and toddler group St Mary Magdalene Church, Ashton on Mersey · Every Tue
Family Drop-In after school at St George’s St George's Church · Every Tue
Rhymetime at Hale Library Hale Library · Every Tue
SEND swim sessions at move Altrincham move Altrincham · Weekly Tue+
Storytime at Sale Library (under 5s) Sale Library, Waterside · Every Tue
Under-5s storytime at Forum Library, Wythenshawe Wythenshawe Forum library · Every Tue
Rhymetime at Coppice Library Sale West Community Centre · Every Wed
Twist & Tales: music and movement for toddlers St George's Church · Every Wed
Move It Minis: drop-in gymnastics play for under 5s (move Altrincham) move Altrincham · Every Thu
Rhymetime at Altrincham Library Altrincham Library · Every Thu
Move It Minis: drop-in gymnastics play for under 5s (Sale Leisure Centre) Sale Leisure Centre, Broad Road · Every Fri
Rhymetime at Partington Library Partington Library and Wellbeing Centre · Every Fri
Rhymetime at Sale Library Sale Library, Waterside · Every Fri
Storytime at Hale Library (under 5s) Hale Library · Every Fri
Under-5s storytime at Northenden Community Library Northenden Community Library, St Wilfrid's Church Hall · Every Fri
Float session at Sale Leisure Centre Sale Leisure Centre, Broad Road · Every Sat
LEGO club at Altrincham Library Altrincham Library · Every Sat
LEGO club at Coppice Library Sale West Community Centre · Every Sat
LEGO club at Hale Library Hale Library · Every Sat
LEGO club at Sale Library Sale Library, Waterside · Every Sat
Sale Water parkrun (5k) Sale Water Park · Every Sat
Under-8s family swim at move Altrincham move Altrincham · Every Sat
Wythenshawe parkrun (5k) Wythenshawe Hall · Every Sat