What Christmas events are on near me?

ICE VILLAGE, CATHEDRAL GARDENS, MANCHESTER

The Ice Village will return to Manchester featuring new attractions such as a new -10 degrees ice tiki bar, ice cavern, ice rink and Santa's grotto.

After enjoying all the ice sculpture, you can also stay for games and entertainment, a stage hosting a variety of performers each day, children’s crafts, market stalls and live ice sculpting.

Visit icevillage.co.uk

PETER RABBIT'S CHRISTMAS GROTTO, TRAFFORD CENTRE

The story of Beatrix Potter’s woodland wonderland will once again be brought to life this Christmas in a festive experience, as the Peter Rabbit Christmas grotto returns to Trafford Centre.

Back for a second year, the interactive woodland adventure takes families on a journey in search of Father Christmas, meeting Peter Rabbit and his friends along the way.

The Peter Rabbit Christmas grotto will open on November 14 and close on December 24. Find it outside The Great Hall, along with lots of other festive experiences. Bookings can be made at intu.co.uk/traffordcentre/events/peter-rabbits-christmas-grotto with autism friendly sessions available.

CHRISTMAS ESCAPE FROM THE MUSEUM, BOLTON

Help save Christmas at Bolton Central Library and Museum, in Le Mans Crescent, on December 6 or 7. 

Santa has gone missing and is lost somewhere in Bolton, but the answer to his whereabouts lies somewhere in the Museum.

Join in to solve the mystery, save Santa and bring the magic of Christmas back! Cost £5 per child and accompanying adult is free. More info from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-escape-from-the-museum-tickets-69921261375

THE NUTCRACKER, ALBERT HALLS, BOLTON

Get into the festive spirit early when The Nutracker comes to Bolton's Albert Halls on Saturday (October 19).

The Russian National Ballet returns to the UK to enchant viewers with this delightful production, which is sure to get you in the spirt.

More information from https://www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk/

BOLTON HANDMADE CHRISTMAS MARKET

Bolton Handmade Christmas Market is taking place on Monday, December 23 from 10am till 16pm.

It will take over both the Festival Hall and the Lancaster Suite at The Albert Halls in Bolton once again this year to host another fantastic Christmas Market!

CINDERELLA, KING GEORGE'S HALL CHRISTMAS PANTO, BLACKBURN

Don’t miss this year’s breath-taking family pantomime, Cinderella, brought to Blackburn's King George's Hall by Stageworks Worldwide Productions and written and directed by Roger Hannah.

It's showing from Sunday, December 8 to Tuesday, December 31. More information from https://kinggeorgeshall.com/whats-on/cinderella/

FOODIES CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL, TATTON PARK

Christmas is coming early to Tatton Park as the UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink heads back to Knutsford for three days of festive fun.

Foodies Festival returns from November 15 to 17 and Great British Menu stars Aiden Byrne and Adam Reid are among the high-profile chefs who will be sharing Christmas culinary secrets in the Chef’s Theatre, while stars of the Great British Bake Off will be cooking up a storm in the Cake and Bake Theatre.

Also confirmed is Master Chef 2015 winner Simon Wood who runs restaurants in Chester and Manchester.

Food-lovers can also enjoy an array of mouth-watering attractions including an Artisan Christmas Market with hampers and gifts from top regional producers.

Organisers welcomed more than 20,000 visitors to the last festival so to avoid missing out book tickets at foodiesfestival.com or call 0844 9951111.

ALADDIN PANTO, ALBERT HALLS, BOLTON

This year’s Christmas pantomime at The Albert Halls in Bolton will be produced by the award winning Polka Dot Pantomimes who bring a wealth of magic and experience with them.

So join them on a thrilling carpet ride and an adventure of a lifetime as ALADDIN flies into the Albert Halls featuring a celebrity cast.

The fun kicks off on November 30 and runs until December 31.  More information from https://www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk/events/event/37/aladdin

CHRISTMAS AT DUNHAM MASSEY

This festive trail at the National Trust property has become a firm family favourite and runs from November 30 to December 30.

There are also more illuminations planned this year including larger-than-life glittering deer, along with the sights and sounds of Christmas.

Walk through a tunnel of light festooned by a canopy of more than 100,000 pea-lights while the 'singing trees' can be heard in the distance.

The incredible water fountain finale is a showcase of water jets and beams of light which dance in time to Christmas classics.

There are hidden surprises too – watch out for 'bubbles on the bridge' and the scented fire garden.

Manchester Food and Drink Festival will be curating street food in the courtyard where there will also be a vintage carousel.

And The Stables restaurant at Dunham Massey will be serving a two-course traditional Christmas Dinner. There will a choice of two sittings, so visitors can dine before or after they visit the trail.

Go to nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey/features/christmas-at-dunham-massey

CHRISTMAS FESTEVIL, BLACKBURN

For a Christmas event with a difference, check out the Christmas Festevil at Scare Kingdom Scream Park in Blackburn. The event will be held on Friday 13th December from 6.30pm till 9.30pm and minimum age restrictions are in place.

Not for the faint hearted, the event is sure to scare the wits out of you.

More information from https://www.scarekingdom.com/

EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY SANTA SPECIALS

Start your celebrations in style with a steam train ride with Santa and his elves.

Bury Bolton Street Station will be decorated with hundreds of Christmas trees.

Then during the train ride to Rawtenstall and back through the Irwell Valley, there will be brass band, carol singers and a magician on board. Santa and his helpers will also greet each child with a gift.

Each year around 40,000 people enjoy the Santa Specials so be sure to book early. There are various dates between November 30 and December 24.

Visit eastlancsrailway.org.uk

SANTA CRUISES, ANDERTON BOAT LIFT

Come and join Santa and his helpers on the Edwin Clark trip boat for a festive cruise on the River Weaver Navigation.

The experience includes festive storytelling, songs and a present for each child.

The cruises run on various dates between November 30 and December 24. You can book at canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/events/2019-11-30-santa-cruises

THE HAYLOFT SANTA EXPERIENCE

Join the elves in their workshop for some Christmas activities. Continue the journey to Santa's grotto with a ride on the miniature railway, run by Warrington's own Whitfield Light Railway.

The 50 to 55 minute experience costs £12.50 per child including a gift and train ride and £3.50 per adult including the train ride.

The Hayloft Santa Experience runs from November 30 on Saturdays and Sundays as well as on December 23 and 24.

Visit the events section of facebook.com/thehayloftcheshire

CANDLELIGHT AND CAROLS, ARLEY HALL

A chance to listen to the choir as they sing in different rooms of Arley Hall in the full festive splendour of Christmas floral displays and candlelight.

The Serenade Singers will be singing on December 3 and Equali will be performing on December 4. Both evenings run from 6pm to 9pm.

Tickets include entry to the hall, restaurant and gift shop. Visit arleyhallandgardens.com/whats-on-at-a-glance

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, THE LOWRY, SALFORD QUAYS

The Grinch will be stealing Christmas at The Lowry this year and tickets are selling fast.

Comedy icon Griff Rhys Jones will star as Old Max, alongside X-Factor winner Matt Terry as Young Max and Edward Baker-Duly as The Grinch, the world-famous festive mischief maker in the Dr Seuss classic.

The 2019 production is based on the show originally created by three-time Tony Award winning director Jack O’Brien.

Since then, more than two million people across America have been thrilled by the heartwarming musical, known for its incredible sets. Tickets are from £26.50. Visit thelowry.com

CHRISTMAS DRIVE-IN CINEMA, HAIGH WOODLAND PARK

Go back to the drive-in days and watch a festive classic on a 40ft by 20ft screen along with digital in car audio.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone 2, Elf and Arthur Christmas will be screened between December 20 and 23 with some films already sold out.

The experience also includes a visit from Santa in the car park, ‘in car’ games and giveaways, food and drink car delivery service, a short film before the main feature and the option to attend the late night opening of Santa’s Grotto for an extra £6 per child.

Go to facebook.com/haighwoodlandpark

CINDERELLA, PARR HALL

Parr Hall's panto takes place after Christmas but you can keep the festive magic going a little longer by booking tickets for one of the shows between January 3 and 12.

Cinderella lives with her father Baron Hardup and is bullied by her two stepsisters but things are on the up when tickets arrive for a glittering ball where the Prince will be in attendance.

The ugly sisters try to steal Cinderella's ticket but her friend Buttons and her Fairy Godmother combine to get her to the ball...

There are a number of special shows during the run including a signed performance, a dementia-friendly show and a relaxed performance for those with special educational needs.

There are also discounts for family and group bookings. Visit parrhall.culturewarrington.org/whats-on/cinderella