Christmas events pop up all over the UK at this time of year and planning where you’d like to go can take some thinking.
Whether you like to explore Christmas markets or skate around an ice rink, Bolton and its surrounding areas have plenty on offer this year.
To find out the best events in the area this winter, we asked Bolton News readers to recommend their favourites – this is what they said.
Best Christmas events in and around Bolton
Manchester was mentioned by some locals with one saying: “Manchester for me is the only place near Bolton that is worth going to at Christmas.”
If you’d like a trip to Manchester this Christmas, you’re in luck as the Christmas markets have returned with lots of stalls for you to stroll past.
Whether you’re shopping for gifts or want to try some new food, the markets have it all. They’re spread across several streets in the city centre and you can find out more via the Visit Manchester website.
@bryonyberry Sooooo much good food #fyp #foryou #manchester #christmas #manchesterchristmasmarkets #foodtok #2024 ♬ Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
Another local shared Smithills Open Farm’s event, saying: “Smithills Open Farm are holding a Christmas market the last 2 weekends in November.”
The Bolton farm is also hosting a Santa’s Grotto event where children can meet Santa every weekend throughout December.
If you like to head to the theatre during the festive season, some locals recommended going to see Bolton Panto’s performance of Aladdin at The Victoria Hall in Bolton.
The show is taking place on dates between November 16, 2024 and January 4, 2025.
You can book your tickets via the Victoria Hall website.
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Local Christmas fairs were also mentioned, including those at The Hub at Westhoughton (November 23, 11am-5pm), Daisy Hill Cricket Club (December 7), St Hilda's Church (November 16), Bury Hospice Christmas Fair at Holcombe Brook Tennis Club (November 17).
Some locals also asked for Bolton’s light switch-on to return with one saying she “used to love the Christmas lights put on at Bolton.”
Lots of towns and cities start their celebrations with a Christmas lights switch-on with the lights brightening up the streets throughout the winter months.
Would you like to see Bolton’s light switch-on come back? Let us know in the comments.
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