There are lots of magical Christmas events happening across Cheshire and Greater Manchester from Stockport to Warrington and Macclesfield to Chester.  Find great family friendly events in our guide to what’s on for kids over the Christmas holidays.

SPOTLIGHT – CHRISTMAS AT ALDERFORD

What’s On For Kids Christmas Event Summary Guides 2024

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON EVENTS

WHERE TO VISIT SANTA

PANTOS & FESTIVE FAMILY THEATRE

CHRISTMAS LIGHT TRAILS

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Family Friendly Christmas Events in Cheshire & Manchester 2024

keep scrolling down for a list of daily events

Castaway Play Christmas Alpine Retreat (Congleton)

A sell out every year, visit Santa in his magical grotto at Castway Play’s Alpine Retreat. Embark on a magical Christmas journey starting at passport control, meeting Father Christmas and on to the Elve’s workshop.  There will also be lots of unique activities and characters to meet too.

Journey to Oz at Tatton Park (Knutsford)

Be swept away on a wonderful adventure through iconic scenes from the Wizard of Oz, transformed and brought to life within the grandeur of Tatton Park’s historic mansion.

Interactive model railway at Blakemere Village (Northwich)

The 64ft model railway will be at Outdoors Cheshire from 4th Dec 2024 to 5th January 2024

Christmas at Gullivers World (Warrington)

All Christmas theme park packages at Gulliver’s World Warrington include a visit to Santa’s Grotto with the opportunity for children to choose their own gift. If you want to extend the fun then book a fantastic festive short break.

Christmas at Quarry Bank (Styal, near Wilmslow)

Tickets for all Christmas events at Quarry Bank will go on sale on Saturday 7 September.

Chester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival (Chester) 

This year, there will be 80 Christmas trees adorned with thousands of twinkly lights throughout the Cathedral. The Cloisters, the Nave & South Transept, the Chapter House, and ‘Twinkle Zone’ will be decorated, as well as two 14 foot trees outside the front of the Cathedral to welcome you in.

Manchester Christmas Ice Skating Rink (Manchester)

Skate Manchester’s family-friendly, covered ice rink will take up its usual spot in Cathedral GardensSkate around a beautiful Christmas tree and enjoy twinkling lights, the smell of gingerbread, and Christmas songs on repeat.

Squirrels Trail Winter Experience at Dunham Massey National Trust (Altrincham)

Stuff & Nonsense Theatre bring a touch of winter magic as they lead you on an immersive storytelling adventures told through their unique blend of puppetry, music and laughter.

BeWILDerwood Sparkly Lights & Panto Trail 

Explore brand new areas of BeWILDerwood as you follow The Sparkly Light Trail through the woods. Join for this mini pantomime (approx. 20 minutes) where you will see Jingles, Minty, and Sid & Nev and help them on their adventure!

North Pole Adventure at the National Forest Adventure Farm (Burton Upon Trent, Staffordshire)

A truly magical journey. Experience the wonder of Christmas on your adventure to the North Pole.

Cheshire & Manchester Christmas Events by Day 2024

The Grinch at Cockfields Farm (Oldham) 23rd November

Head to Cockfields for a mischievous day on the farm with the Grinch! Help him find his christmas cheer as you spot him roaming around the far,. Dont forget to smile at him, even though he hates Christmas!

Step Into Christmas (Macclesfield) 30th November

Welcoming Christmas to Macclesfield. Bookable Santa’s grotto, FREE crafts for kids, live music from local bands, a variety of entertainment, hot food and mulled wine, plus a craft fair from Made in Macclesfield – it’s all going on.

Plus buses in and around Macclesfield will be FREE to ride all day.

Light Up Bramhall (Bramhall) 1st December

A day of festive fun with entertainment on stage and the magical Light Up moment! There will also be a Christmas Grotto, fairground and artisan market.

Holmes Chapel Christmas Fair (Holmes Chapel) 1st December

Entertainment is provided throughout the event, by local musicians and singers … and of course Father Christmas comes to visit!

Opportunities Together Resource Hub Christmas Fair (Offerton, near Stockport) 14th December

The Christmas fair will have a tombola, raffles, crafts, homemade items for sale, cakes, tea, coffee and juice and Santa in his amazing grotto! £3 per child includes a visit with Santa and a gift.

Stockport Christmas Fair (Stockport) 14th Dec

The Snowman Film with Live Orchestra at Chester Cathedral (Chester) 23rd December

The show also includes a fun, festive introduction to the orchestra, and even a visit from the Snowman himself! This magical, festive show – performed within the splendour of Chester Cathedral – is perfect for the whole family to enjoy together, and is sure to create cherished memories.

To Be Confirmed for 2024

• Tinsel Town at The Trafford Centre (Manchester) – tbc
• Christmas at Bolesworth (Tattenhall, near Chester) tbc
• Kenyon Hall Farm Junior Farmers Christmas Specials (Warrington) tbc
• Totally Christmas (Walkden)
• Christmas in Oldham (Oldham) Kickstarting the festive season with the Oldham Christmas parade, entertainment, outdoor show, Christmas lights switch on and a fireworks finale

Chester Lantern Parade (Chester) dates tbc

A children’s procession of lanterns takes place as part of the Chester Christmas lights switch on.  Don’t miss the Chester Catherdral Christmas tree festival too.

Warrington Winter Wonderland (Warrington) dates tbc

An epic weekend of family friendly entertainment in Warrington with everything from a Christmas market to a lantern parade, fun fair, childrens workshops to street entertainers and a sound and light show.