14 things to do with kids in Greater Manchester this Christmas

Christmas is such a magical time for little ones. From Santa to snowflakes, it’s a time of year full of excitement, joy and wonder for kids of all ages. All parents want for Christmas is to see the faces of their little ones light up as they take in the most wonderful time of the year but keeping them entertained throughout the build-up to the big day can sometimes be a challenge. As the Christmas holidays approach, many parents will be left looking for festive activities to captivate the little ones and help make this festive season fantastic. 

Luckily, across Greater Manchester this Christmas you’ll find lots of activities to keep little ones busy and make their Christmas one to remember. Some events are free, while some need you to purchase a ticket. However, they’re all full of seasonal sparkle that little ones will love. 

Get ready for Christmas in Santa's favourite city! Manchester's famous Christmas Markets return on the 6 November 2026, expect a festive wonderland filled with twinkling lights, seasonal treats and Christmas cheer.  These markets are a must-visit for families, with toy shops, sweet emporiums and food stalls all over Manchester City Centre to explore.

At the heart of the celebrations, Albert Square will bring even more excitement with Manchester’s Giant Santa, a vintage Helter-Skelter, life-sized selfie sleigh and spectacular 50-metre-high Ferris wheel.

Find out more. 

Over at Cathedral Gardens, Skate Manchester is back adding to the winter magic. With twinkling lights, the smell of gingerbread, Christmas songs playing on repeat and so much more, this is a Manchester tradition that makes the winter season. The stunning outdoor but covered ice rink will be in the heart of the city at Cathedral Gardens, from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

Kids can skate for free every Tuesday between 4:00pm and 6:00pm until the 18 December.

More information here. 

Manchester’s magical Christmas Parade returns for 2026, bringing festive joy, colour and Christmas cheer to the city centre. Taking to the streets on Sunday 6 December, this heartwarming highlight of the festive season promises to delight children, families and everyone young at heart. More magical details will be revealed soon.

More information here. 

Treat the family to an enchanting voyage through the magical Irwell Valley with one of the Santa Specials with East Lancashire Railway. Bury Station will be turned into a winter wonderland with singing polar bears, a magic tree, elves and even an appearance from Mrs Claus. Kids will have a ball meeting their favourite Christmas characters and singing along to seasonal songs while they wait for Santa to make his way to your carriage. If they’re nice, he may even bring them a special gift. There will also be mince pies and festive treats for the whole family to enjoy for a truly magical day out. The East Lancashire Railway Santa Special will take place on weekends between 28 November to 24 December 2026.

Learn more.  

Taking the kids to the pantomime and their favourite festive stories is a Christmas tradition in many families and it’s one that is full of laughs and festive fun. This year, at Lowry, younger children can join The Jolly Christmas Postman on a snowy adventure filled with familiar fairytale characters, live music, original songs and plenty of Christmas magic. Families can also experience A Christmas Carol, as Charles Dickens’ timeless festive tale comes to life in a spectacular, immersive production filled with music, merriment and Christmas spirit.

Over at the Opera House, Dick Whittington delivers all the fun of a traditional Manchester panto. Starring Jason Manford and Ben Nickless, expect big laughs, boos and hisses, dazzling costumes and spectacular sets.

Find out more. 

Nothing will light up their faces this Christmas like a festive light show and this Christmas season you can let it glow at Salford’s RHS Garden Bridgewater. Glow is RHS Garden Bridgewater’s after-dark showcase, and it promises to be enchanting. The garden will be lit up in breathtaking light displays with a sparkling new trail full of festive colour and glitter. There’s a magical family discovery trail inspired by local folklore, a dramatic fountain display, colourful projections and more. Glow 2026 runs from 26 November to 30 December. 

More information here.  

Make magical family memories at Northern Lights Manchester as Heaton Park transforms into A Christmas Time Machine. Follow a dazzling mile-long trail featuring 14 light installations, interactive surprises and festive favourites, before enjoying vintage fairground rides, marshmallow toasting and treats in the Christmas Village.

Running 19 November to 31 December 2026, it’s a sparkling festive adventure for the whole family to enjoy together.

Find out more here. 

Climb aboard The Polar Express™ Train Ride at Churnet Valley Railway and journey through the beautiful Staffordshire countryside towards the North Pole. Perfect for a festive family day out from Manchester, expect plenty of Christmas magic along the way, complete with a warming hot chocolate and delicious cookie. A memorable adventure for little ones and grown-ups alike, it’s a wonderful way to make special Christmas memories together

More information here. 

The magic returns, bigger and brighter than ever with Land of Lights and Lanterns Festival at Gulliver's World. Take the family on a dazzling adventure through spectacular illuminations, from majestic monuments and roaring dinosaurs to colourful dreamworlds. Along the way, discover magical photo spots, tuck into tasty treats and make memories together. Suitable for all ages, with free parking and dedicated dog-friendly nights, it’s a sparkling festive experience the whole family can enjoy.

Learn more. 

Step into a glowing winter wonderland as Christmas at Dunham Massey celebrates its 10th anniversary. Families can follow a magical mile-long trail filled with dazzling lights, immersive sounds, new projections and plenty of picture-perfect moments. Look out for Father Christmas along the way, enjoy festive fairground fun and warm up with hot chocolate and seasonal treats.

Running 20 November 2026 to 2 January 2027, it’s a magical Christmas adventure for all ages.

Find out more here. 

Get ready for a Christmas experience bursting with fun as the HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto arrives at Trafford Centre. Families can step inside a colourful world of sweet surprises, playful challenges and festive fun, before joining Santa on his mission to find the best Holly Jolly elves. Running from 29 November to 13 December 2026, it’s a joyful Christmas adventure for little ones and grown-ups to enjoy together.

Find out more. 

Step into the magical world of Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas at Arley Hall & Gardens. Join Jack Skellington, Sally and Zero on an immersive light trail filled with dazzling illuminations, 3D sculptures, iconic music and memorable scenes from the much-loved film. Running 22 October to 27 December 2026, it’s a wonderfully spooky festive adventure for families to experience together.

Find out more.  

Make magical memories without spending a penny at two spectacular family events this November.

At Put Big Light On Festival in Bolton, discover four evenings of dazzling light installations, giant illuminated characters, interactive artworks and roaming performers from 19 to 22 November.

Then head to Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday on 15 November, where more than 200 performers bring the town centre to life with giant puppets, circus shows, live music and festive surprises, finishing with a huge drumming parade and Christmas lights switch-on.

Two brilliant free days out packed with colour, creativity and Christmas magic for the whole family.

Find out more.  

Make magical memories aboard a Santa Cruise from Salford Quays this Christmas. Little ones can enjoy a festive journey along the Manchester Ship Canal, complete with music, entertainment and a special visit to Father Christmas in his floating grotto. Every child will receive a gift from Santa, cookie and juice, while grown-ups can enjoy a mince pie and mulled wine.

Running 21 November to 23 December 2026, it’s a wonderfully different way for the whole family to celebrate Christmas together.

More information here. 

To find out about more events across the city-region, visit our What’s On page.