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Festive Family Fun | Illuminated Trails | Christmas Walks | Meet Father Christmas | Christmas Shopping | Indulgent Treats for Grown-ups
1. Treat the family to an enchanting voyage through the magical Irwell Valley, as you kick start your Christmas on one of the Santa Specials with East Lancashire Railway.
2. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without settling down in front of Raymond Brigg’s classic animated film, The Snowman. Bring everyone to watch whilst the Hallé performs Howard Blake’s magical score live, including a chorister singing ‘Walking in the Air’.
3. UK’s biggest Family festive Ice Show, Snowstorm, is coming to Trafford Centre this Christmas. You can expect 16 top ice skaters, international circus stars and 200sq feet of shimmering ice.
4. Don’t stay Home Alone this Christmas. Join the Manchester Concert Orchestra for a magical evening of Christmas treats at this concert of timeless classics stuffed full of great music from your favourite festive films.
5. Can you rescue Christmas? Santa has locked himself in his workshop, the elves are panicking, Mrs Claus is not happy, and the reindeers are offering little help. Solve the clues with Breakout Unboxed and save Christmas.
6. Meet up with friends and family in Tatton Park’s Stableyard for the much-loved Christmas Carols and sing-along to Christmas classics with the King Edward Musical Society Band and choir.
7. Give that special and unforgettable gift of a magical Christmas experience to the ones you love and visit Winter Funland, UK's largest indoor fairground with unlimited rides and an ice rink included in the price of each ticket.
8. Join Peter Pan as he sets sail on a brand-new adventure this Christmas. With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan will take your whole family on a swashbuckling trip to Neverland like never before!
9. Join in on an enchanted adventure from Sneaky Experience throughout Lyme to help save Christmas! This spellbinding festive adventure ends with an opportunity to meet Father Christmas, tell him your Christmas wish, take photographs and receive a gift.
10. Oh no, Father Christmas has lost his map on a practice run of his delivery route! Thankfully the Hallé has found it but they need help to return it to him ahead of the big day! You can expect singing, dancing and best of all, a full symphony orchestra will bring the adventure to life.
11. Toast the Christmas spirit with Charles Dickens and celebrate the very best of Victorian carols, classics and a selection of readings from Dickens's Christmas Carol.
12. Many of us will know a little girl or boy who would delight at the thought of a personalised Christmas letter from the one and only Santa Claus himself. Order one of the special Christmas letters with free delivery and watch their little face light up as they start to open it...
13. From the writer of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz comes the world premiere of Claus The Musical. With spellbinding songs from Andy Collyer, heart-warming storytelling, enchanting sets, and a whole load of festive fun discover the story of Claus and how he became a man forever in our hearts, and on Christmas Eve, forever in our skies.
14. Lightopia is returning to Heaton Park! Enjoy the award-winning and visually spectacular lantern and light festival. Explore interactive exhibits, immersive light installations, and the magical illuminated trail.
15. Head to the family favourite The Lanterns at Chester Zoo and watch the little ones’ eyes light up and their imaginations run wild on a magical night-time journey.
16. Discover new immersive installations as the magical Christmas Light Trail at Dunham Massey returns for 2022. Enjoy time together with friends and family as you discover sparkling tunnels of light and dancing lakeside reflections, then walk under giant baubles and beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
17. Let it Glow! Enjoy an unmissable after-dark spectacle of lights at RHS Garden Bridgewater this festive season. See the garden in breathtaking beauty and follow amazing displays lighting a wonderful new route.
18. Come along with your friends, family and loved ones to discover sparkling tunnels of light at Delamere Forest. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled, especially if you have little ones, as you might just glimpse Father Christmas along the way.
19. Step into a magical outdoor experience with dazzling lighting and supreme sound in the depths of Cheshire woodland.
20. Take part in the night-time woodland trail experience filled with magical creatures and wizarding wonders from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
21. Set on an enchanting journey at Walton Gardens, where a spectacular, illuminated trail awaits you.
22. Stroll through Fletcher Moss Park and take in the natural beauty of the place. The park has some lovely features such as the rock and heather gardens, as well as an Alpine house in the gardens adjacent to Fletcher Moss and The Alpine Tea Room, the perfect place to pick up a hot chocolate en route.
23. Breathe in some fresh air as you circle around Hollingworth Lake, which is set against the dramatic but stunning backdrop of Blackstone Edge. This award-winning tourist destination is a tranquil beauty spot for you to escape to this festive season.
24. Wander around the Worsley Village and take some pictures of beautiful black and white buildings. If you stroll further to the Worsley woods, you will be able to see The Aviary, a mock Tudor house. It’s also not far from the historic Worsley Delph an old sandstone quarry near Worsley Brook for some real insight into Worsley’s history and heritage.
25. Mayfield Park is Manchester’s newest public park to open in over 100 years and makes the perfect city centre walk this Christmas. For a longer walk, why not tie it in with a stroll down Manchester’s canal paths and take in the magic of the city at Christmas time?
26. Kersal Wetlands will reward you with views of the Manchester skyline, the woodlands of Kersal Dale and the shimmering River Irwell. It’s the perfect spot for family walks, dog walking and cycling making it a great day out for anybody who wants to get outdoors.
27. Wigan Pier’s Canalside trail is rich in heritage and nature. Choose to walk one of three routes all starting at the famous pier. The first will immerse you in nature as it takes you to Leigh Bridge through Pennington Flash one of the North West’s best birdwatching sites. The second is all about history as you pass Haigh Hall and the 18th Century Arley Hall and Woods. The third is the best of both worlds as you take in nature and heritage on the way to Appley Bridge.
28. Visit Father Christmas and his elf helpers in a festive grotto at the Tatton Park Farm. Don't forget to take your photo in Santa’s sleigh and make your magical reindeer food in the Mill to take home and sprinkle around on Christmas Eve!
29. Wish lists at the ready! Join in for a special half-hour session of festive songs and crafts, including a private family visit to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift at Quarry Bank this Christmas.
30. Join Santa onboard the Community Spirit canal boat for a festive 35-minute round trip along the canals of Tameside with songs, stories, and presents with Santa! Each ticket includes a snack for the children and a mince pie or cake and a hot drink for the grownups.
31. Make the build-up to Christmas extra special by booking to visit Santa at Knowsley Safari. Wander through the woods past glistening lights and enjoy a warming cup of hot chocolate as you make your way to Santa’s Grotto.
32. Journey through the magical Christmas Grotto and join Mrs Claus for a Christmas story, meet Santa, snap a family photo or take a seat in Santa’s sleigh at Lancaster Park and Animal Farm.
33. Join the elves at the Hayloft for some fun workshops, take a ride on the miniature railway and end the day with a gift and story from Santa himself.
34. Get your festive shopping fix at The Trafford Centre, with everyone's favourite brands including Selfridges, Michael Kors, Molton Brown, Russell & Bromley and Goldsmiths.
35. Or, you can of course find a huge selection of exciting shops from the leading high street names such as Fossil, Paperchase and Pandora to lots of smaller, stylish specialists at Manchester Arndale.
36. Find your favourite local traders at Manchester Christmas Markets. You can expect mouth-watering international food, drinks and delicately crafted Yuletide gifts in the heart of the buzzing city.
37. Encourage your friends to unleash their inner Chef with a place in one of Food Sorcery's Cookery Classes, or purchase a voucher for them to choose themselves!
38. A unique shopping experience is coming to Tatton Park this December. You will get a chance to meet local suppliers selling jewellery, crafts and food gifts.
39. The popular Artisan Markets are back at The Stoller Hall. Come and join in for a warm drink, plus you can listen to live music, and grab a mince pie – and maybe even Santa will make an appearance…?
40. Escape to a magical Winter Island, filled with amazing food, drinks, entertainment, trinkets and treasures. You can expect 12 restaurants, mulled wine barrel bar, a live fire grill, a rooftop ice rink and so much more!
41. Be a guest in your own city and embark on a gastronomic adventure with Scranchester Tours. The tour will reveal fascinating facts about Manchester's food history, touch on food science and take in some magnificent local food along the way.
42. It’s the season for being merry and, of course, eating wonderfully indulgent dishes. Join the Festive Cookery Experience and learn to make show-stopping recipes worthy of a festive feast that will wow your loved ones and help you to celebrate the season in style.
43. Spoil yourself this Christmas and book an indulgent Christmas stay at Dakota Manchester with Christmas Eve dinner and a fully cooked breakfast on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
44. The former head Gardener’s Cottage at Tatton Park is the perfect location for a festive celebratory Afternoon Tea. Enjoy the special Christmas menu with handmade cakes and pastries, festive favourite finger sandwiches and savoury tarts.
45. Enjoy a magical Christmas concert by flickering candlelight in the beautiful setting of St Ann's Church. The exceptional musicians of the Piccadilly Sinfonietta will be performing masterpieces by Chopin, Corelli and Vivaldi.
46. Steam into Christmas with a Christmas Dinner and enjoy a steam train journey through Lancashire's very own winter wonderland.
47. Treat yourself and your loved ones at the edible gift class. Not only will you enjoy a fun afternoon whilst brushing up on your baking skills, but you’ll also create scrumptious culinary sweet treats – the perfect gourmet gift.
48. Looking for a gift for a beer lover? Then look no further and book some gift vouchers for an unforgettable Craft Beer journey through Manchester, where you will visit both craft beer bars and breweries, sampling a variety of locally produced beers.
49. Love Actually, the star-studded rom-com that has become a Christmas classic, returns to The Bridgewater Hall with a full orchestra performing its soundtrack live to screen.
50. Your favourite Strictly stars, Aljaz and Janette, invite you to the ultimate Yuletide jukebox and a show full of family-filled merry-making. See the fabulous cast create tidings and joy performing festive feasts from the Golden Age of Hollywood to Disney Christmas crackers.
51. Get into the Christmas spirit at a special Festive Supper Club. You'll cook along with the expert tutors to make a gorgeous festive meal before sitting down to enjoy it.
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