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Festive Family Fun | Illuminated Trails | Christmas Walks | Meet Father Christmas | Christmas Shopping | Indulgent Treats for Grown-ups
1. The magic returns to Cathedral Gardens this winter with a bigger than ever real ice rink at Skate Manchester. Enjoy skating by starlight under the cover of the rink’s roof, meaning you can skate in any weather and enjoy the atmosphere.
2. Treat the whole family to a magical trip through a winter wonderland as you kick start your Christmas on one of the Santa Specials with East Lancashire Railway.
3. 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’.
4. 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.
5. Steam into Christmas with a Festive Diner and enjoy a steam train journey through Lancashire's very own winter wonderland.
6. Visit Silcock's Winter Wonderland for a fun-filled action-packed family day. You can expect an unmissable magical festive adventure, featuring over 50 rides and attractions all under one roof.
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.
8. Enjoy an award-winning production, Stick Man, that features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.
9. Get into the festive spirit at a friendly social distanced Christmas performance at an outdoor venue with Car Park Panto: Horrible Histories.
10. Journey around a festive Wythenshawe Park as we help Ellie the Elf; Father Christmas' chief toymaker look for her tools in order to save Christmas!
11. 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 600sq feet of shimmering ice.
12. Can you rescue Christmas? Santa has locked himself in his workshop, the elves are panicking, Mrs Claus is not happy, the reindeers are offering little help. Solve the clues with Breakout Unboxed and save Christmas.
13. Meet Twinkle and the Mechanical Light Machine this Christmas that will guide you through a captivating story about the power of the light within every child.
14. Sing along to iconic Christmas Classics at The Bridgewater Hall and be part of the ultimate party with all your favourites wrapped up in one great show.
15. Visit Christmas City- Drive in Cinema for a merry and bright experience complete with real life Santa’s elves, interactive seasonal experiences, your favourite classic Christmas movies and much more. Christmas City is an immersive event that will enchant and warm the hearts of all who enter for a Christmas like no other.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. Discover new immersive installations as the magical Christmas Light Trail at Dunham Massey is set to be bigger and better than ever.
19. For the very first time, join RHS Garden Bridgewater for Glow and see the garden in a whole new light. Follow the sparkling trail around the garden and discover RHS Garden Bridgewater transformed as spectacular illuminations light up the night.
20. 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.
21. Step into a magical outdoor experience with dazzling lighting and supreme sound in the depths of Cheshire woodland.
22. Set on an enchanting journey at Walton Gardens, where a spectacular, illuminated trail awaits you.
23. Take part in this night-time woodland trail experience filled with magical creatures and wizarding wonders from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
24. 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.
25. Breath in some fresh air as you circle around Hollingworth Lake, which is set against the dramatic backdrop of Blackstone Edge.
26. 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.
27. Boggart Hole Clough is a perfect spot for that post-Christmas lunch walk. It is steeped in history and combines several picturesque cloughs varying from steep ravines to gentle sloping gullies.
28. Kersal Wetlands will reward you with views of the Manchester skyline, the woodlands of Kersal Dale and the shimmering River Irwell. Perfect spot for family walks and cycling.
29. Explore the historic gem- Worsley Delph, which once was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution and now is a tranquil beauty spot.
30. Meet the big man himself and his trusty elf sidekick at Selfridges Manchester Exchange Square this Christmas. In the bookable 5-minute slots, children will be able to let Santa know what’s on their Christmas list, have a photograph taken with him and receive a candy cane to take home.
31. Twinkly lights, real snow and a magical grotto can only mean one thing - Santa has come to Chill Factore. Treat all the family to the ultimate Christmas experience with a snowy visit to see Santa himself.
32. This Christmas why not join in for the time of your life at the Magical North Pole Adventure, where you can enjoy a private family visit to see Santa in his Magical Grotto, visit the Bear Workshop to build your very own Teddy Bear or have a nosey through the Elf Village.
33. 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 own magical reindeer food in the Mill to take home and sprinkle around on Christmas Eve!
34. Wish lists at the ready! Join in for a special half-hour session of festive storytelling and crafts, including a private family visit to Father Christmas and a gift at Quarry Bank this Christmas.
35. Join on a magical tour within the Wythenshawe Hall for a theatrical, interactive, story-telling experience.
36. Make the build-up to Christmas extra special by meeting Father Christmas at Knowsley Safari. This magical moment will see you and your family meeting Santa in his very own living room plus an opportunity to capture the memory on camera and take your very own framed photo home with you.
37. Get your festive shopping fix at The Trafford Centre, with everyone's favourite brands including Selfridges, Michael Kors, Molton Brown, Victoria’s Secret and Goldsmiths.
38. Or, you can of course find a huge selection of exciting shops from the leading high street names such as Apple, Fossil, River Island and Pandora to lots of smaller, stylish specialists at Manchester Arndale.
39. 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.
40. Encourage your friends to unleash their inner Chef with a place on one of Food Sorcery's Cookery Classes, or purchase a voucher for them to choose themselves!
41. Join Manchester Urban Diggers at Platt Fields Market Garden for their first-ever Winter Garden Market. You will find local makers, gifts and crafts, hot and cold food and drinks, kids activities, workshops, winter trail, a bar serving boozy hot chocs, mulled wine and more all under a huge, cosy marquee with seating, heaters and live music throughout the day.
42. 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.
43. Take the stresses and strains out of Christmas Day, celebrate the day and enjoy time with friends and family in the luxurious surroundings of The River Restaurant. Enjoy a glass of Prosecco on arrival followed by a delicious meal and festive fun.
44. 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.
45. Spend time and relax with your nearest and dearest whilst being looked after ever so splendidly by Hotel Gotham's Cast & Crew. Immerse yourself into a day of fine food, exquisite drinks and entertainment, and of course - some fabulous company.
46. Step through the hidden doors and explore the Secret Hidden Christmas Festival with live performances, festival food stalls and a themed bar serving mulled wine, fizz, cocktails and craft ales.
47. Be a guest in your own city and embark on a gastronomic adventure with Scranchester Tours. The tour will reveal fascinating facts about Manchester food history, touch on food science and take in some magnificent local food along the way.
48. It’s the season for being merry and, of course, eating wonderfully indulgent dishes. Join in for the Festive Cookery Experience and learn how to make special dishes that will add sparkle to your Christmas menu.
49. Experience Manchester Christmas Market with a professional local guide and you will have a chance to hear magical stories about Christmas legends, spells and traditions.
50. Enjoy karaoke, curling, duelling piano performances, street food, cocktails and more at Clubhouse's pop-up venue at Spinningfields Square. Plus, don’t forget to take a photo in front of the 20ft Christmas Tree!
51. Treat your loved ones to the taste of Japan this Christmas with Shoryu Ramen's at home kits. The kits come with everything you need to make awesome Shoryu at home. From Ganso Tonkotsu and White Natural soymilk ramen to BBQ pork buns and cocktails, all you have to do is follow the steps.
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