What's on in Cheshire
What’s On For Kids: Christmas Events in Cheshire 2024
20 November - 31 December
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
You are invited to embark on a magical adventure across the lake to discover the story of Santa and his elves. Details for Alderfords Santa Island Experience 2024 coming soon.
The real ice rink at Alderford Lakes returns for the festive season. More details to be released soon.
What’s On For Kids Christmas Event Summary Guides 2024
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON EVENTS
PANTOS & FESTIVE FAMILY THEATRE
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 – tbc
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.
Tinsel Town at The Trafford Centre (Manchester) – tbc
Celebrate the festive season with the outdoor fairground, Gandeys Circus SNOWSTORM 3 spectacular ice show, winter ice rink – all outside The Great Hall.
Christmas event at Dunham Massey National Trust (Altrincham) – tbc
Last year Dunham Massey had a merry, interactive storytelling adventure! 2024 tbc
Christmas at Bolesworth (Tattenhall, near Chester) tbc
Christmas in Cheshire at Bolesworth will feature a festive lights trail, an amazing 240sqm real ice skating rink, Santa’s Grotto and more
Macclesfield Advent Trail (Macclesfield) – tbc
The windows of more than 30 of Macclesfield’s local businesses are being transformed for this years Christmas trail
BeWILDerwood Sparkly Lights & Panto Trail – tbc
Explore brand new areas of BeWILDerwood as you follow The Sparkly Light Trail through the woods. Join for this ten-minute mini pantomime where you will learn what Santa Claus is doing visiting the WILD woods!
Kenyon Hall Farm Junior Farmers Christmas Specials – tbc
Get into the seasonal spirit with a hands-on session learning about Christmas on the farm. The session includes a tractor rides, creative festive activities and planting a bulb to bring home. (Croft, near Warrington)
Cheshire & Manchester Christmas Events by Day 2024
Step Into Christmas (Macclesfield) 30th November FREE
Welcoming Christmas to Macclesfield. This free event will have a Santa’s grotto, crafts, music, entertainment, food & drink and craft fair.
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.
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.
Christmas in Oldham (Oldham) tbc
Kickstarting the festive season with the Oldham Christmas parade, entertainment, outdoor show, Christmas lights switch on and a fireworks finale
Stockport Christmas Event (Stockport) tbc
An enchanting journey through the town’s shopping streets, Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday will be filled with a huge line-up of over 60 breath-taking shows featuring 220 artists alongside roaming acts, carnival fun, live music and festive food stalls – all guaranteed to capture the imaginations of youngsters whilst bringing extraordinary entertainment to families on a scale not seen before across the town.
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.
Congleton Christmas Lights Switch on (Congleton) 24th Nov FREE
The fun begins at 4pm, with the big switch on at 6pm. The evening will be packed full of free entertainment and lots of Christmas cheer for the whole family.
Warrington Winter Wonderland (Warrington) 24th – 25th Nov FREE
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.
Step Into Christmas (Macclesfield) 25th Nov FREE
A day of fun, music and festivities. with stilt-walkers, jugglers, face-painting, crafting, live music and more, all under the beautiful Macclesfield Christmas lights.
Wilmslow Winter Wonderland 8th – 10th Dec
Wilsmlow Winter Wonderland event starts with the town centre Christmas lights switch-0n in November . Enjoy Christmas experience including props, games, singing, festive food and drink, Santas Grotto and ice skating
Enjoy an hour of themed rooms, find the answer to the puzzle and move on to the next.
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.
The Nutcracker Christmas Experience at Arley Hall & Gardens 20th – 24th Dec
Across five rooms in the stunning Arley Hall, you and your family will experience a festive theatre performance like no other – where you’re part of the magical show, and anything can happen.
