What's on in Cheshire

What’s On For Kids: Christmas Events in Cheshire 2023
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.
FEATURED – COCKFIELD’S CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE
Cockfield’s immersive experience kicks off at Passport Control, where the children receive their very own passports. Guided by the chief Elf, they are introduced to Santa. Next, visit the North Pole Sorting Office before continuing to Elf Village, where they have the chance to snuggle with the fluffy animals, then later a visit to Mrs. Claus’s kitchen to decorate delectable biscuits. A stop at the Animal Barn introduces them to Prancer and Dancer and an opportunity to create your own Reindeer dust. The day concludes at the Elf Academy.
What’s On For Kids Christmas Event Summary Guides 2023
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON EVENTS
PANTOS & FESTIVE FAMILY THEATRE
Family Friendly Christmas Events in Cheshire & Manchester 2023
keep scrolling down for a list of daily events
Manchester Christmas Ice Skating Rink
Skate Manchester’s family-friendly, covered ice rink will take up its usual spot in Cathedral Gardens until 2nd January. Skate 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)
Tinsel Town is back at The Trafford Centre for Christmas fun with kids. Celebrate the festive season with the outdoor fairground, Gandeys Circus SNOWSTORM 3 spectacular ice show, winter ice rink – all outside The Great Hall.
Welcome to Wonderland at Tatton Park (Knutsford)
Step into a magical Christmas Mansion, down the rabbit hole and find yourself in the magical world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
Macclesfield Christmas Tree Festival (Macclesfield) select dates 1st – 22nd Dec
Step inside the historic Christ Church and enjoy a range of illuminated Christmas trees decorated by groups and organisations from all over Macclesfield.
Castaway Play Christmas Alpine Retreat (Congleton)
Castaway Play’s all new Christmas experience includes meeting Santa, an indoor winter wonderland, storytime, crafts and more
Christmas at Dunham Massey National Trust (Altrincham)
Masses of twinkling lights and giant glowing deer welcome you to the beautiful and iconic atmosphere of Dunham Massey after dark.
Jolly Robin’s Christmas Party at Dunham Massey National Trust (Altrincham)
Join in the fun this Christmas with a very merry, interactive storytelling adventure! Celebrate with Jolly Robin and their woodland friends at their festive party.
Christmas at Bolesworth (Tattenhall, near Chester)
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)
The windows of more than 30 of Macclesfield’s local businesses are being transformed for this years Christmas trail
Featuring Mr & Mrs Claus, festive lights, sounds and interactive fun, in the beautiful Cheshire Countryside.
Interactive model railway at Blakemere Village (Northwich)
The 64ft model railway will be at Outdoors Cheshire from 16th Dec 2023 to 7th January 2024
Christmas at Gullivers World (Warrington)
A winter wonderland with Christmas rides, show and attractions and new for 2023 Land of Lights
Snowstorm Northern Lights at The Trafford Centre (Manchester)
Dynamic ice skaters sit with breath-taking aerial acrobatics of circus Superstars plus a little comedy to compliment the classical. State of the art special effects will have you on the edge of your seat.
BeWILDerwood Sparkly Lights & Panto Trail
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!
Christmas at Quarry Bank (Styal, near Wilmslow)
Enjoy a magical family Christmas at Quarry Bank. Delight as your little ones meet Father Christmas, marvel at the Snow Queen and watch their eyes light up with the sparkle of winter lights.
Kenyon Hall Farm Junior Farmers Christmas Specials
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 2023
The Grinch at Cockfield’s Farm (Oldham) 18th – 19th Nov
Whether you love or hate Christmas, you’ll be guaranteed a fun day on the farm! The Grinch will be here to meet you and oversee some craft and game activities…what could possibly go wrong!
Christmas in Oldham (Oldham) 19th Nov FREE
Kickstarting the festive season with the Oldham Christmas parade, entertainment, outdoor show, Christmas lights switch on and a fireworks finale
Stockport Christmas Event (Stockport) 19th Nov FREE
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) 23rd Nov
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.