Christmas is a magical time for kids and meeting Father Christmas is a highlight of the year for little ones.  There are lots of Christmas experiences, Santa’s Grotto and special events on all around Cheshire and Manchester.  Prices and activities vary greatly so we’ve rounded up a good selection of what’s on and where to visit Santa in Manchester and Cheshire in 2023.  For more festive experiences, check out the Christmas Light Trail Experience guide.

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Blackpool Pleasure Beach is once again sprinkling some magic fairy dust and opening the doors to its popular Christmas Grotto event this November.  A true winter wonderland, the Grotto is a magical experience where little ones can not only meet Santa, but also marvel at a winter wonderland including games, food and warming drinks, then take a magical ride on Alice in Wonderland.  25th November to 24th December

Where to Visit Santa in Cheshire & Greater Manchester 2023

Cockfield’s Farm Park – 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.

Castaway Mini Alpine Retreat – Visit Santa in his magical grotto and receive a Christmas.  Experience the Winter Wonderland indoor snow play area and enjoy a snowball fight with all the family. (Congleton)

Totally Christmas – Suitable for all ages, enjoy an hour of themed rooms, find the answer to the puzzle and move on to the next before meeting Santa (Walkden) Back for 2023 with exact dates to be confirmed

Stockport Plaza – Since 1944 Breakfast with Santa has been a family tradition in The Plaza Café and this festive season it returns for you and your little ones to enjoy. (Stockport)

Arley Hall & Gardens – Sneaky Experience returns to Arley Hall this December with a brand new festive tale!  The journey finishes with a visit from Father Christmas.(Northwich) 20th – 24th Dec

Knutsford Christmas Market – the Christmas market will take places on 2nd and 3rd December. You can find Santa’s Grotto in Silk Mill Street, a hot food and drink street market in Canute Place alongside incredible live entertainment and the funfair on Princess Street car park. (Knutsford)

Christmas at Bolesworth  – as well as the festive lights trail there will be a Santa’s grotto, ice rink and more. (Tattenhall, near Chester)

Santa’s Grotto at Gullivers World – Escape to Gulliver’s World for a festive family adventure. Look out for Elfie mischief, fairy fun, snowy surprises and meet Father Christmas. (Warrington)

East Lancashire Railway – Santa Specials are back for 2023. Immerse yourself into the festive atmosphere as you take a steam train trip with a host of happy elves and Father Christmas himself.

Lancaster Park –  Journey through a magical Christmas grotto, greet elves along the way, listend to a Christmas story from Mrs Claus, write your letter to Santa then meeting Father Christmas himself. Select dates from 2nd to 24th December 2023

Alderford’s Santa Island Experience – Embark on a magical adventure across the lake to discover the story of Santa and his elves! (Whitchurch)

Lancashire Mining Museum Santa Specials – taking place on 10th, 16th and 17th December (Astley, Manchester)

Reddish Vale Farm – (Reddish, near Stockport)

Embark on a magical journey to visit Father Christmas in his north pole headquarters. Head to passport control to collect your passport so you’re ready to travel, the elves are on hand to check you have everything you need for your journey. Then your off through the spellbound time travel portal to arrive at Father Christmas’s workshop.

The Hayloft – Join the elves for some fun in their enchanting workshop, including making magical reindeer food ready to sprinkle on your lawn on Christmas Eve! Then enter the magical grotto to enjoy a story from Santa and receive a gift for each child and finish the experience with a ride on the Miniature Christmas Railway.(Widnes)

Knowsley Safari – Create festive memories and watch as your little ones’ face lights up as they meet Santa and his elves in their workshop. Each child will receive a special, limited edition cuddly toy as well as a goody bag full of treats for you to take home and enjoy. (Prescot)

The Dunham Barn – The Christmas grotto is running on selected dates  (Dunham Massey)

Quarry Bank – Wish lists at the ready! Join us for a special 30-minute session of festive activities and crafts, including a private family visit to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift. (Styal, Wilmslow)

Jingle Ville at Lower Drayton Farm

Embark on an unforgettable journey that begins with a whimsical tractor trailer ride, surrounded by the beauty of twinkling lights and the crisp winter air. There’s entertainment and of course the chance to meet Father Christmas.

If you’re in the festive mood you might also like these Cheshire events guides

Christmas Lights Switch on dates

Cheshire Christmas Light Trail Experiences

Cheshire Christmas Events