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 2025.  For more festive experiences, check out the Christmas Light Trail Experience guide.

SPOTLIGHT – COCKFIELDS FARM PARK CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

Cockfields Farm Park’s award winning Christmas experience returns for 2025. The full experience starts will combine all your favorite parts from the last five years into one magical event and new for 2025 the Cockfields Express to take you on a journey to the North Pole to meet Father Christmas in his grotto.

Where to Visit Santa in Cheshire & Greater Manchester 2025

New for 2025, Lapland comes to Cheshire.  While it might be called Lapland Manchester, it’s actually located a bit further south in Cheshire.  If you missed out getting tickets in March when they were released, the top tip is to check their website again in September for cancellations or tickets returned.

Castaway Mini 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. (Congleton)

Alderford Santa Island Experience  – You are invited to embark on a magical adventure across the lake to discover the story of Santa and his elves.  Check out our Santa’s Island review  – 2025 details or tickets not yet released

Santa’s Grotto at Step Into Christmas – Expect music, magic, activities and entertainment all day long as we kick start Christmas in Macclesfield. (Macclesfield) November 2025 dates tbc

Reddish Vale Farm North Pole Experience – tickets are on sale for the 2025 Santa grotto experience. The magical journey includes lots of festive fun on your way to meet Father Christmas (Reddish, near Stockport)

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)

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 6th to 24th December 2025

East Lancashire Railway – Santa Specials are back for 2025. Immerse yourself into the festive atmosphere as you take a steam train trip with a host of happy elves and Father Christmas himself.

Knowsley Safari – Create festive memories and watch as your little ones’ face lights up as they meet Santa and his elves in their workshop. (Prescot) Tickets not released yet for 2025

The Dunham Barn – As the Christmas lights twinkle, step into a world of wonder and enchantment at The Dunham Barns Santa’s Grotto. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit and embark on a memorable journey that will leave you filled with joy and excitement. (Dunham Massey)

Quarry Bank – Wish lists at the ready! Join 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) Tickets not yet released for 2025

Jingle Ville at Lower Drayton Farm – Step into a world straight out of a storybook as you explore the charming town of Jingle-Ville – the perfect backdrop for your family’s Christmas adventure.

The Grotto at The Trafford Centre is making a grand return! They’ll be pulling out all the stops to make the 2025 experience even more mesmerising.

The Hayloft – Christmas experience not announced yet for 2025 (Widnes)

Magical Malpas PYO Farm – details for 2025 not yet released

Stockport Plaza – Since 1944 Breakfast with Santa has been a family tradition in The Plaza Café, taking place on 29th November 2025 (Stockport)

Arley Hall & Gardens – not confirmed for 2025

Knutsford Christmas Market – taking place on 29th & 30th November 2025, this year the market will be a 2 day event on Princess Street, Silk Mill Street and the middles section of King Street, bringing the whole town alive with Christmas spirit.  Details of a Santa’s grotto not confirmed for 2025 (Knutsford)

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) 2025 tbc

Lancashire Mining Museum Santa Specials – Santa specials will run on 13th and 14th December 2025 (Astley, Manchester)

Dragon Miniature Railway – Trains to visit Santa in his Grotto will commence on the first Saturday in December, every weekend up until Christmas Eve, there are also two weekdays we will be open before the last weekend (Marple, near Stockport)

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

Lancashire Santa’s Grottos