The Best Santas Grottos in Manchester this Christmas

When it comes to Christmas, the littleuns go into a state of festive frenzy. Hunting for their dream gift to add to their lists for Santa, ambling around the house in their annual set of Christmas PJs, and helping you decorate the tree with tinsel, baubles, and a star on top for good measure - although they usually need help from the adults for that one. Yet, as we're sure you'll agree, one of the most magical memories you can have as a child around Christmas is going to see Santa in his grotto. 

When looking for Santa's grottos in Manchester we've got you more than covered. Greater Manchester is no stranger to the big man and is one of the busiest spots for him in the UK when it comes to meet and greets. If you’re ready to plunge into the festive spirit, here’s where to see Santa in Manchester this year.

Christmas Funland Festival

When: Sunday 15th December 2024

Where: George H Carnall Leisure Centre in Manchester

Over in Urmston’s Be-Active, holiday magic comes to life as the venue is transformed into a winter wonderland packed with festive thrills on the 15th of December. 

Step in and be greeted by glistening snowflakes, twinkling lights, icicles hanging from the ceiling, and life-sized snowmen welcoming you. Decorated Christmas trees will tower over you before it’s time to get stuck into the festive thrills on offer. 

From 12pm until 9pm, there’ll be all sorts of fun to dive into including incredible, realistic tributes to legends Oasis, Queen, and Adele, all-ages fairground rides, and one of the best Santa's grottos in Manchester where littluns can receive a special gift. Add the bar with cocktails, mulled wine, craft beer, and more, and you’ve got a cracking day out for all the family. There’s much more on offer but we won’t spoil it! 

Tickets for Christmas Funland Festival

Brunch With Santa At The Garden Bar & Restaurant, Monton

When: Sunday 15th December 2024

Where: The Garden Bar And Restaurant in Manchester

Eccles’ The Garden offers something a little different. Inviting you to don your best Christmas jumpers and head over for brunch with the big man himself, this one promises next-level fun. 

Complete with letter writing to Santa with help from the cheeky elves, festive face painting, Christmas singalongs, a build-your-own pancake station with plenty of toppings, games with the elves and Santa, and of course a gift from the big man, we’re certain every child in the room will be grinning from ear-to-ear from start to finish.

Grab your tickets to meet Santa for brunch below. 

Tickets for Brunch With Santa At The Garden Bar & Restaurant, Monton

Buy tickets:

The Grotto Trafford Centre

Photo: The Grotto Trafford Centre / Instagram.com 

When: multiple dates from Saturday 16th November - Tuesday 24th December 2024

Where: The Trafford Centre in Manchester

The Trafford Centre brings back its hugely successful Santa's grotto in Manchester, with multiple sessions per day from mid-November to Christmas Eve. 

This time, the grotto will be in the former Frankie & Benny's, a white building just outside The Great Hall. It’ll be transformed into The North Pole Headquarters where kids will embark on an exclusive top-secret tour with Santa’s elves.

There’ll also be some “Whispering Winter” sessions exclusively for those with special education needs or autism spectrum disorder, with quieter music, fewer visitors, and dimmer lights to ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities.  

Santa's Story Time

Photo: johnlewis.com 

When: Thursday 5th - Tuesday 24th December 2024 

Where: John Lewis, The Trafford Centre in Manchester

Another one over at The Trafford Centre, John Lewis offers story time and a craft session. Join Santa and his elves for an enchanting craft session where you’ll make a Christmas keepsake to take home. After that, it’ll be time for a story. Santa will sit everyone down and tell a story before handing out presents.

They have a few relaxed inclusive sessions for anyone who may benefit, including disabled, neurodiverse, or sensory-sensitive children.

North Pole Experience 

When: Saturday 30th November - Tuesday 24th December

Where: Reddish Vale Farm in Reddish, near Stockport (Greater Manchester) 

This family-run animal farm park is going all out for Christmas. Their incredible North Pole Experience includes a full tour of the North Pole Christmas HQ, a personal visit from Father Christmas, a visit to Father Christmas’ toy shop, and gingerbread decorating with Mrs Claus. 

But the fun doesn’t end there! You’ll also meet the Pole Office Elves, explore Elf Ville featuring the Holly Jolly Gumdrop Sweet Shop, visit Santa’s stables with his farmyard friends, build your own teddy bear, and check out the Elf Academy. Don’t forget to snap some pictures on Santa’s sleigh! 

Step Into Christmas  

When: Sat 30th November 2024

Where: Market Place in Macclesfield

Macclesfield Town Council brings us a free Christmas event this year, with free buses on selected routes all day to make attending and getting home easier. From 11am to 5pm, Macclesfield’s Market Place will be home to Step Into Christmas, where families can enjoy wholesome Christmas antics. 

There’ll be live music from local bands, free crafts for kids, a craft fair from Made in Macclesfield, hot food and mulled wine, a bookable Santa’s grotto, and plenty more entertainment. 

The Town Council will also put on other Christmas events like the Christmas Tree Festival, the Advent Window Trail, Light Up A Life, and the Twilight Market in December. 

Grinchmas Brunch 

When: Saturday 21st December 2024

Where: The Weavers Arms in Leigh, Greater Manchester

For one day only, Leigh’s Weavers Arms hosts a three-hour action-packed Christmas experience with the Grinch and Cindy Lou. 

This all-ages experience offers games, prizes, a Christmas soundtrack, and, naturally, some mischief from the Grinch. But don’t worry as Cindy Lou will be there to sprinkle in some Christmas magic, as will Santa himself, who’s keen to hear what all the kids want for Christmas and snap some pictures. 

Food is included for children, and the event team will contact ticketholders closer to the event to take note of your food preferences. Secure your tickets below!

Tickets for Grinchmas Brunch 

Christmas on the Farm!

When: multiple dates from Sunday 1st - Tuesday 24th December 2024

Where: Lancaster Park and Animal Farm in Oldham

We all know that Santa loves his animals - the man has eight reindeer for goodness sake - but this year, he's going to be testing his chops as a farmhand, getting down and dirty with the pigs and sheep at his grotto at Lancaster Park and Animal Farm. 

Here, you’ll get to hear a story from Mrs Claus in her cosy cottage, then write your letter to Santa from the log cabin. You may bump into Mr Grinch lurking around Whoville, so watch out for him! And of course, no Christmas experience would be complete without a gift from Santa. 

The farm doesn't charge for photos, so you and your family can hop in the sleigh to capture a precious memento. And since the farm is open as usual, why not feed the horses, donkeys, goats, and sheep, and meet some of the farm's furry friends while you’re there?

Santa Specials 2024 

When: Nov - 23rd, 24th, and 30th / Dec - 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, and 20th-24th 2024

Where: Bury Bolton Street Station in Bury, Greater Manchester 

What’s bound to be one of the most memorable trips of your littlun’s childhood, Bury Bolton Street Station will transform into a winter wonderland where you’ll meet Mrs Claus and a magical talking Christmas tree. 

From here, the steam train will take you on an 80-minute journey to Rawtenstall Station and back again, with loads of festive fun along the way. While you travel, Santa will visit each carriage with a gift for every little one and there will be plenty of time to have a chat with him and take a Santa selfie or two. Plus a brass band will be playing all the classics throughout the train. It's the ultimate Santa experience!

They're also doing sessions on the 23rd, 24th, and 30th of November specifically for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, with some tweaks to make the experience more enjoyable.  

Make this Christmas as magic as it can be! Check out all the brilliant festive events in Manchester this year.  

If you’re looking for grottos elsewhere in the UK, keep an eye out for our blogs covering the best Santa’s grottos in Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, York, Birmingham, Nottingham, Bristol, London, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

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