Christmas Festive Season – In Manchester UK and Around

Christmas Festive Season – In Manchester UK and Around

 This article has nothing what so ever to do with Tablets I have included it because it is where I live and I think we should all promote our local area especially at this time of year.

The festive season in and around Manchester UK is swinging into gear with special shows, festive markets, pantomimes and loads more for the Manchester and surrounding areas. I have gathered a few here not in any particular order nor in importance, just to high light what you can find if you search around your local papers and sometimes by just visiting your local councils website.

Tatton Park – Christmas Lantern Parade, November 29, 6pm – Entry FREE

Take the kids to welcome Father Christmas and his reindeer to Tatton Park. Visitors are invited to light Father Christmas’ route with their own lanterns as he makes his way through the twilight park and to Tatton’s festive stableyard. Children can bring along their Christmas lists to pop into a special posting box and say hello to Santa’s two favourite reindeer's, Dancer and Prancer. Visitors are also able to bring along any unwanted toys to donate to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. The Gift Fair, shops and restaurant will be open for seasonal shopping and dining until 7:30pm.

For more information call Bridget Roberts on 01625374405

Knowsley Safari Park

Breakfast with Santa, December 22 and 23 Knowsley Safari Park.

Santa will be taken a break from all his hard work in the North Pole to meet some wild animals at Knowsley Safari Park. He will be sitting down to a number of unforgettable festive breakfasts at the park is inviting youngsters to join him in his enchanted grotto. A breakfast feast will be laid out in the Oasis restaurant, before Santa will take all the family on a fun filled journey around Mizzy Lake.

Check availability and booking call 0151 430 9009

Now here’s an unusual one.

National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield

Santa Underground, November 30 – December 23 10am onwards

Get kitted out with a helmet and lamp to descend 140m underground to Santa’s grotto. Visitors will have to make their way along a special snowy walkway to find Santa tell him what they want for Christmas. There is also the option of enjoying festive food, with offers available on lunches, snacks and treats.

You are advised that early booking is essential if you do not want to miss this unusual experience. More info call 01924 848806.

Manchester European Vacation

Manchester welcomes the familiar Log Chalets of the Christmas Markets, open now until December 22

Eight sites in the city centre are alive with festive cheer for nearly six weeks as the popular international markets come to town.

The erotic smells of cinnamon, German sausage and Dutch cheese are back again in the guise of the famous Christmas markets. You will find stallholders from around the world with their specialities. Stalls will be open seven days a week until Sunday, December 22 (with the exception of Corporation Street, which will close on December 21). Exchange square will be home to a special Christmas vintage lounge – featuring a tea room and microbrewery, plus live music – as well as the now traditional 16-metre carved windmill on top of the sausage stand.

Reindeer Parade December 1, Noon, Rochdale town centre

Bring the kids to watch Rudolph and friends pull Santa’s sleigh down Yorkshire Street for Rochdale’s annual Reindeer Parade. Santa will be followed by a brass band playing Christmas carols.

Christmas Shopping Cruises

November 17 – December 22, 10.30am, Worsley – Intu Trafford Centre circular

Finding your Christmas shopping more of a chore than a pleasure? Then why not make it a bit more of an interesting experience by sailing your way to the shops. This festive cruise goes through Monton, Patricroft and over the Barton Swing Aqueduct and into Trafford. You will alight at Trafford Centre, where you will have 3 hours to get as much festive shopping out of the way.

Booking is essential. Visit www.visitsalford.info/cruises2013 or give Salford Tourist Information a ring on 0161 848 8601   

Worsley Christmas Lights Switch On

November 29, 6pm-8pm, Canal side

The festive season kicks off in style in Salford with the Christmas lights switch on, which will take place in Worsley by6 the water. Father Christmas will be arriving on an illuminated barge to chat to children in his magical grotto.

For more information contact Beryl on 0161 794 9627

Last one I wish to highlight is:

Santa Run

December 8, 10.15am, MediaCityUK

Test out your fitness while helping local charities by participating in this festive Fun Run. Everyone is invited to take part, regardless of age or ability. The run starts outside the new BBC offices at Salford. The Santa’s will then dash through the Lowery Plaza at the Lowery Outlet Mall, over the bridge, past the Imperial War Museum and over the Manchester Ship Canal via the new bridge, before finishing in MediaCityUk square. All finishers will receive a medal and kids will also get a selection box.

Costs Adults £15, Children £10 (price includes Santa suit) Sorry no contact details but try Salford Tourist Information Centre 0161 848 8601. I’m sure they will point you in the right direction.

Please accept my apologies for any event I have not mentioned here but I have only limited space. Checking your local paper and possible local council sites will turn up loads of events in your area.

Have a very happy Christmas and a very good New Year.