All of the following businesses have paid to feature in this listicle: Waterside Arts, The Hallé, Storyhouse, Cockfields Farm, Octagon Theatre, Clonter Opera Theatre.
This December, people all around Manchester will feel the festive spirit thanks to a range of exciting activities.
Whether you're looking for a chance to meet Santa, sing along to your favourite carols, or fancy a night at the theatre, these seven venues are sure to delight every member of the family.
1. Waterside Arts
Join in the fun this winter with Waterside Arts’ fabulous festive musical. This wonderfully vibrant re-imagining of The Snow Queen is brought to you by Wrongsemble.
Lumi is worried about the seasons getting warmer and is determined to make it snow. So she goes on a journey to speak to the Snow Queen, who is supposed to control the weather. Along the way, she meets a host of fabulous new friends, from an overworked elf to a pompous polar bear, and learns that small changes make a big difference.
This exciting adventure for the whole family is a must-see this festive period.
For more information and to book now for an exciting adventure for the whole family, head to the Waterside Arts website.
2. The Hallé at The Bridgewater Hall
Manchester’s symphony orchestra, the Hallé, presents a spectacular selection of concerts this Christmas at The Bridgewater Hall.
Families can snuggle up to the magic of Raymond Briggs’ classic film, The Snowman, accompanied by the orchestra or the Hallé’s popular Christmas Family Concert.
Enjoy a carol concert with the Hallé and its fantastic choirs or listen to all your favourite festive songs in Hallé's Christmas Cracker.
A Night at the Oscars offers a marvellous night of movie music and get back to the world of boy bands and girl power with Best of the ‘90s, featuring five fantastic singers.
The season ends in style with the Viennese New Year.
For more information and to book tickets, head to The Hallé website.
3. UK Storyhouse
It's time to have an absolute ball this Christmas with a show for all the family.
Let Storyhouse whisk you away to the ball this Christmas with a seasonal spectacular which celebrates arguably the most famous fairy tale of them all: Cinderella.
Packed with pop favourites and overflowing with magical moments, this enchanting family-friendly Christmas show promises to send you home with a smile on your face and joy in your heart, and with plenty of dancing, clapping and laughing along the way.
Glass slippers are optional, but a great time is guaranteed... Oh yes, it is!
The show will run from December 1, 2023, to January 6, 2025. Tickets are available to book on the Storyhouse website and start at £15.
4. Cockfields Farm
Cockfield's Farm is the ultimate Christmas destination with lots of lovely festive activities and animals to see in a wonderful farm setting.
Children start at Passport Control, receiving a special passport that guides them through exciting stops. Guided by an Elf, they meet Santa for a heartwarming chat and a memorable photo, then choose a toy from the Christmas Toyshop using a gold coin.
At the North Pole Sorting Office, they can write a thank you letter. The adventure continues with animal cuddles, cookie decorating, and reindeer dust-making. The day ends at Elf Academy, where they craft a bear to take home.
For more information and to plan your visit, head to the Cockfields Farm website.
5. Octagon Theatre
This winter, Octagon Theatre presents Around the World in 80 Days.
Adventure awaits this festive season in this rip-roaring new family musical that will take place from November 16, 2023, to January 6, 2024.
Phileas Fogg makes a bet that she can travel around the world in just 80 days, but surely it can’t be done? With her entire fortune on the line, Phileas sets off from London in a wild dash across the globe.
Join her as she treks across Europe to Asia, celebrates Diwali in India and soars through the Americas battling storms and bandits. Will they make it back to London in time for Christmas?
Filled with fantastic songs and plenty of adventure this is the perfect festive treat for all the family!
Find out more and book your tickets on the Octagon Theatre website.
6. Clonter Opera Theatre
Following sell-out performances of The Lock In 'Christmas Carol' in 2016, this BBC award-winning team of musicians and dancers return, bringing some of the UK's oldest forms of dance together.
Half gig, half dance show and half panto, the performances serves up 150% of fantastic festive live music, song and dance.
Breaking Tradition’s Lock In Christmas Carol is a great introduction to experience this delightfully quirky and intimate venue in the heart of the Cheshire Countryside, kick-starting the Christmas spirit.
For more information visit www.clonter.org.
7. Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
Once upon a time in a land far away, a beautiful princess was given a twenty-first birthday present by her evil aunt — the wicked enchantress, Carabosse. By pricking her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel, she is placed under a cruel curse and forced to sleep for 100 years.
Can a handsome prince break the spell? Who will outwit the evil enchantress and foil her wicked plans? Well, there’s only one way to find out. Join in the fun at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse for the dreamiest panto of them all.
The show will run from Friday, December 8 ,2023, to Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
For more information and to book your tickets, call the box office on 0161 928 1677, or visit the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse website.
