The festive season is the perfect time to plan your weekends, whether you’re looking for family-friendly outings, romantic experiences, or ways to enjoy the magic of Christmas. Across Greater Manchester, there’s no shortage of Christmas events and Christmas activities near me — from sparkling markets and illuminated trails to meeting Father Christmas, enjoying local food, or theatrical performances that capture the wonder of the season. One of the most anticipated highlights this year is back by popular demand: Snowstorm: Wish at the Trafford Centre.
Make the Most of Your Festive Weekends
During the Christmas season, it’s essential to plan your weekends carefully to make the most of everything the city has to offer. From December through early January, Greater Manchester is buzzing with festive activity, providing countless opportunities for families, friends, and couples to immerse themselves in holiday cheer and feel the festive spirit.
Top Christmas Activities and Festive Events Near Me
- Christmas Markets: This weekend, explore Manchester’s festive Christmas markets filled with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, Christmas trees and twinkling lights. Enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate, mince pies, roasted chestnuts, and the scent of cinnamon while browsing unique holiday gifts — a perfect activity for families and friends alike, promising lots of festive family fun.
- Ice Skating Rinks: Glide into the season at one of Manchester’s seasonal ice rinks. Cathedral Gardens and Spinningfields both offer beautifully themed skating experiences that are ideal for children and adults. Many rinks also host weekend entertainment, making them a must-do Christmas activity near me.
- Festive Theatre and Pantomimes: Local theatres are hosting pantomimes and Christmas shows, providing fun and interactive experiences for audiences of all ages. These performances bring stories to life and are perfect for a weekend outing.
- Illuminated Trails and Light Festivals: Parks and outdoor spaces across Manchester are lit with thousands of twinkling lights. Weekend visitors can enjoy evening strolls through illuminated trails and take in the seasonal decorations that transform the city into a winter wonderland.
Snowstorm: Wish – A Winter Spectacle
At the heart of the festive season is Snowstorm: Wish, a magical ice production returning for its fifth year at the Trafford Centre. This dazzling show combines world-class figure skating, breathtaking circus performances, and spectacular visual storytelling to create an unforgettable holiday experience.
Set in a shimmering winter world, Wish invites audiences to witness:
- Gravity-defying aerialists performing high above the ice.
- Skaters carving emotion and storytelling into every turn.
- Stunning fire and frost sequences that combine colour, energy, and suspense.
- A soaring musical score that amplifies the drama and magic.
For families, couples, and anyone seeking a truly festive experience, Snowstorm: Wish offers a perfect escape into the imagination and wonder of Christmas.
Show Dates and Times
Snowstorm: Wish runs from December 5th to January 4th with a variety of performance times to suit every schedule-
Friday 5th, Fri 12th & Fri 19th Dec – 6pm
Friday 26th – 12 noon, 3pm, 6pm
Friday 2nd – 3pm, 6pm
Saturdays & Sundays – 12 noon, 3pm & 6pm daily (no 6pm show on Sun 4th Jan)
Weds 10th to Thurs 11th & Tues 16th to Thurs 18th Dec – 5pm daily
Mon 22rd to Fri 26th Dec – 12 noon, 3pm & 6pm daily
Tues 30th Dec – 12 noon & 3pm
Weds 31st Dec – 12 noon, 3pm & 6pm
Thurs 1st Jan – 3pm & 6pm
(No shows on Tues 9th & Thurs 25th Dec)
Tickets are selling fast, so planning ahead is essential to secure your preferred weekend date.
We especially recommend booking in advance on key dates such as Christmas Eve and Boxing day due to extremely high demand!
Making Your Weekends Magical
With Snowstorm: Wish as a highlight, there’s no shortage of festive planning to enjoy in Manchester. Consider pairing your show visit with other activities to make the most of your weekends:
- Festive Shopping: The Trafford Centre itself is a destination for Christmas shopping, with holiday decorations, seasonal stores, and dining options perfect for a full day out and for a festive family day.
- Local Winter Markets: Beyond the city centre, many towns and neighbourhoods host weekend markets offering crafts, small gifts, homemade cakes and festive foods.
- Family-Friendly Entertainment: From storytelling sessions to interactive workshops, local community centres often offer weekend activities designed to capture the spirit of Christmas.
Why Snowstorm: Wish is a Must-See Christmas Experience
What sets Snowstorm: Wish apart from other Christmas events is its unique combination of athleticism, artistry, and storytelling. The production appeals to audiences of all ages, from children mesmerised by the magical ice and circus performances to adults appreciating the artistic detail, music, and choreography. It is a magical festive celebration.
Each performance is carefully curated to ensure that every moment is both breathtaking and heartwarming. It’s a show that encourages families and friends to pause, connect, and share in the wonder of the season — creating memories that last long after the final bow.
Plan Your Christmas Weekends Now and Prepare for some Festive Fun
Whether you’re searching for Christmas activities near me or mapping out a festive weekend, planning ahead ensures you don’t miss the best seasonal experiences and festive fun. Snowstorm: Wish, combined with Manchester’s markets, skating rinks, meeting Santa and Mrs Claus in Santa’s Grotto, and illuminated trails, offers an unmatched winter experience.
Take the time to mark your calendar, book tickets, and explore the city’s festive offerings. From November onwards, every weekend is an opportunity to embrace the magic of the season, have a festive time and feel the Christmas spirit.
Final Word
Christmas is about creating moments of joy, wonder, and togetherness with all the family. Greater Manchester offers countless opportunities to enjoy Christmas events, but Snowstorm: Wish stands out as a highlight of the season — a spellbinding spectacle of ice, circus, music, and storytelling.
This winter, plan your weekends carefully, embrace the magic of local festive events, and make Snowstorm: Wish part of your holiday tradition because the true gift of Christmas is believing in magic — and experiencing it in every dazzling moment on the ice.
Event Details:
- Location: Trafford Centre, Manchester
- Dates: December 5th 2025 – January 4th 2026
- Tickets: Book online or via Box Office – selling fast!
Join the tradition. Embrace the wonder. Make a wish — and watch it come alive on ice.
