Including the Unmissable Snowstorm: Wish at The Trafford Centre
As the Christmas countdown begins, families across Greater Manchester are on the lookout for memorable, magical and meaningful ways to celebrate the festive season. From light trails, winter illuminations, Christmas markets and Santa experiences to festive shows, Christmas crafts and creative workshops, there’s no shortage of incredible Christmas events and festive adventures this festive season.
And if you’re searching for the ultimate festive experience — one that’s filled with wonder, excitement, and entertainment for all ages — look no further than Snowstorm: Wish at The Trafford Centre. This breathtaking winter show is at the top of every festive calendar and offers a truly unforgettable day out.
If you’re looking for the most exciting Christmas activities near me, this blog will guide you through the best events happening this season — with something to suit every family and every budget.
Snowstorm: Wish – A Spellbinding Show for All Ages
Location: The Trafford Centre
Dates: 5 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Leading the way when it comes to Christmas events for children, Snowstorm: Wish is back for its fifth spectacular season at The Trafford Centre — and this year promises to be the most magical yet.
Held inside a custom-built, heated Big Top, the production combines the thrill of the circus with the beauty of world-class ice skating providing a festive twist, all woven together by an enchanting story filled with heart and festive wonder. It’s an immersive experience that will captivate even the youngest audience members — while still impressing older kids, teens, and adults, with plenty of festive family fun.
Here’s what families can expect from Snowstorm: Wish:
- Incredible ice skating performances by professional figure skaters
- Jaw-dropping circus artistry with aerialists, acrobats and fire performers
- A family-friendly storyline about courage, dreams, and unity
- Dazzling visuals and a soaring soundtrack to bring it all to life
- A comfortable venue with seating, heating, and festive ambience
Unlike traditional pantos or plays, Snowstorm: Wish offers festive fun and a unique blend of visual spectacle and live action that keeps young audiences fully engaged. Whether it’s their first Christmas show or an annual tradition, this is a magical experience they’ll talk about long after the holidays are over.
Perfect for:
- Families with children of all ages
- Groups with grandparents and extended family
- Anyone looking to start a new festive tradition
With multiple showtimes available daily, it’s easy to fit this event into your holiday plans — especially on weekends and during the Christmas break.
Tickets are selling fast for peak dates like Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, so book early this festive period.
Box Office: 07878 228 403
Booking: Online via the official website
More Christmas Events Across Greater Manchester
Looking for even more ways to keep little ones entertained this holiday season? Here are some of the top-rated Christmas activities near me that are perfect for children of all ages and promise a festive family day — from light trails, magical winter wonderlands and Christmas shopping, to Santa meet-and-greets and festive crafts, there is festive fun for everyone.
Christmas at Heaton Park
Dates: 20 November – 31 December 2025
Location: Heaton Park, Manchester
For an outdoor experience that’s both visually stunning and perfect for children, Christmas at Heaton Park is a must-see. This illuminated Christmas light trail takes families on a mile-long walk through 14 glowing zones, each filled with magical displays, twinkling light tunnels, and interactive elements.
Along the way, you’ll find themed areas perfect for photo ops, Christmas music, as well as food and drink stops for hot chocolate, street food, and sweet treats.
At the end of the trail, head to the Christmas Village, where festive stalls and live entertainment bring even more joy to the evening.
What makes this event ideal for children is the balance of movement, excitement and wonder — perfect for curious minds and little legs.
Tip: Christmas Eve sessions book up quickly, so it’s best to reserve your place early to experience the holiday cheer
Skate Manchester – Outdoor Ice Skating Rink
Location: Cathedral Gardens, Manchester
Get all the family gliding into the festive spirit at Skate Manchester, the city’s open-air ice rink that operates throughout the Christmas season.
With skate aids available for younger children, and designated family sessions, it’s one of the most popular Christmas activities near me for a fun, active outing. The surrounding Christmas market stalls also offer snacks and drinks to warm up afterwards.
It’s a great way to burn off energy, try something new, and make seasonal memories that everyone can enjoy — whether they’re on the ice or cheering from the sidelines.
Santa’s Grotto at The Trafford Centre
Location: Lower Orient, Trafford Centre
Before or after seeing Snowstorm: Wish, families can make a stop at the Trafford Centre’s Santa’s Grotto, where children can meet Santa and his jolly elves in his twinkling winter wonderland.
Children can meet Santa, share their Christmas wishes, take photos, and receive a small gift to take home. It’s a traditional favourite that adds another layer of magic to any festive day out — and is ideal for younger kids, toddlers and primary school-aged kids.
Booking online in advance is strongly recommended during busy weekends and school holidays.
Christmas at RHS Garden Bridgewater
Location: Worsley, Salford
Dates: Selected evenings in December
For families who love nature and gentle exploration, the Glow at RHS Garden Bridgewater event is a peaceful yet magical choice. The gardens are transformed with creative lighting and artistic installations that bring winter plants and sculptures to life after dark.
There’s plenty of space for pushchairs and little ones to wander safely, with festive food stalls dotted throughout the route, so visitors can enjoy delicious treats like a mince pie, and a gift shop for those last-minute stocking fillers.
While it’s a quieter event compared to stage shows, it’s ideal for winding down the excitement of Christmas preparations and spending quality time together, making unforgettable memories.
Christmas Activities at Z-arts
Location: Hulme, Manchester
Z-arts is a creative hub for families and kids all year round — and at Christmas, they pull out all the stops with festive workshops, theatre shows, and interactive events specifically designed for children.
Expect storytelling sessions, arts and crafts, puppet shows, and sometimes even appearances from Santa himself. These events are smaller and more intimate, ideal for younger children and those who might find larger events overwhelming.
Z-arts is a great choice for parents looking for engaging, educational, and community-focused Christmas events for children that are close to home.
Why Manchester is a Top Choice for Family Festivities
From large-scale productions to cosy creative spaces, Manchester is packed with brilliant Christmas activities and festive events for families of all sizes and budgets. Here’s why the city stands out:
- Great transport links make getting to events quick and easy
- A huge range of venues and styles — from theatre to nature trails
- Festive dining options everywhere, from family-friendly cafes to special holiday menus
- Multi-activity locations like The Trafford Centre mean you can do everything in one day
If you’re looking to plan a full festive day out and get into the Christmas spirit, pairing an activity like Snowstorm: Wish with skating, shopping, or a visiting Father Christmas, for an unbeatable Christmas Eve or weekend festive treat.
Suggested Family Day Out: Trafford Centre Edition
Want to make the most of your trip to Snowstorm: Wish? Here’s a sample family itinerary for a magical day out:
11:00 AM – Arrive at The Trafford Centre, park, and enjoy a festive breakfast or brunch
12:30 PM – Visit Santa’s Grotto, meet Father Christmas and take some family photos
2:00 PM – Explore the Christmas markets and pick up some festive treats
3:30 PM – Relax with a hot chocolate break or visit the toy stores
5:00 PM – Head to the Big Top for your performance of Snowstorm: Wish
7:00 PM – Grab dinner and talk about your favourite parts of the show on the way home
Final Thoughts: Make the Christmas Experience Magical for the Kids
Whether you’re starting new traditions or continuing old favourites, Christmas is all about creating special memories with the ones you love — and there’s no shortage of ways to do that with plenty of festive events across Greater Manchester this year.
From twinkling trails to festive theatre and Santa’s Grotto visits, this is the perfect time to get out and experience the very best festive entertainment and Christmas events for children. And right at the centre of it all is Snowstorm: Wish — a truly extraordinary show that blends everything children love about the season: wonder, adventure, joy, and Christmas magic.
Book your tickets today and make this Christmas one that your family will remember for years to come.
Snowstorm: Wish at The Trafford Centre
Dates: 5 December – 4 January
Tickets: Available now via the official site
Box Office: 07878 228 403
Looking for more inspiration? Keep an eye on local event listings, theatre schedules, and festive pop-ups happening near you. Manchester is full of seasonal surprises and Christmas magic just waiting to be discovered.
