With outposts from Chadderton to Knutsford, Father Christmas has, again, opted to spend virtually every crunch-time weekend before deadline entertaining the children of Manchester, with gifts, photography sessions, brunches and even enchanting train journeys all on offer.
Here are some of the best Santa’s Grotto experience around the city between now and Christmas.
Alongside the usual family entertainment at Lancaster Park – a petting barn, a caterpillar ride, a pirate shootout, mini quad bikes, swings, slides, ziplines and, somehow, more – the farm’s Christmas Grotto returns with a cast of elves, Mrs Claus’ cosy cottage and a life-sized sleigh primed for festive family photos. This year’s extravaganza features letters to Santa in the log cabin, marshmallow toasting by the fire pit, animal feeding along the Nature Walk and a chance to spot the mischievous Mr. Grinch lurking around Whoville, before meeting Santa himself with a small gift included for every child.
The Trafford Centre’s wildly popular Grotto experience makes its grand return, inviting families to accompany the Cheer Task Force on a voyage through Gingerbread Lane, the Enchanted Forest, the Merry Makers Studio and Santa’s Study, ending with a private meeting with Father Christmas. Groups enter within a timed window for a 15–20 minute adventure designed to conjure festive cheer at every turn.
Offering an enchanting festive ride through the picturesque Irwell Valley with Santa, his elves and a full brass band as fellow passengers, the East Lancashire Railway’s 80-minute Christmas return voyage from Bury to Rawtenstall is the North West’s answer to the Polar Express. Beginning with a Winter Wonderland scene at Bury Bolton Street Station, the journey features a sing-a-long, a choice of soft drinks and a free gift for every child, a choice of somewhat stiffer drinks and a mince pie per adult, and a range of kids’ entertainment with a cast of beloved festive characters.
The event also offers tickets to a Christmas Shuttle Bus from Heywood to Bury Bolton Street.
Returning for another instalment of wonder on the edge of Knutsford, Tatton Park’s Father Christmas on the Farm features ‘roaming entertainers, festive choirs and brass bands’ throughout the park, as well as photo opportunities in Santa’s sleigh, Clydesdale Barn’s Christmas Cafe and, of course, a meeting with the main man and his elves in their festive grotto.
Tickets to see Father Christmas must be booked in advance, and are already selling out – click the link below to book.
Keeping things family friendly between 10am and 1pm, Menagerie hosts a festive brunch with Father Christmas featuring themed entertainment, photo opportunities and a brunch plate with a hot drink included for every guest.
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Fri 5 Dec 2025
Brand new for 2025, LaplandUK has expanded to Cheshire with a second secret doorway into Father Christmas’ mythical homeland. Across a four-and-a-half-hour immersive journey, guests join the Elves in the Toy Factory, decorate gingerbread with Mother Christmas, explore the Elven Village and meet Father Christmas in his snowy woodland abode.
Personalised invitations arrive in advance, and the toy crafted with the Elves reappears on Christmas morning with a message from everyone’s favourite trespasser.