If you have kids under 10 – or you are a kid under 10 – meeting Santa is a rite of passage at Christmas time in Manchester. There are all the usual grottos on offer – at the Chill Factore (with real snow), at the Trafford Centre (which has a Peter Rabbit theme this year), the Arndale and so on – as well as a few new, and not so new, experiences to try which we’ve rounded up below…
1. Afternoon Tea with Santa at Stockport Plaza (pictured)
Breakfast With Santa has been a tradition in Stockport Plaza’s art deco cafe. The event started in 1944 and for the first time this year, they’re offering afternoon tea with Santa due to the ridiculous popularity of the breakfast events. The experience includes afternoon tea and cordial, while adults can tuck into hot turkey sandwiches. A meeting with Santa in his Grotto is included.
Sat 8, 15 & 22 Dec, The Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP. Tel: 0161 477 7779, times and prices vary, www.stockportplaza.co.uk
2. Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe
Rock and Santa? Why not. They also do an Easter Bunny breakfast which is brilliant. Your ticket price (in the region of £16 for adults and £12 per child) includes a serious, buffet-style breakfast, making activities and more with the team of experienced staff. Santa will also be on site, giving out gifts. Guests are advised to wear their Christmas jumpers.
Sat 15, Sun 16, Sat 22, Sun 23 Dec, Hard Rock Cafe, Exchange Square, Manchester M4 2BS. Tel: 0161 831 6700, 9-11am (last sitting 9.45am), prices vary, www.hardrock.com
3. Children’s Christmas Parties at City Airport and Heliport (Manchester Barton Aerodrome)
The experience includes a professional entertainer with magic, music and games, the chance to see Santa arrive by helicopter (weather permitting), gift for every child ticket purchased
Sat 8 & Sat 15 Dec, City Airport and Heliport, Runway26, City Airport, Liverpool Road, Eccles, Manchester. M30 7SA, 3-5pm, £13.50 child (u11), £6 adults, www.visitcityairport.co.uk
For more family fun in Manchester this Christmas, read our top 5 festive show guide here.
- Words:
- Ruth Allan
- Published on:
- Thu 15 Nov 2018
