We confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in Manchester for 2026, from 5 November to 3 January. 2 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in the UK.
The short version
- 14 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Manchester, Stockport, Altrincham, Salford and Marple Bridge
- First: The Elf Trail at Bramall Hall 2026, Stockport, 5 November
- Free events: Romiley Christmas light switch on and Ordsall Hall Winter Festival
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by area, with the date, time, price and the small things parents ask about (booking, ages, what is included).
Manchester Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 14 confirmed for 2026
- Areas
- Manchester, Stockport, Altrincham, Salford, Marple Bridge and Romiley
- Season
- 5 November to 3 January
- Free events
- 2
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Manchester
1 confirmed event in Manchester, soonest first.
The Snowman and Friends
Christmas story timeThe Hallé · Manchester
- Host
- The Hallé (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3WS
- When
- Sun, Dec 6, 1 pm or 4 pm
- Price
- Adult £29, child £18.75, family of four £73.25 (inc fees)
- Ages
- Family friendly, for everyone of any age
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Hallé's family Christmas concert features Raymond Briggs' The Snowman, with the film shown alongside the orchestra playing Howard Blake's score. Musician and radio presenter Guy Garvey joins on stage to narrate the story, and the programme is wrapped up with more frosty favourites, including the theme from Home Alone and music by Leroy Anderson.
There are two performances on Sunday 6 December, at 1pm and 4pm. The Hallé says the concert lasts just over an hour with no interval and is a really family friendly event for everyone of any age, which makes it a good first orchestra concert. Child tickets are £18.75 and a family ticket for four with at least one child is £73.25, including fees.
Parent tip: Concessions and discounts are available; at about an hour with no interval it suits younger children.
See dates and details from The Hallé (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Stockport
7 confirmed events in Stockport, soonest first.
The Elf Trail at Bramall Hall 2026 (Stockport)
Christmas craftsBramall Hall (Stockport Council) · Stockport
- Host
- Bramall Hall (Stockport Council) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Bramall Hall, Hall Road, Bramhall, Stockport SK7 3NX (near Manchester)
- When
- Wed to Sun, Nov 5, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, 11 am to 4:30 pm
- Price
- £3 per child plus booking fee; standard admission for adults
- Ages
- Recommended for children age 3 and up
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Bramall Hall in Bramhall is decorated for Christmas, and its cheeky elves, including Snippet, Cranberry and Squire, have moved in again. Children follow a spotting trail through the historic hall to find the elves, some naughty and some nice, and earn a festive prize when they complete it.
The trail runs on Wednesdays to Sundays across the season, from 5 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, between 11am and 4.30pm, with last admission at 3.45pm. It is recommended for children aged 3 and up, and each £3 trail ticket admits one child; accompanying adults pay standard admission. No trail tickets are available on 5 and 6 December, bank holidays or during the Christmas closure. Bookings are made online through the council's events page.
Parent tip: Pair it with the Hall's Christmas decorations; book trail tickets online before you go.
See dates and details from Bramall Hall (Stockport Council) (opens in a new tab)The Snowman: Live with Yorkshire Imperial Band (Cert U) (Stockport)
Christmas story timeStockport Plaza · Stockport
- Host
- Stockport Plaza (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Stockport Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP (near Manchester)
- When
- Fri, Nov 13, 7 pm
- Price
- See booking page
- Ages
- Cert U, all ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Yorkshire Imperial Band, one of the UK's finest brass bands, brings The Snowman to Stockport Plaza for one evening. Raymond Briggs' 1982 film follows a young boy whose snowman comes to life and whisks him away to the North Pole, and every note of Howard Blake's score is performed live as the film plays.
A guest vocalist joins the band for Walking in the Air. The Plaza describes it as a family friendly celebration of music and storytelling for audiences of all ages, and the film is rated U. It takes place on Friday 13 November at 7pm, making it an early start to the festive season in one of Stockport's grandest venues. Check the booking page for ticket prices.
Parent tip: This is an evening show, so it suits school age children best.
See dates and details from Stockport Plaza (opens in a new tab)Breakfast With Santa and Brunch With Santa (Stockport)
Breakfast with SantaStockport Plaza · Stockport
- Host
- Stockport Plaza (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Plaza Café, Stockport Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP (near Manchester)
- When
- Saturdays, Nov 28 to Dec 19, 9:30 am breakfast or 12 pm brunch
- Price
- See booking page
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Breakfast with Santa has been a family tradition at Stockport Plaza since 1944 and returns to the Plaza Café on Saturday mornings in the run up to Christmas. Children get a yo ho ho breakfast of pastries with chocolate dip and cordial, while adults enjoy a bacon barm with unlimited tea and coffee.
Once everyone has eaten, Santa Claus and his helpers arrive and the children are invited to meet him and receive a special Christmas gift. Breakfast sittings start at 9.30am (10am on 5 December) and later brunch sittings at 12pm are offered on some Saturdays. Tables are shared with other families, so it is a sociable morning. At the time of checking, the 28 November and 5 December sittings were sold out.
Parent tip: Dietary or access queries go to boxoffice@stockportplaza.co.uk; book the 12 or 19 December sittings soon as earlier dates have sold out.
See dates and details from Stockport Plaza (opens in a new tab)Jack And The Beanstalk (Stockport)
Panto or Christmas showStockport Plaza · Stockport
- Host
- Stockport Plaza (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Stockport Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP (near Manchester)
- When
- Fri, Dec 4, 2026 to Sun, Jan 3, 2027
- Price
- See booking page; under 12 months free with a complimentary ticket
- Ages
- All ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Stockport Plaza's 2026 family pantomime is Jack and the Beanstalk, starring Todd Carty, known from EastEnders and The Bill, as Fleshcreep. The theatre describes it as a giant, spectacular and magical production for audiences of all ages, in one of the region's best loved historic cinema theatres in Mersey Square.
The panto runs from Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, with morning, afternoon and evening shows on different days. BSL interpreted performances are on Saturday 5 December at 7.30pm and Thursday 10 December at 10.30am and 2.30pm, with the interpreter on the left of the stage. Children aged 12 months and under need a free babe in arms ticket, which must be booked by phone on 0161 477 7779 alongside your other tickets.
Parent tip: Book babe in arms tickets by phone with the rest of your party; the Plaza Café is on site for a pre-show snack.
See dates and details from Stockport Plaza (opens in a new tab)Father Christmas Experience at Bramall Hall 2026 (Stockport)
Meet SantaBramall Hall (Stockport Council) · Stockport
- Host
- Bramall Hall (Stockport Council) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Bramall Hall, Hall Road, Bramhall, Stockport SK7 3NX (near Manchester)
- When
- Sat, Dec 5 and Sun, Dec 6, 10 am to 4 pm
- Price
- £20 per child (includes one adult) plus booking fee; extra adults £7
- Ages
- Suitable for (but not exclusive to) children from 3 years
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Bramall Hall's Father Christmas Experience takes young visitors on a journey around the decorated Tudor hall with plenty to keep them busy, including elf spotting, colouring a tree decoration and writing a letter to Father Christmas. Children then have an audience with Father Christmas and collect a special gift.
It runs on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026, 10am to 4pm. Every child must have a prebooked ticket, which costs £20 and admits one child and one adult; no child tickets are sold on the day. Additional adults pay £7 at the Visitor Centre opposite the Hall. The event is suitable for, but not limited to, children from 3 years. Bookings are made online through the council's events page, and the Hall is also decorated for Christmas.
Parent tip: Allow extra time to buy additional adult tickets at the Visitor Centre, as latecomers may not be admitted.
See dates and details from Bramall Hall (Stockport Council) (opens in a new tab)Father Christmas at Staircase House (Stockport)
Meet SantaStaircase House (Stockport Council) · Stockport
- Host
- Staircase House (Stockport Council) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Staircase House, 30 Market Place, Stockport SK1 1ES (near Manchester)
- When
- Sat, Dec 12 and Sun, Dec 13, 10 am to 3 pm
- Price
- £15 plus booking fee (adults free with children)
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Staircase House, one of Stockport's oldest buildings on the Market Place, hosts a traditional Father Christmas visit over one December weekend. Families start with a trail through the historic rooms, enjoying activities and crafts along the way, before meeting Father Christmas in his grotto, where every child receives a gift.
Afterwards you can explore the rest of the house at your own pace. It runs on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December 2026, 10am to 3pm. Tickets are £15 plus a booking fee, and adults come free with children, which makes it a good value family outing in the town centre. Staircase House is at 30 Market Place in the centre of Stockport, and booking is through the council's events page.
Parent tip: Book a time slot in advance through the council events page; Staircase House is a short walk from Stockport Plaza.
See dates and details from Staircase House (Stockport Council) (opens in a new tab)Stockport Symphony Orchestra concert: A family matinee (Stockport)
Christmas story timeStockport Symphony Orchestra · Stockport
- Host
- Stockport Symphony Orchestra (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Stockport Town Hall, Edward Street, Stockport SK1 3XE (near Manchester)
- When
- Sun, Dec 13, 3 to 5:30 pm
- Price
- Adults £16, concessions £14, students £5, accompanied under 16s free
- Ages
- All the family
- Booking
- Booking recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Stockport Symphony Orchestra's Christmas matinee in Stockport Town Hall features two animated films with live orchestra. Peter and the Wolf accompanies a new animated film about how Peter tricks and captures a dangerous wolf with help from his animal friends, and The Bear and the Piano brings David Litchfield's illustrated picture book about music, friendship and adventure to the big screen.
Saint-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals is also illustrated on screen, with a sprinkling of seasonal fun. Emma Cunliffe narrates and Nye Hughes Watts plays the Bear. It takes place on Sunday 13 December 2026, 3pm to 5.30pm. Accompanied children under 16 are free, and some seats at the front are reserved for families with children.
Parent tip: Come early to get one of the front seats kept for families with children.
See dates and details from Stockport Symphony Orchestra (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Altrincham
2 confirmed events in Altrincham, soonest first.
A Trail of Tails: Christmas in the House (Altrincham)
Family Christmas eventNational Trust Dunham Massey · Altrincham
- Host
- National Trust Dunham Massey (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dunham Massey, Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham WA14 4SJ (near Manchester)
- When
- Daily, Nov 20 to Dec 24, 10 am to 3 pm
- Price
- Included in whole property admission: adult £20, child (5 to 17) £10, family from £30; free for National Trust members
- Ages
- Suitable for the whole family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
This Christmas the circus has come to Dunham Massey, but the animals have escaped and are running wild through the house. The tree has been disturbed, presents have disappeared and there are clues to uncover, so families follow the footprints, search the decorated rooms and track down the missing gifts to save Christmas.
The trail takes around 30 to 45 minutes and runs daily from 20 November to 24 December, 10am to 3pm, with last entry at 3pm. It is included in whole property admission and is free for National Trust members, and no booking is needed. There is a lift, seating along the route and a visual story on request. Animal sounds and music are part of the experience.
Parent tip: Prams and large bags must be left in storage, with baby carriers and lockers available; mornings are expected to be quieter than weekends.
See dates and details from National Trust Dunham Massey (opens in a new tab)Christmas at Dunham Massey (Altrincham)
Christmas lightsNational Trust Dunham Massey · Altrincham
- Host
- National Trust Dunham Massey (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dunham Massey, Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham WA14 4SJ (near Manchester)
- When
- Selected evenings, Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 2, 2027, 4:30 to 8:30 pm
- Price
- Ticketed, see booking page
- Ages
- All ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas at Dunham Massey returns for 2026 as an after-dark illuminated trail through the estate near Altrincham. The National Trust describes it as an unmissable trail full of festive magic and a breathtaking experience for all ages, making it one of the bigger Christmas light walks within easy reach of Manchester.
The trail runs on selected evenings from 20 November 2026 to 2 January 2027, with entry between about 4.30pm and 8.30pm. It is ticketed separately from daytime admission, so check the booking page for available evenings and prices before you travel. Earlier time slots can work well for younger children, and you can combine a daytime visit to the house trail with an evening on the lights.
Parent tip: Wrap up warmly as the route is outdoors, and book a timed entry in advance.
See dates and details from National Trust Dunham Massey (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Salford
2 confirmed events in Salford, soonest first.
Festive Fun with Father Christmas (Salford)
Breakfast with SantaSalford Museum & Art Gallery (Salford Community Leisure) · Salford
- Host
- Salford Museum & Art Gallery (Salford Community Leisure) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Salford Museum & Art Gallery, Peel Park, The Crescent, Salford M5 4WU (near Manchester)
- When
- Sat, Dec 12 and Sat, Dec 19, 9:30 to 11:30 am
- Price
- £10
- Ages
- Recommended for ages 4+, but appropriate for all ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Salford Museum & Art Gallery welcomes families before normal opening hours on two Saturdays in December, with Father Christmas visiting Lark Hill Place, the museum's recreated Victorian street. Every family gets a meet and greet with Father Christmas and plenty of time for photos.
A child ticket includes a story time session with Father Christmas, crafts, a pick and mix playtime area and a small gift, plus Santa waffles with a hot chocolate or juice. Adult tickets include a Santa waffle with unlimited tea or filter coffee. The museum recommends it for ages 4 and up but says it suits all ages. Everyone attending, adults and children, needs a ticket, and tables are arranged by booking.
Parent tip: Choose the dietary ticket option if needed, and email ahead if you want to sit with another family; parking is pay and display on site.
See dates and details from Salford Museum & Art Gallery (Salford Community Leisure) (opens in a new tab)Ordsall Hall Winter Festival (Salford)
Meet SantaFreeOrdsall Hall (Salford Community Leisure) · Salford
- Host
- Ordsall Hall (Salford Community Leisure) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Ordsall Hall, 322 Ordsall Lane, Salford M5 3AN (near Manchester)
- When
- Sun, Dec 13, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Price
- Free, drop in
- Ages
- All ages, families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Ordsall Hall's popular annual winter festival returns on Sunday 13 December 2026, spreading through the inside of the Tudor manor house as well as its gardens and brand new barn. There is a selection of crafts, activities and refreshments for the whole family, and the whole building is decorated for the holidays.
The Ordsall Acappella Singers perform throughout the day, and families may spot Father Christmas himself wandering the grounds and joining in. Entry is free, it is a drop-in event with no booking needed, and all ages are welcome, so it is an easy, low cost Christmas outing in Salford. Activities take place indoors and outdoors, so bring layers. The museum's own pay and display car park is limited, with payment online, by phone or at the machine on arrival, and public transport is encouraged.
Parent tip: The pay and display car park is small, so public transport is encouraged.
See dates and details from Ordsall Hall (Salford Community Leisure) (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Marple Bridge
1 confirmed event in Marple Bridge, soonest first.
Little Robin's Christmas: family event (Marple Bridge)
Christmas story timeCapture & Calm Walks CIC · Marple Bridge
- Host
- Capture & Calm Walks CIC (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Brabyns Recreation Centre, Brabyns Park, Brabyns Brow, Marple Bridge SK6 5DT (near Manchester)
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 12 to 3 pm
- Price
- £8 per household of 4, then £1 per extra person
- Ages
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Capture & Calm Walks CIC hosts a cosy family afternoon of creativity, kindness and Christmas magic at Brabyns Recreation Centre in Marple Bridge on Saturday 12 December 2026, from 12pm to 3pm. Children can make their own robin with wool and fabric collage, follow a hidden robin picture trail and add a wish to the wishing tree.
There is a cosy story corner, and a donation café serves festive drinks and treats. The organisers stress that families can enjoy it at their own pace with no pressure to join every activity, which suits children who prefer a quieter event. Tickets are £8 for up to four people in the same household, then £1 for each extra person.
Parent tip: Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult; book a place online in advance.
See dates and details from Capture & Calm Walks CIC (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Romiley
1 confirmed event in Romiley, soonest first.
Romiley Christmas light switch on (Romiley)
Meet SantaFreeRomiley Traders Association · Romiley
- Host
- Romiley Traders Association (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Romiley Forum, The Precinct, Romiley SK6 4EA (near Manchester)
- When
- Sat, Nov 21, 11 am to 6 pm
- Price
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Romiley Traders Association holds its annual Christmas light switch-on at Romiley Forum on Saturday 21 November 2026, running from 11am to 6pm. Market stalls sell cakes, gifts, candles, jewellery, cheese, meats, breads and more, so there is plenty to browse while you wait for the lights.
Entertainment runs throughout the day from local schools, choirs and brass bands, along with NKTheatre and the Pantonic Steel Band. There is also a grotto with Father Christmas for children to visit. Entry is free, making it an easy community event for families in the east of Stockport. The event is organised by the Romiley Traders Association and is listed on Stockport Council's events calendar, with no booking needed. Much of the day happens in and around the precinct, so dress for the weather.
Parent tip: The lights go on later in the day, so arrive in the afternoon to catch the grotto, stalls and switch-on together.
See dates and details from Romiley Traders Association (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cosy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.co.uk (opens in a new tab)Manchester Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Manchester in 2026?
We confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in Manchester for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including The Elf Trail at Bramall Hall 2026 (Stockport), The Snowman: Live with Yorkshire Imperial Band (Cert U) (Stockport), A Trail of Tails: Christmas in the House (Altrincham), Christmas at Dunham Massey (Altrincham), Romiley Christmas light switch on (Romiley), Breakfast With Santa and Brunch With Santa (Stockport), Jack And The Beanstalk (Stockport), Father Christmas Experience at Bramall Hall 2026 (Stockport), The Snowman and Friends, Father Christmas at Staircase House (Stockport), Festive Fun with Father Christmas (Salford) and Little Robin's Christmas: family event (Marple Bridge). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Manchester?
Yes. 2 of the 14 events here are free, including Romiley Christmas light switch on (Romiley) and Ordsall Hall Winter Festival (Salford). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Manchester this year?
Santa appears at Romiley Christmas light switch on (Romiley), Breakfast With Santa and Brunch With Santa (Stockport), Father Christmas Experience at Bramall Hall 2026 (Stockport), Father Christmas at Staircase House (Stockport), Festive Fun with Father Christmas (Salford) and Ordsall Hall Winter Festival (Salford). Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Manchester?
Christmas story times on this page: The Snowman: Live with Yorkshire Imperial Band (Cert U) (Stockport), The Snowman and Friends, Festive Fun with Father Christmas (Salford), Little Robin's Christmas: family event (Marple Bridge) and Stockport Symphony Orchestra concert: A family matinee (Stockport).
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on 2 November 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
