With Christmas looming, many people are watching the pennies – but celebrating doesn’t have to cost the earth when it comes to festive family experiences.
Here is a list of 16 free and low cost events taking place in and around Manchester this month from family bike rides to sing-a-longs and more.
- Jack and the Beanstalk Panto at Urmston Library – FREE – Saturday 16 December at 1:30pm
Pendle Production’s team are promising a spectacular musical pantomime and the professional performance is free to attend. Book tickets HERE. - Manchester Toy Appeal Reverse Grotto – FREE – Tuesday 12 December at 4pm-6:30pm
The event will celebrate the collective effort of charities, schools and sponsors that have donated toys for children who need the support the most, there will be family activities, food and drinks, a live singer and even Santa Claus. Book tickets HERE. - Vue cinema mini morning sessions – from £2.49 per ticket
Every Saturday and Sunday morning Mini Morning sessions at Vue cinemas across Manchester give families the chance to experience big screen entertainment for a very small price, both adults and children pay from £2.49 per ticket. See more information HERE. - Jolly Robin’s Winter Walk Durham Massey Park, Altrincham – £21.25 for a family ticket – Everyday till 21 January 2024
The Jolly Robin Winter Trail at Durham Massey Park is a great activity for the whole family with winter facts, ancient trees, historical buildings and deer spotting along the way. The walk is free to attend but admission fees to the park apply. Book tickets HERE. - Sunday Christmas Parade in Manchester City Centre – FREE – Sunday 10 and Sunday 17 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
From Snow Queens to Candy Cane stilt Walkers, Giant Nutcracker characters to Santa Claus himself, the Manchester Christmas parade is a magical spectacle for the whole family to enjoy. It will set off at 1pm from St Anne’s Square and finish near the National Football Museum. See full details HERE.
- Tatton Park Carols in the stable yard – FREE – Saturday 17 December 3pm-4pm
Singalong to Christmas classics with family and friends at this free event in the twinkling stable yard at Tatton park. No need to book just turn up and join in the singing! - Family Christmas Quiz at Urmston Library and Old Trafford Library – FREE – Various dates
Test your family Christmas knowledge and join an evening of festive trivia. There is no limit on team sizes but between 2-5 is recommended. Book tickets for Urmston Library HERE and Old Trafford Library HERE. - Christmas Drive in Movies, Eccles – £29 per car – Various dates
A truly enchanted experience comes to Eccles at the Manchester Christmas Drive-in. Elf, Home Alone and Home Alone 2 are all on the big screen along with gourmet street food and yuletide movie snacks. Book tickets HERE. - Bury Art Museum Saturday Workshops – £3 per child – Every Saturday at 2pm-3pm
Every Saturday afternoon Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre hosts arty family workshops for children aged 4-11. See full details HERE. - Manchester Museum Christmas Crafting and Show and Tell event – FREE – Saturday 6 December.
An opportunity to view a show and tell and enjoy free family crafting at Manchester Museum. Find out more HERE. - Festive Family ride by Station south – FREE – Saturday 16 December 3pm-3:45pm.
The chance to head outdoors and enjoy a cosy group ride together with warm drinks, goody bag lucky dips and gifts for all children. Find out more and register HERE. - Frozen sing a long at Newton le-Willows library – FREE – Friday 29 December 2pm-4pm.
A festive family film showing a special sing-along version of Disney’s Frozen and serving up tasty cinema snack treats to enjoy while you watch. Ticket HERE. - Festive forest school – FREE – Thursday 21 December – Friday 22 December – 10am- 11:30am.
90-minute stay-and-play sessions with marshmallow toasting, Christmas nature crafts, mud kitchens and more. Tickets HERE. - Manchester free walking tours – FREE – Daily 11am-2pm.
This free walking tour is an entertaining and informative adventure that includes hidden gems only known by native English-speaking Mancunian guides. More detail HERE. - Big Wheel at the Trafford Centre – Family ticket for £24 – everyday till 7 January.
Back for 2023, you can enjoy all the glittering lights and sights of Greater Manchester from 55 metres high with the big wheel. More details HERE. - Nell’s Pizza Family Fun Day with Born to Be Wild Child – FREE – Sunday 17 December
Bringing some FESTIVE FAMILY FUN to Nell’s this Christmas, you can enjoy your pizza whilst the little ones enjoy the craft table, face paint and Rock & Roll tunes from BTBWC DJ. More details and tickets HERE.
