The festive period is fast approaching and there are no excuses not to get in the Christmas spirit.
We have reached December, the first doors of advent calendars are being opened and the season of giving is nearly here.
Families missed out on plenty of Christmas fun last year due to the pandemic, but parents can now treat their children to plenty of exciting festive activities across Greater Manchester.
MM has listed five events that families should not miss out on as we approach the 25th.
Christmas Markets – Piccadilly Gardens
People travel from far and wide to visit Manchester’s Christmas markets, this year based in Piccadilly Gardens.
And there are more reasons than ever to bring the kids along this year.
There are kids shows from Thursday to Sunday, and there is a ‘Skate Manchester’, a huge ice rink based in the family zone of the markets.
Families can enjoy glorious food, plenty of entertainment and purchase some late Christmas gifts in a fun day out in the city.
Lightopia – Heaton Park
The much-loved ‘Lightopia’ light and lantern festival is back with a special Christmas show.
The festive trail has been called ‘A Christmas Fantasy’ with a series of lanterns and interactive lights.
This year, a new Magic Circus display is also in place and a ‘Fantasy Forest’ filled with wildlife inspired lanterns will be an animal lovers’ paradise.
Lightopia will run between 5pm and 10pm from November 25 to January 3 2022, and will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except during the school holidays.
The festival will also be closed on Christmas Day.
There are £60 tickets for families of two adults and two children and kids.
Aladdin – Manchester Opera House
Why not treat the kids to a day out at the pantomime this Christmas.
All the classic favourites are back in shows across the region and few will be more thrilling for all ages than the huge production of Aladdin at the Manchester Opera House.
X-Factor star Alexandra Burke debuts in the Panto, which promises spectacular live music and superb entertainment for the whole family.
Escape to Freight Island
There aren’t many winter activities quite as exhilarating as ice skating and there are plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy the experience across Greater Manchester.
And families should look no further than a new ice rink in the sky that has been constructed at Escape to Freight Island at the Mayfield Depot.
The popular venue has been completely transformed into a winter wonderland and as well as the ice-skating, there will be events that include live music, DJ sets and family raves.
An immersive Chritstmas drive-in experience is back in the Trafford region this winter.
ScareCity proved popular during the Halloween holiday period and the Soccer Dome is hosting this year’s ‘Christmas City’.
Classic Christmas films will be showcased on the big screen, while there is the chance for the children to send their letters to Santa.
Family films being shown include Home Alone, The Polar Express, Elf and How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
