Christmas is a magical time for kids and meeting Father Christmas is a highlight of the year for little ones.  There are lots of Christmas experiences, Santa’s Grotto and special events on all around Cheshire and Manchester.  Prices and activities vary greatly so we’ve rounded up a good selection of what’s on and where to visit Santa in Manchester and Cheshire in 2024.  For more festive experiences, check out the Christmas Light Trail Experience guide.

SPOTLIGHT – COCKFIELDS FARM PARK CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

Cockfields Farm Park’s award winning Christmas experience returns for 2024. The full experience includes an all new Northern Lights display, meeting Santa, build a bear activity, explore Quality Street village, gingerbread gift, hot chocolate, a magical elf show and all day access to the farm.

Where to Visit Santa in Cheshire & Greater Manchester 2024

Castaway Mini Alpine Retreat (Congleton)

A sell out every year, visit Santa in his magical grotto at Castway Play’s Alpine Retreat. Embark on a magical Christmas journey starting at passport control, meeting Father Christmas and on to the Elve’s workshop.  There will also be lots of unique activities and characters to meet too. (Congleton)

Alderford Santa Island Experience

You are invited to embark on a magical adventure across the lake to discover the story of Santa and his elves.  Alderford Santa Island Experience returns for 2024 with a unique family Christmas experience.  Check out our Santa’s Island review from last year

Santa’s Grotto at Step Into Christmas (Macclesfield)

Macclesfield Christmas event will included a bookable Santa’s grotto, FREE crafts for kids, live music from local bands, a variety of entertainment, hot food and mulled wine, plus a craft fair from Made in Macclesfield – it’s all going on.

Reddish Vale Farm North Pole Experience – tickets are on sale for the 2024 Santa grotto experience. The magical journey includes lots of festive fun on your way to meet Father Christmas (Reddish, near Stockport)

Santa’s Grotto at Gullivers World – Escape to Gulliver’s World for a festive family adventure. Look out for Elfie mischief, fairy fun, snowy surprises and meet Father Christmas. (Warrington)

Lancaster Park –  Journey through a magical Christmas grotto, greet elves along the way, listend to a Christmas story from Mrs Claus, write your letter to Santa then meeting Father Christmas himself. Select dates from 30th November to 24th December 2024

East Lancashire Railway – Santa Specials are back for 2024. Immerse yourself into the festive atmosphere as you take a steam train trip with a host of happy elves and Father Christmas himself.

Knowsley Safari – Create festive memories and watch as your little ones’ face lights up as they meet Santa and his elves in their workshop. Each child will receive a present. spend the whole day exploring Knowsley Safari in the winter or combine your Santa Experience with an Enchanted admission ticket to enjoy our magical Christmas lights trail. (Prescot)

The Dunham Barn – As the Christmas lights twinkle, step into a world of wonder and enchantment at The Dunham Barns Santa’s Grotto. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit and embark on a memorable journey that will leave you filled with joy and excitement. (Dunham Massey)

Quarry Bank – Wish lists at the ready! Join for a special 30-minute session of festive activities and crafts, including a private family visit to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift. Tickets for all Christmas events at Quarry Bank will go on sale on Saturday 7 September. (Styal, Wilmslow)

Jingle Ville at Lower Drayton Farm – Step into a world straight out of a storybook as you explore the charming town of Jingle-Ville – the perfect backdrop for your family’s Christmas adventure.

The Grotto at The Trafford Centre is making a grand return! They’ll be pulling out all the stops to make the 2024 experience even more mesmerising.

The Hayloft – Christmas experience tickets go on sale 7th September (Widnes)

Magical Malpas PYO Farm – The magic will begin with a festive tractor and trailer ride from the car park to the Christmassy barn. The Christmas experience includes gingerbread decorating, a warm drink, letter writing, reindeer food, games, animal meets & a gift from Father Christmas.

Stockport Plaza – Since 1944 Breakfast with Santa has been a family tradition in The Plaza Café. (Stockport) 2024 tbc

Arley Hall & Gardens – not confirmed for 2024

Knutsford Christmas Market – dates and details not confirmed for 2024 yet. Last year ther was a Santa’s Grotto in Silk Mill Street, a hot food and drink street market in Canute Place alongside incredible live entertainment and the funfair on Princess Street car park. (Knutsford)

Christmas at Bolesworth  – 2024 details tbc (Tattenhall, near Chester)

Totally Christmas – Suitable for all ages, enjoy an hour of themed rooms, find the answer to the puzzle and move on to the next before meeting Santa (Walkden) 2024 tbc

Lancashire Mining Museum Santa Specials – 2024 tbc (Astley, Manchester)

Christmas-Shire Sneaky Family – Experience Christmas like never before with an interactive performance where you are part of the story. This is a behind the scenes (never seen before), full access to the Christmas-Shire. (Liverpool)

If you’re in the festive mood you might also like these Cheshire events guides

Christmas Lights Switch on dates

Cheshire Christmas Light Trail Experiences

Cheshire Christmas Events

Lancashire Santa’s Grottos