CHRISTMAS SANTA IS HERE - JUST IN THE NICK OF TIME
CHRISTMAS is coming which means it’s time for your little ones to pay a visit to the main man. We all know Santa makes a flying visit to see what all the girls and boys want for Christmas, so we’re making sure you know exactly where to find him this year.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of the main grottos in and around Manchester.
CHILL FACTORE, TRAFFORD
Chill Factore, at Beyond, is the home to the UK’s only Santa’s grotto on real snow.
In this white, winter wonderland, children make Christmas cards for loved ones and write their own Christmas list, before hand-delivering it to Santa inside his gingerbread house grotto.
The grotto opens today and will open every Saturday and Sunday until November 30 and then every day from December 1 to 24.
A number of sessions are also planned for children with autism and other additional needs. These take place on November 22 and 29.
Every child who visits will receive a gift from Santa before embarking on an hour of snow fun at Chill Factore’s Snow Park (ages 4+) or 30 minutes of play in Mini Moose Land (ages 3 and under).
You can buy photos and other souvenirs in the gift shop afterwards.
Santa and Snow Park tickets are priced from £25 and Santa and Mini Moose Land from £9.50. You can save 10 per cent on bookings made and taken before December 20 by using promo code: SANTA10.
PETER RABBIT GROTTO, TRAFFORD CENTRE
Beatrix Potter’s woodland wonderland is being brought to life once again at the Trafford Centre’s Christmas grotto.
The Peter Rabbit grotto first appeared last year, letting little ones make their way through the burrow, meeting the characters along the way.
This time Mrs Tiggy Winkle has replaced Jemima Puddle-Duck, and will be the one decorating biscuits with children, while Squirrel Nutkin is a new addition to the line-up.
Children are encouraged to spot Squirrel Nutkin’s secret stash of golden acorns and keep their eyes peeled for that cunning Mr Tod in his twinkly lair.
The grotto is open outside the Great Hall until Christmas Eve.
There will also be autismfriendly experiences, featuring smaller groups of visitors, quieter music and specially trained elves.
Advance booking is recommended, and tickets, costing £8.50 for children and £5.50 for adults, can be booked online.
The experience includes biscuit decorating and a gift from Father Christmas.
MANCHESTER ICE VILLAGE MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE
A grotto once again forms part of the Ice Village in Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens this Christmas.
The Ice Cavern is the centrepiece of the Christmas Markets’ family area and has a Fantasy Adventure theme, featuring mythical beasts and royal regalia.
The grotto sits on the edge of the family zone, close to the Victoria Street side, and is open from November 20 until Christmas Eve.
Slots can be booked between 1pm and 6.45pm midweek and from 11am to 6.45pm on weekends and during school holidays.
It promises ‘a unique experience’, with plenty of photo opportunities available including a chance to sit on Santa’s special chair.
Santa handpicks a gift for each child to take home. Tickets cost £7 and each child ticket includes access for one adult. Advance online booking is advised.
WINTER FUNLAND, EVENTCITY Winter Funland is returning to EventCity this year with a Christmas circus, a funfair, a panto and an even bigger ice rink.
But what some families don’t realise is that it’s home to a grotto too - with real reindeer.
Tickets to the event include a visit to Santa, but you can pay extra for a fast track to meet the big man if you want to avoid spending time in a queue. These cost £3 each.
The event will run from December 6 to January 5 with a range of daytime and early evening sessions.
For families with children who have autism there’s a special one-off session on Monday, December 9, when the noise will be lowered, lighting reduced and a special chill-out space available.
To book tickets, costing £23.50 each, or £89 for a family of four, see the website.
Under threes and carers go free but still need tickets.
Rides will include traditional carousels, helter skelters and dodgems and there’ll be plenty of stalls selling festive food and drink.
MANCHESTER ARNDALE
Santa will be back in his Scandinavian log cabin at Manchester Arndale this Christmas.
Families will be welcomed into a snow-blanketed garden by The Wish Elves, who will help little ones cast their Christmas wishes into a snowflake wishing well.
They’ll then head inside the cosy cabin to meet Father Christmas himself and chat to him by the fireside.
The elves will be on hand to take a professional photo inside the grotto, which can be framed or turned into baubles and snow globes to buy as a keepsake.
Tickets cost £5.50 plus booking fees, which includes a special gift to take home. Souvenir photos and gifts start from £7.
Visitors aren’t allowed to use their own cameras or camera phones inside the grotto but are free to snap away in the garden.
The shopping centre’s grotto will be open from November 21 to December 24. The grotto will be located on the upper mall near Argos. You can book your visit at manchesterarndale.com/ Book-to-see-Santa.
HOUSING UNITS, OLDHAM
A ‘truly magical experience’ is once again promised at the Housing Units grotto this Christmas.
Located on the ground floor of the Emporium Store lies ‘an enchanting’, themed Santa’s Grotto, where each child receives a personalised meeting with Santa, an age appropriate gift and a photo in a mount.
Visits cost £15.95 per child, adults free, and include the gift and a mounted photo.
VIP Santa experiences are also offered, giving families extra time and space to enjoy the attraction. Each family will be met at the entrance where your child will receive a ‘golden ticket’ allowing them entry into the grotto.
All family members will also receive a ‘Personal Elf Service’ - your own elf, dedicated to escorting you around the grotto from start to finish.
With this personalised service, your child will be able to spend time with Santa, receive a toy and a personalised thank you letter from Santa, and have a picture taken with him too.
Tickets cost £29.95 per child, adults are free. Book online.
ORDSALL HALL, SALFORD
The historic hall is getting in the Christmas spirit once again this year with its own grotto.
The grotto is open on two Sundays between now and Christmas December 8 and 15, between 1pm and 4pm.
Children can meet Father Christmas in his ‘magical grotto’ and choose a special gift from the Elves workshop in the Star Chamber.
Tickets are to be purchased per child in 15-minute time slots, with the last one at 3.30pm.
It costs £5 per child and can be booked online.