Where To See Santa In Manchester 2025

Looking for the best places to see Santa in Manchester? Discover where you can see Santa in Manchester for Christmas 2025 in our guide here. 

Christmas is nearly here, and that brings the question of where to ‘see Santa near me’? 

The Santa visit is always a lovely festive tradition, seeing the kids’ faces when they see him, them hopefully telling him their Christmas wish and that all-important Santa photo.  

We are lucky to live in Manchester, as there are so many great places to see Father Christmas for 2024.

From breakfast with Santa, afternoon teas with Father Christmas, Santa grotto visits, to full-on Santa experiences with reindeer and lots more, we have been on the hunt to bring the top picks to see Santa in Manchester for 2024. 

There are lots of Santa visits to choose from across Manchester and Greater Manchester to choose to suit all tastes and budgets.

Plus, for 202,5 LaplandUK will be bringing their renowned event to Manchester with LaplandManchester. 

Check out the best places to see Santa in Manchester for 2024, and make sure to keep checking back as we update and add more events on the run-up.  

We have listed the Manchester Santas in start date order, so make sure you read right to the end. 

Christmas 2024 in Manchester is on its way!

Discover More >>> Christmas Shows and Pantomimes in Manchester

Where to See Santa In Manchester 2025

Here is the big list of where you can usually see Santa in Manchester, plus read on to discover more details, including dates and how to book. Those confirmed for 2025 are highlighted. 

• Cockfields Farm – Santa and Christmas at Cockfields
• John Lewis Cheadle – Santa’s Grotto 
• The Trafford Centre – Christmas with Santa 
• Housing Units Oldham – Breakfast With Santa 
• East Lancashire Railway – Santa Special 
• Santa’s Grotto at Haigh Woodland Park 
• Spindles Shopping Centre Santa’s Grotto Oldham 
• Stockport Merseyway – Free Santa’s Grotto 
• Ashton Arcades – Free Santa’s Grotto
• Tatton Park – Father Christmas On The Farm 
• LEGO Santa at LEGO Discovery Centre 
• Food & Forne Bistro 
• Newbank Garden Centre, Bury – Santa’s Grotto
• Manchester Cruises – Cruise with Santa 
• Hollingworth Lake – Sail to Santa’s Grotto
• Planet Ice Altrincham – Skate and See Santa 
• Lymefield Garden Centre – Santa’s Grotto 
• Salford Museum – Breakfast With Santa
• Village Hotel Hyde – Lunch or Tea with Santa 
• Village Hotel Ashton – Breakfast with Santa 
• Harvester – Breakfast with Santa 
• Portland Basin, Ashton – Sail With Santa 
• The Plaza Stockport – Breakfast With Santa 
• Ashtree Farm, Ashton under Lyne – Breakfast with Santa 
• Selfridges Trafford Centre – Breakfast With Santa 
• Freight Island – Santa Experience
• Hard Rock Cafe – Breakfast with Santa 

Featured 

Lunch with Santa, Village Hotel Hyde – Sponsored

Join Village Hotel Hyde for a festive lunch with Santa. 

Children and families can enjoy a 2-course lunch, a children’s entertainer and a mini disco. 

Plus, every child will get to meet Santa. 

The lunches with Santa will run on set days, and booking is required. 

Read More >>> Lunch With Santa at Village Hotel Hyde

Where is the Big Santa in Manchester? 

Christmas is not complete until you have had a glimpse of the Big Santa in Manchester, and he is back for 2025. 

Manchester Big Santa is located in St Peter’s Square, near Manchester Central Library and will be bringing lots of festive sparkle on the run up to Christmas. 

This huge light-up Santa sits at a huge 12-meter high, weighs over 2.3 tonnes and is powered by low-energy lightbulbs.

Housing Units Oldham – Breakfast With Santa  

Saturday 22nd November to Tuesday 23rd December 2025

The popular Breakfast with Santa at Housing Units is back for 2025. 

Taking place in the Wickentree Restaurant, you can expect live piano music and a fun sing-along to help welcome Santa.

The family can then enjoy a lovely breakfast. Children’s breakfast will consist of a ‘Festive Breakfast Stand’ comprising a mini sausage sandwich with ketchup dip, festive toast with jam & butter, cereal, milk and a fruit pot, dessert and a children’s soft drink.

Adults will receive a welcome drink of Bucks Fizz and the breakfast will consist of scrambled free-range eggs, dry cured bacon, Wickentree sausages, baked beans, a hash brown, tomatoes and toast.

After breakfast, Santa will arrive at the restaurant for a sing-along, and each family will be invited to meet Santa and have a photo opportunity. Each child will receive a gift from Santa, a personalised letter and a sweet treat.

Tickets are priced at £31.95 per child and £31.95 per adult.

More >>> Breakfast With Santa at Housing Units Oldham 

The Trafford Centre – Santa at The Grotto: Dear Santa 

Friday 22nd November to 24th December 2025 

Santa is returning to Trafford Centre for 2025 and will be bringing the enchanted land – The Grotto event.

Assisted by Santa’s Elves, families will embark on an adventure through the Gingerbread Land and Enchanted Forest, the Merry Makers Studio and Santa’s study, before seeing the big man himself.

Read More >>> Santa at Trafford Centre 

Discover >>> Review of The Grotto: Dear Santa at the Trafford Centre 

LEGO Santa at LEGOLAND Discovery Manchester 

To be confirmed for 2025 

LEGO fans can meet Santa with a difference this Christmas at LEGO® North Pole at LEGOLAND Discovery Manchester.

Head into the grotto to have your souvenir photo taken with the brickman himself and receive an awesome gift! 

The LEGO Grotto is part of the Christmas Bricktacular event which you need to book onto as well as to book to see Santa. 

The grotto will run at weekends from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 15th December 2024 then from Thursday 19th to Tuesday 24th December 2024. 

Read More >>> LEGO Santa and Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Manchester. 

Cockfields Farm – Santa and Christmas at Cockfields Experience 

Saturday 29th November to Wednesday 24th December 2025

Santa is back at Cockfields Farm for 2025.

The Christmas at Cockfields event will include the chance to meet Santa and real reindeer, make your own toys with the elves, visit Santa’s toy shop and choose your own toy.

Plus, you can enjoy decorating gingerbread men with Mrs Claus, head to the North Pole sorting office, visit the elf village, play in the snow (foam) and lots more festive treats. 

Cockfields is also running Breakfast With Santa – see below. 

Read More >>>> Santa at Cockfields Farm.

Discover >>> Review of Christmas at Cockfields Farm 

Check Out >>> Top Tips for Visiting Cockfields Farm Christmas Experience

John Lewis Cheadle – Santa’s Grotto 

Wednesday 10th to Wednesday 24th December 2025 

John Lewis will be bringing back Santa this Christmas with a classic meet and greet. 

Children will meet Santa and receive a LEGO toy. 

More >>> Santa’s Grotto at John Lewis Cheadle

Santa’s Grotto at Haigh Woodland Park 

Saturday 28th November to Tuesday 23rd December 2025 

Santa’s Grotto at Haigh Woodland Park is back.

Head to the Haighs stables for a special visit with Santa in his Grotto. 

Each visit offers the opportunity to give Father Christmas your little one’s list, have a chat with him and take photos.

Each child will receive a gift plus a voucher, which can be redeemed in the Stables Gallery, which is located above the Courtyard, for each child to paint a Christmas Bauble.

Tickets to see Santa cost just £12.00 per child and adult, plus a booking fee. 

Details and how to book >>> Santa’s Grotto at Haigh Woodland Park 

Santa Special at East Lancashire Railway 

Saturday 22nd November to Wednesday 24th December 2025 

Go on a Christmas adventure on a traditional steam train with the Santa Special at East Lancashire Railway.

Start your journey decorated station where you can meet Mrs Claus and see the singing tree. 

Board the Santa Special Train with the fun elves, brass band and of course a visit from Santa to your carriage, where little ones will receive a gift.

Tickets are limited and must be booked in advance. 

Read More >>> Santa Special at East Lancashire Railway 

Magical Santa’s Grotto, Food and Thorn Bistro, Ashton Under Lyne

Saturday 22nd November to 24th December 2025 

Enjoy an Alpine-style grotto with a relaxed, immersive experience for all children. 

The visit will include a visit with Santa with a gift, a gingerbread man and hot chocolate. 

Tickets cost £13.95 per child and it will run weekends from 23rd November, the daily from 22nd to 24th December 2025.

More >>> Magical Santa’s Grotto, Food and Thorn Bistro, Ashton Under Lyne

Tatton Park Farm – Father Christmas At The Farm 

Saturday 22nd November to Wednesday 24th 2025

Father Christmas will be heading back to Tatton Park Farm this Christmas. 

You can meet Father Christmas and his elves in the Festive Grotto, where children will receive a gift.

You can also enjoy roaming entertainers, live music with festive choirs and brass bands and stop off for a tasty treat in the Christmas Cafe located in the Clydesdale Barn and more.

Booking is required.

Read More >>> Father Christmas Tatton Park Farm.

Spindles Shopping Centre Oldham – Santa’s Grotto

To be confirmed for 2025 

Meet Santa at his Grotto at Spindles Shopping Centre.

Children will get to meet Santa, tell him their Christmas wish and pose for a picture. 

Tickets can be booked in advance, and there may be some availability on the day.

Read More >>>  Santa’s Grotto at Spindles Shopping Centre 

Free Santa’s Grotto, Stockport Merseyway 

To be confirmed for 2025 

This December, children’s can undertake Elves Training as they go on a magical adventure across Stockport Town Centre with a free visit to Santa’s Grotto at the end. 

With their own sack filled with mail to Santa, they need to help get it sorted by posting it in the festive post boxes around the town. 

Once their task is complete, they can meet Father Christmas himself and receive a small gift. 

The event is free and will run on the following weekends from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm (or until all visiting slots are full)

• Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December 2024 
• Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December 2024 
• Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd December 2024 

More >>> Merseyway Express Depot Trail and Free Santa Visit

Santa’s Grotto, Ashton Arcades 

To be confirmed for 2025 

Ashton Arcades is giving those on the nice list the chance to visit Santa for only £3.00 this Christmas, with proceeds being donated to Reuben’s Retreat. 

You will have the opportunity to see Santa in his grotto, take your own photos, and each child will receive a gift. 

The grotto will be running on: 

• Saturday 2nd December 2023 
• Saturday 9th December 2023 
• Saturday 16th December 2023 
• Saturday 23rd December 2023 

It will be open from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm, and no booking is required.

Santa’s Grotto will be located on the upper level of Ashton Arcades. 

More >>> Santa’s Grotto at Ashton Arcades 

Breakfast With Santa at Dobbies Garden Centre

Saturday 29th November to Saturday 24th December 2025 

Join Dobbies for a breakfast with Santa this Christmas. 

This fun event will include: 

• Create your own soft toy (over 3’s)
• Under 3’s will get a present from Santa
• A delicious breakfast 
• Fun and games 
• Decorate an elf mask 
• Meet Santa and share your Christmas wish

Tickets cost from 

• £18.00 for children over 3, including a choice of hot breakfast and a build-a-soft toy
• £9.00 for adults, including a choice of hot breakfast 

The Breakfasts at Santa will take place at Dobbies Marple on;

• Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November 2025
• Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th December 2025
• Saturday 13th to Tuesday 14th December 2025
• Monday 14th to Tuesday 23rd December 2025 

The events are aimed at children from 3 to 10 years. 

Booking is required >>> Breakfast With Santa at Dobbies Marple

Food & Thorne Bistro, Ashton Under Lyne – Breakfast with Santa 

Sunday 23rd November to Sunday 21st December 2025.

Enjoy a breakfast with Santa at Food & Thorne Bistro in Ashton Under Lyne. 

Tickets will include a full English breakfast with toast, croissants and pastries, fresh orange or apple juice, along with tea or coffee. Children will also have the choice of either a cooked breakfast or pancakes with fruit.

Children will get to meet Santa and receive a gift with a chance for a photo.

The breakfasts with Santa will take place on Sundays from the 23rd of November to the 21st of December 2025.

There will be 3 settings available at 9.00 am to 10.15 am, 11.45 am to 12.00 pm and 12.30 pm to 2.00 pm. 

Places need booking, are limited and cost £17.00 each for adults and children. 

More information >>> Breakfast with Santa at Food and Thorne Bistro 

Cockfield’s Farm Breakfast With Santa

Monday 8th to Friday 19th of December 2025

Enjoy a breakfast with Santa at Cockfields Farm this Christmas.

Taking place on Mondays to Fridays from the 8th to the 19th of December 2025, little ones and their adults can enjoy a lovely breakfast before meeting Santa.

There will be a chance for a photo, and each child will receive a gift. You will also meet Santa’s real reindeer, Prancer and Dancer, make reindeer food and meet the resident animals. Plus, there will be a chance to ride the Virtual North Pole train. 

Children’s tickets cost £14.95 and include a gift from Santa, breakfast of pancakes or waffles and a juice drink.

Adult tickets cost £14.95 and include a bacon bap and a hot drink.

Booking required. >>>  Breakfast With Santa at Cockfields Farm

Newbank Garden Centre, Bury – Santa’s Grotto 

Wednesday 3rd to Tuesday, 23rd December 2025 

Santa will be returning to Newbank Garden Centre this Christmas for a festive storytelling experience. 

You will be greeted by one of Santa’s elves, who will show you into Santa’s grotto to take a seat and learn a song.

Before long, Santa himself will arrive to tell the children a magical story, and each child will receive a special present as they leave the grotto. 

The grotto will be open from Wednesday 3rd to Tuesday 23rd December 2024, excluding Mondays 1st, 8th, and 15th and Tuesdays 2nd, 9th and 16th December 2025. 

Tickets cost £14.99 for one adult and one child; additional adult tickets cost £4.99.

Booking required>>> Santa’s Grotto at Newbank Garden Centre, Bury 

Manchester Cruise – Cruise With Father Christmas 

Saturday 22nd November to Tuesday 23rd December 2025 

This Christmas, enjoy a boat trip with Father Christmas in Manchester. 

This fun Santa Cruise with start at Salford Quays, and will make its way down the Manchester Ship Canal. 

There will be a chance to meet Santa, and kids will receive a gift and enjoy fun Christmas activities, whilst taking in the views. 

There will also be mulled wine and mince pies for adults and cookies and juice for the children. 

The events are aimed at children from 2 to 10 years, and adult participation in the fun is necessary. 

Tickets cost £16 for adults, £14.o0 for children and £5.00 for under 1’s. 

To book >>> Cruise with Father Christmas in Manchester 

Santa’s Grotto at Lymefield Garden Centre 

Sunday 30th November to Sunday 14th December 2025

Santa will be returning to Lymefield Garden Centre again this Christmas.

Meet Santa, his elves and reindeer; each child will receive a gift. 

All proceeds in aid of Reubens Retreat. 

Details, times and how to book >>> Santa’s Grotto at Lymefield Garden Centre 

Breakfast with Father Christmas, Salford Museum 

To be confirmed for 2025 

Join Father Christmas at Lark Hill Place at Salford Museum for a lovely Breakfast. 

Families can enjoy a breakfast, story time session, craft activity and of course a meet and greet with Father Christmas, where children will receive a gift.

Breakfast will feature a continental breakfast buffet with pastries, including options suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dietary requirements. Fruit, as well as unlimited tea, coffee, and juice, will also be available.

The breakfasts will take place on Saturdays from the 7th to the 21st of December 2024 from 9.30 am to 11.30 am 

Ideal for children over 5 years old and booking is required, and tickets cost £15.00 per person. 

To book >>> Breakfast with Santa at Salford Museum 

Breakfast with Santa at the Harvester, Across Greater Manchester

Saturday 6th to Wednesday 24th December 2025 

This Christmas, treat the kids to a festive Breakfast with a visit from the big man at the Breakfast with Santa at Harvesters across Greater Manchester. 

Taking place at Harvester Quayside MediaCityUK, The Sir Winston Churchill Rochdale and The Horwich Park Inn in Bolton.

The kids’ breakfasts include breakfast, Fruit Shoot, a chocolate treat, colouring-in activities, a goody bag and some time with Santa. 

The breakfasts will run every weekend from 1st December, plus Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th December 2024 

The Breakfast with Santa costs from £11.99 and from £12.99 on Christmas Eve. 

Details and how to book >>> Breakfast with Santa at the Harvester 

The Plaza Stockport – Breakfast With Santa 

Sold Out for 2025 

Santa is making a return to The Plaza Stockport for 2025. 

Families will be able to enjoy a wonderful breakfast, including pastries and waffles for kids and bacon bars for adults, and more. 

Then you can head to Santa’s Grotto to meet the big man himself and receive a gift. 

Booking required. 

Read More and Book >>> Breakfast with Santa at The Plaza Stockport 

Selfridges, Trafford Centre,  Breakfast with Santa at Selfridges 

Saturday 6th to Sunday 21st December 2025 

This Christmas, you are invited to be the guest of Santa Claus at a special festive breakfast.

Join Santa, Mrs Claus for a lovely breakfast, treats and a personalised gift for each child. 

The event is aimed at children between 2 and 10 years old. 

Children’s tickets cost £35 per person and must be pre-booked online. Adults don’t need a ticket but will not receive breakfast. 

More and to book >>> Breakfast With Santa at Selfridges, Trafford Centre 

Santa’s Experience at Freight Island

To be confirmed for 2025 

Santa is heading to Freight Island this Christmas. 

Head to his grotto, go on a sing-along tour with elves, meet Santa, and receive a LEGO and Lindt gift and more. 

Read More >>> Santa’s Grotto at Freight Island here. 

Smithills Hall Museum

Sold Out for 2025 

The Father Christmas Experience is back at Smithills Hall Museum for one day only. 

To book >>> Smithills Hall Museum Santa Experience 

Portland Basin Sail With Santa 

To be confirmed for 2025 

Join 2 Boards and a Passion as their Sail with Santa trips return to Portland Basin this Christmas.

You can enjoy a sail down Tameside Canal with songs and stories, and snacks, but children and adults. 

Children will also receive a gift from Santa. 

Tickets must be booked in advance.

Read more and tickets here >>> Sail with Santa at Portland Basin 

Hollingworth Lake, Sail To Santa’s Grotto 

Saturday 6th December to Tuesday 23rd December 2025

Head to Hollingworth Lake this December for a magical boat trip to see Santa. 

Once you arrive at the floating Grotto, you can post your letter to Santa in the magical elf box and then see the big man himself, where children will receive a gift. 

The Santa experience will run on Wednesdays and weekends from Friday, 19th December to Tuesday, 23rd December 2025.

Tickets cost from £5.00 for adults and £10.00 for children, plus a booking fee depending on the date. 

To book >>> Sail To Santa’s Grotto at Hollingworth Lake 

Breakfast With Santa, Ash Tree Farm, Ashton Under Lyne 

Sunday 7th December 2025

Head to Ash Tree Farm for  Breakfast With Santa.

You can enjoy a full buffet breakfast. Adults can enjoy unlimited tea and coffee for the adults and milk or water for the little ones.

There will then be a chance to visit Santa and receive a small gift and certificate.

The Breakfast with Santa at Ash Tree Farm will take place on

• Sunday 7th December 2025 (Quiet Session)
• Saturday 13th December 2025
• Sunday 14th December 2025
• Saturday 20th December 2025
• Sunday 21st December 2025
• Tuesday 23rd December 2025
• Wednesday, 24th of December 2025. 

Places cost just £10.99 per person and £11.99 on Christmas Eve

To book >>> Ash Tree Farm Breakfast With Santa

Hard Rock Cafe Manchester – Breakfast with Santa 

Saturday 20th and Sundady 21st December 2025 

The Breakfasts with Santa are back in Manchester City Centre at Hard Rock Cafe. 

You can enjoy a buffet breakfast, balloon modelling, fun and games and face painting. 

Plus, each child will get a visit from Santa.  Booking required. 

Read More >>> Breakfast With Santa at Hard Rock Cafe 

Father Christmas Experience at Bramhall Hall 

To be confirmed for 2025 

Head to Bramall Hall for a magical experience this Christmas. 

Go on a journey through the sparking Hall, go on the Elf spotting trail, make a Christmas tree decoration and write a letter to Father Christmas.

Then enjoy an audience with Father Christmas in the Great Hall and collect a special gift.

Tickets cost £16.00 for a child with one adult and an additional adult ticket cost £5.00. 

You can purchase the tickets for the Father Christmas Experience at Bramhall Hall here. 

Heaton Park Garden Centre – The Santa Experience

To be confirmed for 2025 

Santa will be back at Heaton Park Garden Centre for Christmas 2023. 

You will be able to paint a Santa ceramic, sing and have a story with story with Santa, receive a gift, and more. 

Places need to be booked in advance. 

To book and read more >>> Santa at Heaton Park Garden Centre 

Deck The Halls Santa’s 747 Experience, City Airport, Salford

To be confirmed for 2025 

Santa is in a new type of flying machine this Christmas at City Airport in Salford. 

Head to the deck of the 747 for some festive fun.

Lasting for one hour, the experience includes:

• Checked in by one of Santa’s elves
• Go on a treasure hunt
• Group games, crafts and competitions 
• The chance to get behind the controls in the cockpit and help the elf land or take off. 
• Surprise visit from Santa with a gift for each child
• Lots of photo ops 

Tickets start at £39.95 for one child and adult with additional adult and children tickets available.

To book tickets for the City Airport Deck the Halls Santa’s 747 Experience see here. 

Skate and See Santa, Planet Ice Altrincham Ice Rink 

To be confirmed for 2025 

What better way to meet Santa than surrounded by ice? Now you can at Planet Ice, Altrincham Ice Rink.

Their Skate and See Santa event will give the kids a chance to enjoy: 

• Skating in the ice rink including skate hire
• Meet Santa and his elves 
• Receive a gift from Santa
• Enjoy a Christmas story from his elves

The event costs £22.00 per child including one free spectator ticket.

Santa will be at Planet Ice Altrincham weekends from 2nd December and each day from Thursday 21st December until Christmas Eve 2023

Places are limited and need to be booked in advance. 

More >>> Santa at Altrincham Ice Rink 

Read >>> Things To Do New Year’s Eve  With The Kids and Families In Manchester 

Discover More >>> What’s On This Christmas In Manchester