Tinsel Town Trafford Centre 2025 Review – Prices, Rides, Parking & Tips
Christmas has officially arrived at The Trafford Centre for 2025, and that means one thing — the fun fair is back!
We were invited to check out this year’s fun fair, explore the rides, try the festive food and see what’s new.
Below, you’ll find our honest review, tips to save money, a complete ride price breakdown, and where to park for the smoothest visit.
Please note that although the tickets to the event were gifted, all the opinions are honest and are of our own.
Where to Park at The Trafford Centre for Tinsel Town
Tinsel Town is located outside the Great Hall (where the Orient Food Hall is situated).
Of course, the Trafford Centre has an abundance of free parking spaces available on each side of the centre.
However, if you want to park nearby to the Tinsel Town event, we recommend heading to the John Lewis side of the centre and following the road to the left.
Here you will find car parks in front of the M&S Food Hall, which is just a short walk to Tinsel Town. If those are full the John Lewis car parks are a good option.
What Do You Need Tickets for at the Trafford Centre Tinsel Town?
You can enter the food village for free, but the following attractions require tickets:
However, if you want to enter the Tinsel Town Fun Fair, watch the Gandey’s Snow Storm or go Ice Skating at the Trafford Centre, you will need to purchase tickets.
- Tinsel Town Fun Fair – Entry £2.50 + booking fee
- Ride tokens – £1 each
- Bundle offer – 25 tokens for the price of 20 (£22 incl. fees)
- Ice Skating – From £12 (kids)
- Gandeys Snow Storm Show – From £10
Pro tip: Buy tokens online before you go — it saves time and gives you better
How much do the Attractions and rides cost at the Trafford Centre fun fair?
As mentioned above, to ride the rides, you need to purchase tokens, which are priced at £1 each, or you can make the most of the online offer and get a couple of extra tokens free.
The rides and attractions are divided into three price categories
3 Token Rides
Great for younger kids or those who prefer something gentler:
- Balloon Ride
- Racing Carz
- Tea Cups
- Mini Swinngs
- Bumper Carz
- Flying Elephants
- Caterpillar Coaster
4 Token Rides
Family Favourites and medium level thrills
- Jumbo Circus Fun House
- Tinsel Towers Ghost Train
- Ice Jets
- Don Sapo
- Pirate Ship
5 Token Rides
For the thrill seekers and those who love to bounce
- Void
- Bungee Trampolines
- Rock Rage
- Magic Mouse Coaster
The Trafford Centre Big Wheel
Just a short walk from Tinsel Town is the impressive 55m Big Wheel. We didn’t get a chance to ride it this time, but it looks fantastic lit up in the evenings.
This ride has separate pricing and isn’t included in any wristbands or token deals.
Which Rides at Tinsel Town Did We Like Best?
We visited with a mix of 12, 13, 15 and 16-year-olds, and as soon as we walked in, the bright lights grabbed their attention. It was great to see such a mix of rides — from calm family rides to the full-on scary ones.
Here’s what we thought:
✔ Fun House – Big Favourite
The giant multi-level fun house at the back of the fair was an instant hit.
Lots of laughter and plenty of “go on, one more time!” moments.
✔ Don Sapo (Jumping Frog) – A Returning Classic
Spins, bounces and great reactions. The teens loved this blast-from-the-past favourite.
✔ Snow Jets – Surprisingly Fast
Starts gently but quickly ramps up, leaning right over as it spins. The 12-year-old in our group crowned this the best ride of the night.
✔ Magic Mouse Coaster – Our Top Pick
If the waltzers and a roller coaster had a baby, this would be it.
The spinning cars + track combo had them going back at least five times.
✔ Star Gazer Swing Ride – Stunning Views
A high-flying swing ride. Looks scarier than it is and gives lovely views over the fair.
✔ The Void & Rock Rage – For the Very Brave
These are the big, intimidating ones. Some of our group skipped them (and honestly, I wasn’t blaming them).
Those who did go on loved them and went back for more.
For Younger Children
There’s plenty to keep little ones happy too — teacups, balloon rides, mini swings, bumper cars and more. We saw lots of younger kids enjoying these.
Food and Drink at Tinsel Town Trafford Centre
Savoury
- Yorkshire Pudding Wraps (your choice of roast meat, stuffing, veg + gravy) From £10.00
- Toad In The Hole – From £8.00
- Hot Roast Sandwiches – From £8.00
- Bratwurst £8.00
- Currywurst £9.00
Sweet
- Hot chocolates – From £4.00
- Doughnuts – From £4.00
- Crepes – From £5.00
- Marshmallow sticks dipped in warm chocolate
- Topped muffins and Brownies – From £4.00
- Sweet stall (inside the fun fair)
Final Thoughts: Is The Trafford Centre Fun Fair Worth Visiting?
What we loved:
- Big variety of rides
- Good mix of gentle and thrill rides
- Great for teens
- Plenty for younger kids, too
- Festive food options
- Close parking
- Lots of photo props are dotted around
With a fun fair and The Grotto, Santa visits inside the Centre, and the Ice Rink and Gandey’s Snow Storm are opening soon, it has everything you need for a Christmas day out.
Read More and book >>> Tinsel Town Fun Fair Trafford Centre
FAQs
Do you need tickets for Tinsel Town?
You need tickets for the fun fair, rides, ice skating and Gandey’s Snow Storm. The food village is free.
How much do the rides cost?
Rides cost 3–5 tokens, and tokens are £1 each.
Where is the best place to park?
Park near the John Lewis and M&S Food Hall side for the nearest access.
Is the fun fair suitable for young children?
Yes! There are several smaller rides perfect for younger kids.
Is it good for teens?
Definitely — Magic Mouse, Don Sapo, Snow Jets and Rock Rage were favourites with our group.
