Things To In Between Christmas and New Year In Manchester

Keep the kids entertained and get out and about this Twixmas with our list of things to do in between Christmas and New Year in Manchester 2025 for families.

The time between Christmas and New Year aka Twixmas is always an odd one. You have had the fun build-up to Christmas, the kids have opened all the presents, and everyone has eaten their weight in Turkey and chocolate. 

If you want to get out of the house, there are lots of things to do in Manchester, from pantos and Christmas shows to Christmas light walks, fun events and lots more.

Keep checking back as we update and add more events on the run-up.

Fun Twixmas Fact

The word Twixmas comes from the Old English phrase ‘betwixt’, which means between. 

Although it started as a British term, it is getting more popular in other countries, with Google searches for the term popping up in the United States, India, Brazil and more. 

Looking for things to do on the run-up to the big day >>> What’s On This Christmas in Manchester 

Tinsel Town, Trafford Centre 

Friday 22nd November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026

The Trafford Centre’s Tinsel Town will be running in between Christmas and New Year. 

You can enjoy a whole host of kiddy, family and adrenaline rides, photo ops and festive food.

Read More >>> Trafford Centre’s Tinsel Town Fun Fair 

Discover >>> Review of Tinsel Town at the Trafford Centre 

Dunham Massey — Winter Family Trail With Speechly the Pineapple (Indoors)

Ongoing to 8th March 2026

Enjoy a daytime, family-friendly trail aimed at younger children that mixes simple storytelling with nature exploration.

Families follow a map or trail sheet to meet Speechly (a friendly character), collect stamps and discover seasonal surprises dotted around the parkland and gardens.

More >>> Winter Family Trail With Speechly the Pineapple, Dunham Massey 

Trafford Centre Ice Rink 

Friday 21st November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026

The Trafford Centre Ice Rink is back at the Trafford Centre for Christmas.

You can enjoy a skate around the rink to great tunes; they have skating aids available, and skate hire is included in the tickets. 

Read more and how to book >>> Trafford Centre Ice Rink 

Discover >>> Review of Trafford Centre Ice Rink 

Skate Manchester Ice Rink 

Until Sunday 4th December 2026

Skate Manchester has returned to Manchester City Centre.

An undercover rink, you can expect twinkly lights, Christmas songs, and a huge Christmas tree to skate around. 

Read more and book >>> Skate Manchester Ice Rink 

Rochdale Ice Rink – Santa’s Village, Town Hall Square

Until 4 January 2026

A brand‑new outdoor ice rink has arrived in Rochdale’s historic Town Hall Square, offering 45‑minute skating sessions for families, beginners and festive fun‑seekers.

Prices start from £13.50 for adults and £9.50 for children, with student and school‑trip discounts available. Skate aids can be hired for younger skaters, and although the rink is covered, visitors are advised to wrap up warm.

More >>> Rochdale Ice Rink – Santa’s Village, Town Hall Square

Christmas Bricktacular LEGOLAND Discovery 

Saturday 22nd November to 2025 to 30th December 2025. 

LEGO lovers can celebrate the festive season LEGOLAND Discovery’s Christmas Bricktacular. 

There will be festive-themed activities, access to two rides, LEGO® build & play zones and a 4D cinema experience at this ultimate indoor LEGO playground.

Plus you can:

• Take part build and decorate a Lego Gingerbread
• Rock around the LEGO Christmas tree at the pop-up dance parties with our mascots 
• Spin the advent wheel to try to win a treat
• Take part in a fun scavenger hunt.

Tickets to LEGOLAND Discovery’s Christmas Bricktacular cost from £16.00 for adults, from £12.00 for children.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre will be closed on 25th December 2025

More info and to book a ticket >>> LEGOLAND Discovery’s Christmas Bricktacular 

Snowy’s Conservation Crew, SEA LIFE Manchester 

Saturday 22nd November 2-25 to 4th January 2026 

This Christmas, SEA LIFE Manchester is joining Snowy on a mission to try and help the animals of the North Pole and they need your help.

You will be tasked to take on the challenges, find the answers, learn about the oceans and have loads of fun at SEA LIFE

Take part in an arctic-themed trail, you might even win a prize! Plus lots more. 

Tickets start at £16.00 for adults and £16.00 for children. Under 3’s are free. 

More >>> Snowy’s Conservation Crew, SEA LIFE Manchester 

Glow Christmas Light Trail at RHS Garden Bridgewater, Salford

Wednesday 26th November to Tuesday the 30th of December 2025

What better way to blow off the cobwebs than a walk around the RHS Garden Bridgewater for a magical light display?

The Glow Christmas Light Trail in Salford will include tunnels festooned with fairy lights, mirror balls, rainbow lights, paired with much-loved Manchester tunes under the rainbow lights, amazing light projections on Garden Cottage and lots more.

To book and more information >>> Christmas Light Trail at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Christmas at Dunham Massey Christmas Light Trail, Altrincham 

Friday 14th November 2025 to Wednesday 4th January 2026

The Dunham Massey Christmas Light Trail will be running in between Christmas and New Year. 

The attractions will include sparkling tunnels of light, colour-changing battons of lights, dancing lights across the lawn, larger-than-life flower installations and lots more. 

They also have festive food and hot drinks on sale, and usually have a couple of small fairground rides. 

Booking is required, and dates sell out in advance. 

Read More and how to book >>> Christmas at Dunham Massey Light Trail

Northern Lights at Heaton Park, Manchester Christmas Light Trail

Until 31st December 2025 

Northern Lights Manchester brings a brand-new festive light experience to the vast surroundings of Heaton Park, transforming one of Europe’s largest urban parks into a mile-long illuminated journey.

There will be around a dozen immersive zones – from glowing tunnels and floating lakeside lights to colourful floral arches and shimmering “bee” installations – that deliver that big, magical Christmas atmosphere families love.

Read more: Northern Lights Manchester at Heaton Park

North Pole Safari – Bury Town Centre

Until 31 December

Families can enjoy a magical augmented‑reality adventure around Bury this festive season. The North Pole Safari features two themed trails — The Workshop Route, filled with cheeky elves and animated toys, and The Winterwood Route, where mystical snow‑creatures roam.

Armed with a phone, visitors follow 10 clue points around the town, scanning QR codes to reveal enchanting AR characters and uncover hidden letters. Complete the trail, crack the festive password, and unlock a special Christmas e‑book. It’s a fun, free activity perfect for keeping kids entertained between Christmas and New Year.

More >>> North Pole Safari – Bury Town Centre

Winter Wonderland FunFair, Irish World Heritage Centre, Chorlton

Until Saturday 3rd January 2026

Enjoy a fun winter funfair with a range of rides, food court, indoor bar and entertainment.

It will be open: 

• 12.00 am to 2.30 pm 
• 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm 
• 5.00 pm to 7.30 pm 

Unlimited wristbands will cost £10.99 per person.

More >>> Winter Wonderland Fun Fair, Irish World Heritage Centre

Family Films at The Cinema

A trip to the Cinema always makes a great Twimas treat. 

There are some great new family films out this Christmas from cartoons to live-action and options for older kids. 

Read More >>> Family Films This Christmas at Cineworld 

£2.00 Family Films at Cineworld 

If you’re looking for a cheap day out, Cineworld will be running their Movies for Juniors right across Christmas, including Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. 

The films cost just £2.00 per ticket (plus a booking fee), and they can sell out on popular dates. 

Read More >>> Christmas Holidays £2.00 Family Films at Cineworld

Twixmas Christmas Panto’s and Shows 

You can’t beat a good old panto or show for a Christmas and New Year treat. 

Everyone is entertained for a couple of hours, you get to sit back and relax and they are always lots of fun.  

We are lucky living in Manchester as there are some great Panto’s showing this year.

If a panto is not your thing you and your family can still enjoy a trip to the theatre during the Twixmas period.

There are some great shows across Greater Manchester with options for all ages. Here is what is running right up to New Year’s Eve.

Beauty and the Beast – Victoria Hall, Bolton

Until 3rd January 2026.

A sparkling take on the classic fairy tale, this pantomime brings Beauty and her Beast to life with dazzling sets, colourful costumes and plenty of audience interaction. Expect slapstick humour, toe-tapping songs, comic sidekicks and heartfelt moments celebrating courage and friendship — perfect for families and younger children.

Aladdin – Stockport Plaza

Until 4th January 2026.

Follow Aladdin’s magical adventures through Agrabah with flying carpets, mischievous villains and lots of laughs. A traditional panto experience with catchy songs, colourful visuals and full audience participation — boo the baddies and cheer the heroes! 

Robin Hood – Manchester Opera House

Until 4th January 2026.

Join Robin Hood and his Merry Men in a festive take on the legendary outlaw’s escapades, packed with action, comedy and seasonal fun. With Jason Manford and a full ensemble cast, expect lively songs, colourful costumes and plenty of family-friendly humour.

Rumpelstiltskin – Contact Theatre, Manchester

Until 31st Dec 2025

This inventive pantomime tells the story of Rumpelstiltskin in the Bavarian town of Lieblingsberg, where Cupid returns to help Prince Dierdrick restore love to the land. The show bursts with vibrant sets, fabulous costumes and lots of panto mayhem, plus audience participation. Accessible and relaxed performances make it enjoyable for all ages.

Beauty and the Beast – Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham

Until 4th January 2026.

Another traditional staging of this beloved story, complete with sparkling costumes, comic moments and plenty of music. A great option for families who want classic panto style and festive fun.

Cinderella – The Forum Theatre, Romiley

Until 28th December 2025 

A magical and interactive production of Cinderella, featuring quirky characters, lively songs and all the charm of this timeless tale. Great for younger audiences in particular. 

Freaky Friday – HOME Manchester

Runs through 10th January 2026

Experience the UK stage premiere of this upbeat musical based on the classic body-swap tale. When a mother and daughter magically switch bodies for a day, the chaos that follows leads to hilarious situations, heartfelt lessons and energetic musical numbers. With a lively contemporary score and plenty of laughs, it’s a great choice for families with older kids and teens. 

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – The Lowry, Salford

Until 11th January 2025 

Step through the wardrobe into Narnia in this magical stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic. Follow the Pevensie siblings as they encounter fantastical creatures, icy landscapes and ultimate triumph over the White Witch. A visually rich production with stunning effects and timeless storytelling

Gandeys Snow Storm Wish Ice Show – Trafford Centre, Manchester

Until 4th January 2026.

A spectacular winter show blending world-class ice skating with jaw-dropping circus artistry. Watch graceful figure skaters and breathtaking aerial performers bring this heart-filling production to life on a frost-kissed rink backdrop. With dramatic lighting, special effects and a festive atmosphere, it’s an unforgettable experience for all ages. 

The Snowy Day – Z-arts, Manchester

Until 30th December 2025 

Designed especially for toddlers and preschoolers, this gentle and immersive performance brings Ezra Jack Keats’ beloved story to life. Young children can explore snowy scenery, enjoy sensory elements and interact playfully as Peter discovers the magic of his first snowfall. 

Little Bear and the Christmas Lights – The Lowry (Aldridge Studio), Salford

From 28th Dec 2025 to 4th Jan 2026

Join Little Bear on a heartwarming quest to find the perfect Christmas lights in this interactive puppet show. With live music and audience participation, it’s a calm, magical experience ideal for toddlers and families seeking a relaxed, festive outing. 

More >>> Christmas Pantos and shows in Manchester 

Things to Do Outside of Manchester Between Christmas and New Year 

If you are happy to travel outside of Greater Manchester there are some great events during Twixmas located not too far away.

Merry Squeakmas Mouse Trail, Quarry Bank 

Friday 22nd November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025 

Quarry Bank need your help to track down the mischievous festive mice in the mill and garden as they help prepare for Christmas. 

You will find them decorating a tree, baking cookies, wrap presents  and more. 

The trail is free but normal admission applies and will be open 10.30 am to 4.00 pm. 

More >>> Merry Squeakmas Mouse Trail Quarry Bank 

Indoor Funfair Liverpool 

Saturday 23rd December 2023 to Sunday 7th January 2024 

Indoor Funfair is back in Liverpool for the Christmas holidays. 

They have over 25 rides with options for all ages, from thrill rides such as Fusion, family favourites including the Dodgems and smaller carousel rides. 

Tickets are via wristbands for 3-hour time slots and range from £9.99 to £14.99, depending on the time and if you book in advance. 

Read More >>> Indoor Funfair Liverpool 

Christmas By The Sea, Blackpool 

Friday 17th November 2023 to Monday 1st January 2024

Blackpool’s Christmas By The Sea event will be running right up to New Year’s Day. 

Located at Blackpool’s Tower Festival Headland, there will be a festive village including a free ice rink, light projection shows, festive fairground rides, simulated snowfalls, a snow slide and lots of festive food. 

Plus the festive trams will be running along and Blackpool Illuminations will still be on. 

The event will run from 12.00 noon to 9.00 pm daily except on Christmas Day.

Discover more >>> Christmas By The Sea Blackpool 

Land of Lights Gullivers World, Warrington