Best Christmas Events North West 2023

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Suzy McCullough

There are some magical events happening this festive period in the North West in 2023 and some are yet to be confirmed. I’ve put them into one big post so you can search for the best Christmas events near you in the North West – in Cheshire – Cumbria – Greater Manchester – Lancashire – Merseyside where you can meet Santa and more. Don’t forget to book in advance this winter so your festive cheer isn’t left feeling disappointed.

Please double-check the event descriptions on the attraction’s website as the below information could change. It is essential that you read their own information carefully, some venues require you to prebook.

There’s nothing like attending an event before Christmas Day and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Plus many places have some amazing Christmas decorations, previous years have been a testament to that.

Best Christmas Events North West 2020 – Meet Santa and More

Table of Contents

Bewilderwood – Presents Christmas – Cheshire – Tickets On Sale

This unique event will be like no other, allowing visitors to experience the wonderfully wonky woods transformed for the festive season. Full of beautifully handmade decorations, sparkly lights, Christmas cheer and of course the curious characters of BeWILDerwood will be sure to make an appearance. There will also be a mini pantomime, again with a magical BeWILDerwood twist.

Address: Malpas, Bickley Moss, Cheshire, Whitchurch SY13 4JF

When? 2nd – 23rd December

How much? £15.50 per person. Must be pre-booked online.

Bolesworth Castle – Christmas – Cheshire – Tickets on Sale

We invite you to walk in our winter wonderland! Features our iconic festive lights trail, an amazing 240sqm real ice skating rink, Santa’s Grotto and more

As dusk falls our dog-friendly Christmas Lights Trail comes to life and becomes the most dazzling winter illuminations event in Cheshire and beyond. Bolesworth is bathed in seasonal colour, our beautiful grounds lit with thousands of stunning lights and effects, projections and interactive installations creating an unforgettable seasonal experience for children and grown-ups alike.

If after all that walking you’re feeling a little sleighed, the perfect place to recharge is Rudolph’s Rest! As well as the chance to enjoy some festive refreshments halfway through the lights trail, you can meet Santa’s reindeer as they get ready for the big day. Please note Rudolph’s Rest will close after December 24 as the reindeer enjoy a well-earned rest!

Address: Bolesworth Rd, Tattenhall, Chester CH3 9HQ

When? 24th November to 31st December

How much? General admission for an adult costs from £30.95, children aged 4-12 are from £22.63 and under 4s are free.

Chester Zoo – Lanterns and Light – Cheshire – Tickets On Sale

Bigger, better and brighter than ever – you will discover never-seen-before light and sound experiences that will surround you in festive magic.

Explore new captivating light installations and be transported into enchanting lands filled with colour and festivity, where you can meet orangutans, lions, dolphins and woolly mammoths as you make your way along the trail!

Wonder at the colour-changing displays stretching as far as the eye can see, while birds and stars adorn the zoo’s winding paths and trees. Take a walk through the spectacular Winter Cathedral tunnel of lights and even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas in his sleigh.

Address: Chester CH2 1EU

When? Selected dates from 17th November – 31st December

How much? Adult standard ticket is £22, children aged 3-16 £17 and under 3s are free. Off-peak tickets are cheaper

BOOK TICKETS

Church Farm Events – Santa Experience – Cheshire – Tickets on sale

The Santa Experience is a 60-minute journey around the farm with colourful characters, real reindeer, magical lighting, special effects, farm animals and a very special personalised * visit to see Santa. The journey takes place on the tractor and on foot at a number of locations around the farm. Each paying child will also receive a chocolate gift from Santa and a marshmallow to toast on the fire.

Address: Church Ln, Thurstaston, Wirral CH61 0HW

When? Selected dates in November and December

How much? £14-18 per person

Gulliver’s Warrington – Christmas – Cheshire – Tickets on sale

Escape to Gulliver’s World for a festive family adventure. Look out for Elfie’s mischief, fairy fun and snowy surprises.

Selected festive rides and attractions for all the family
Climb aboard the North Pole Express
Explore the magical Winter Wonderland
Children choose their own gift from the Elf Workshop
Santa will be making appearances throughout the day!

Address: Worrall House Farm Larder, Flatman’sShackleton Cl, Old Hall, Warrington WA5 9YZ

When? Selected dates in November and December

How much? Tickets from £24, packages from £33.

Tatton Park – Welcome to Wonderland – Cheshire – Tickets on Sale

New for Christmas 2023! Step into a magical Christmas Mansion, down the rabbit hole and find yourself in the magical world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Follow Alice’s footsteps through the Duchess’ Garden, the Queen of Hearts’ grand palace, and on through the amazing Magic Forest.

Marvel at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and dance the Lobster Quadrille before entering the Queen of Hearts’ kitchen to pick up your festive tasty treat.

Be entertained by charming characters along the way and enjoy the festive illuminated displays that take over the staterooms and servants’ quarters this Christmas.

Address: Tatton Park Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6SG

When? 21 November – 31 December 2023

How much? Adults – £14 | Children (3+) – £10 | (Infants aged 2 and under are free – no ticket required).

Tatton Park – Yuletide – Cheshire – Tickets on Sale

As we approach the longest night, we invite you to step into an incredible, wild, glittering world at Tatton Park this Christmas. Fall into a world of folklore, festive tradition and ridiculous rituals as the characters and creatures from winter myths and stories come to life.

Expect an incredible illuminated trail, where winter witch goddesses have captured the moon and sun and shapeshifting snow hares play tricks on us all. Visit the heart of Yuletide, keeping warm as you dance to wild folk bands, crown your family’s ‘Lord of Misrule’ and gather around the fire for wondrous tales.

Address: Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN

When? 24th November – 23rd December

How Much? £20 per adult, £12 per child, under 3s free

Walton Hall Gardens – Luminate – Cheshire – Tickets on Sale

Luminate’s Walton Gardens Winter Light Trail presents a delightful world of light and music in the beautiful Cheshire gardens.

Immerse yourself in the trail as you enjoy stunning light displays and a captivating ambience as you stroll along the enchanting path of what feels like magic.

Be sure to wrap up warm! These are outdoor evening events and will be taking place whatever the weather, come rain or snow.

Address: Walton Lea Rd, Higher Walton, Warrington WA4 6SN

When? Available from 30 November 2023 to 24 January 2024

How much? Book now from £16.75 per adult

Don’t Miss Out – Book Today

Cockfields Farm – Christmas at Cockfields – Greater Manchester – Tickets on Sale

Professional Photo with Santa.
Build your own Bear at the Elf Academy.
Meet the real-life Prancer & Dancer.
Perfect Gingerbread Man in Mrs Clause’s Kitchen.
Magical Christmas Story from the Reindeer Keepers.
Cuddle the animals in Elf Village.
Post a Thank You letter in the North Pole Post Box.
Snowfall sessions.

Address: Lees Rd, Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 8AR

When? Selected dates in November and December

How much? Adults are £23 and children are £43, under 1s are £12.

Best Christmas Events Greater Manchester 2020

Dunham Massey – Christmas – Greater Manchester – Tickets on sale

A magical trail with new lights for 2023 – after-dark festive fun for all the family. Firmly positioned within the UK’s seasonal calendar, Christmas at Dunham Massey, Cheshire has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way.

Discover colour-changing batons of light stretching out into the distance, a huge silver star, Nova, shrouded in mist as if just fallen from the sky and star-shaped arches high above you, just some of the new displays to see this year.

Address: Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 4SJ

When? Selected dates from 17th November to 31st December

How much? Adult standard ticket costs £22.50, children 3-16 £14.50. Other pricing options are available and peak tickets are a higher cost.

Don’t Miss Out – Book Your Tickets Today

Heaton Park – Light Trail – Greater Manchester – Tickets on Sale

From the makers of Christmas at Kew and Christmas at Dunham Massey comes something completely new.

Christmas at Heaton Park has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family. There’s all the fun of the fair surrounded by breathtaking seasonal lights as never seen before. Discover colour-changing globes of light stretching out into the distance, larger-than-life flowers and neon strings that reach high into the sky.

Address: Middleton Rd, Manchester M25 2SW
When? Selected dates from 1st – 30th December

Don’t Miss Out – Book in Advance

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre – Christmas Bricktacular – Greater Manchester – Tickets on Sale

There are so many festive-themed activities, plus access to two rides, LEGO® build & play zones and a 4D cinema experience at the ultimate indoor LEGO playground.

Take part in a scavenger hunt in our winter wonderland-themed MINILAND®
Build a cool LEGO decoration and display it for others to see.
Rock around the LEGO Christmas tree at our pop-up dance parties with our mascots.
Spin the advent wheel and see what number it lands on to win a treat!
Awesome photo opportunities for the whole family.

Address: Trafford Palazzo in TraffordCity next to The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AS

When? 25th November ’23 – 4th January ’24

How much? The event is included in the regular entry fee. The LEGO Grotto Experience is an additional £5 per person – subject to availability.

Secure Your Visit – Book Your Tickets Online & Save Money

Farmer Parrs – Christmas 2023 – Lancashire – Tickets on sale

Herd ewer flock over to Farmer Parr’s, where they can have a good old chat with Santa and meet Rudolph too! Santa lives in his own special log cabin, with Rudolph peeping through the window. Ewe are welcome to take a tour around the rest of the animal farm as well & see all the animals in their cuddly winter coats and help us feed them too.

Please remember your ticket is to visit the farm and reserve your time with Santa. TICKETS ARE NOT JUST FOR VISITING SANTA. As a result, a gift from Santa is not included in the price. There will be the option to purchase a gift from the elf assisting Santa on the day of your visit.

Address: Rossall Ln., Fleetwood FY7 8SL

When? 25th November to 24th December

How much? Please visit their website for pricing.

Farmer Teds – Farmer Christmas – Lancashire – Tickets on sale

You’ll begin your journey within our Animal Barn, before checking in to start your Christmas Adventure, you’ll get to walk through Santa’s winter wonderland, see where his elves make all your toys, and even where Santa sleeps too.

Catch Christmas Storytime everyday with one of Father Christmas’ helpers. This will be an interactive storytime experience where your little ones can join in and feel the magic of Christmas through one or two of our lovely Christmas tales. Make sure you check the storytime timetable when you arrive for times and location on the day…and more

Address: Worrall House Farm Larder, Flatman’s Ln, Ormskirk L39 7HW

When? Selected dates in November and December

How much? Please see their website for pricing.

WanderWoods – Christmas – Lancashire – Tickets on Sale

A magical Christmas event that will immerse you in the world of our Elves, taking you and your family on a journey to behold, ending with Santa and a feast in the great Elven Hall.

Address: 69 Roman Way, Ribbleton, Preston PR2 5BE

When? 9th 10th 16th 17th 22nd 23rd & 24th December

How much? There are a number of pricing options due to the variety of things to do. Please visit their website for pricing.

Windmill Animal Farm – Santa Train – Lancashire – Tickets on Sale soon

Your Santa train ticket includes full access to all our fantastic farm attractions, where all our animals will definitely be in the festive spirit.

Enjoy this special family occasion in the comfort of your very own private enclosed compartment for the journey to meet Santa, look out for our beautiful herd of Fallow deer on arrival at the lake view station. We have treated Santa to a new spacious magical grand grotto, where he awaits to safely greet you and your family.

If more than four people are attending two compartments will be needed.

Address: Fish Lane, Burscough, Ormskirk L40 1UQ

When? Selected dates in December.

How much? TBC

Holker Hall – Mini Grotto Experience – Cumbria – Event not yet confirmed

Info from last year – We are delighted to announce Father Christmas has taken time out of his busy schedule to welcome all the good boys and girls to his Grotto set up on the top floor of Holker Hall. At the end of the visit, each child will receive a Christmas gift and visits are 10 minutes per child/family.

Address: Cark, Grange-over-Sands LA11 7PL

When? TBC

How much? TBC

Lake District Wildlife Park – Meet Father Christmas – Cumbria – Event to be Confirmed

Info from last year – Visit our Living Nativity and enjoy indoor animal displays and encounters. Join in Christmas crafts and activities on selected days. Book your own private Children’s Christmas Party. Plus Father Christmas will be visiting on the 11th, 12th and 18th December. Normal Entrance Fees to the Park apply – suggested donations for craft activities go to our animal conservation charities. There is no extra charge to meet Father Christmas but we are raising funds to help Lemurs in Madagascar. So come and meet Father Christmas and do your bit for conservation!

Address: Bassenthwaite, Keswick CA12 4RD

When? TBC

How much? TBC

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway – Santa Express – Cumbria – SOLD OUT

Our magical Santa Express trains make a welcome return in 2023. Join us for a festive treat at the railway, where our elves will be on hand at Ravenglass to allocate seats on the Santa Express. The 40-minute journey to Dalegarth is filled with excitement as you make your way up the valley to Dalegarth Grotto where Santa Claus and his team of helpers are on hand to welcome you including Stu Di Doo the magician and one of his festive puppets.

Children will be called up to meet Santa and receive a gift from the big man himself. Children will also receive an activity pack and some festive refreshments. Grownups are not without favour and will receive a festive snack and drink whilst the train waits at Dalegarth station for the return journey back to Ravenglass.

Address: Station, Main St, Ravenglass CA18 1SW

When? 25th Nov – 26th Nov, 2nd Dec – 3rd Dec, 9th Dec – 10th Dec, 16th Dec – 18th Dec, 20th Dec – 23rd Dec

How much? This event is sold out

Walby Farm Park – Father Christmas on the farm – Cumbria – Tickets on Sale

Join the festive fun in our Father Christmas on the Farm event, which includes;

Warm (or perhaps frosty) greetings from our Snowman.
Snow Time Fun.
Wander through the Enchanted Forest with 3D glasses.
Decorate gingerbread biscuits – fun for both the kids and parents!
Make some Reindeer Food to take home and sprinkle outside on Christmas Eve.
Remember to bring your letter to post to Father Christmas.
Visit Passport Control.
Dare you enter the Naughty and Nice machine?
Meet Father Christmas himself (group session for 15 mins, including time for individual photographs).
Children can exchange a magical golden coin for a gift in the Elves’ Toyshop.
Make your own cuddly Teddie in our Teddie-Tastic workshop.
See real Reindeer.

Address: Walby Farm Park, Walby, Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle CA6 4QL

When? 25th November – 24th December

How much? Adults from £18.50, children from £31.45 and under 1s with a gift are £12.45.

World of Beatrix Potter – Santas Christmas Wish – Cumbria – Tickets on Sale

Following last year’s hugely successful sell-out performances, Honalee Media are delighted to present a brand new show this Christmas… Santa’s Christmas Wish – the show where every child gets a present from Santa!

Christmas is a season of joy, love and sharing, a time when Santa delivers presents all over the world… but what would Santa himself like for Christmas? Dasher the Reindeer has an idea… Pompom the Penguin thinks he knows… Or maybe Snowy the Snowman has the answer? Dotty the Elf needs all their help – and yours – to find out!

Join a fun, festive, musical adventure to give Santa the very best Christmas, then meet him at his home in the North Pole! There every child will receive a special present from Father Christmas in our popular meet, greet and treat, after the most Christmassy Christmas show ever!

Address: Rayrigg Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BZ

When? The show runs from Saturday 16 – Sunday 24 December.

How much? Prices vary – please visit their website for information. Earlier in December you can also book a Father Christmas Tea Party.

Knowsley Safari Park – Enchanted – Merseyside – Tickets on Sale

This year, we’re delighted to introduce our new rainbow road and we’ll even have our own Knowsley Northern Lights to experience as well where the whole family can have fun capturing memories. You may even notice some talking trees have too!

We’re also excited to reveal new animal installations at this year’s event, keep your eyes peeled for illuminated hippos submerged in our natural water features, whilst Enchanted favourites return, such as light-up giraffes, penguins, zebras, and polar bears.

Our Winter Village is back for its second year, journey through our technicolour light tunnel and watch as Santa’s elves prepare for the big day at his workshop – don’t forget to write and post your Christmas wish list to the big man himself.

Address: Prescot L34 4AN

When? 18 Nov 2023 to 30 Dec 2023

How much? General from £10 and members from £8.

Otterspool Adventure Centre – The Christmas Experience – Merseyside – Tickets on sale

Enjoy up to three hours of magical activities plus unlimited play on our ice rink and attractions! Ticket includes: Visit Santa in his Grotto and receive a gift. Visit the Elves ‘Make a Bear’ workshop. Watch a Festive Show. Gingerbread decorating with Mrs Claus. Amazing attractions including our Christmas Icerink.

Address: 37 Otterspool Dr, Liverpool L17 5AL

When? Selected dates from late November until Christmas Eve

How much? Prices vary from £25.00-49.95. Prebooking is essential.