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Festive Watch

It’s the run up to Christmas and your children will be counting down the days! Take a deep breath, embrace the festive vibe and discover all the glittering delights on offer. From happy chats with Santa and his elves, to gorgeous Christmas markets and dazzling shows and ice rinks, here’s our guide to all the merriest happenings in the county.

 

Christmas magic arrives at your local Garden Centre

Get ready to experience a wonderful Christmas atmosphere when you cross the threshold of the Strikes Group Garden Centre in your area. You’ll be impressed by fabulous displays, sparkling decorations, enchanting grottos and we guarantee there’s something for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest member of the family! From trimming the tree to making gifts for loved ones, they have all the personalised touches to make Christmas special, plus endless festive ideas to inspire you.

Their restaurants will be serving delicious treats throughout the season, with a Christmas lunch menu available daily from the end of November and their new festive Daisy and Bob menu for younger guests - who could resist the Elves Perfect Pasta or a Snowman Sam ice cream? All the garden centres will be welcoming the big man himself from the end of November and bookings can also be made for Breakfast or Supper with Santa throughout December.

Part of the Strikes Group of Garden Centres. Check online to find the garden centre nearest to you! W: www.strikes.co.uk

 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden is a beautiful place to visit all year round and this winter there is still plenty to see and do. Go along to their Christmas Fair on Sunday 26th November where you’ll find the usual array of delicious foods, crafts and fancy goods from local producers, as well street food, mulled wine stalls and the arrival of Father Christmas in his grotto (a charge will apply). They will also have their ‘drop in’ craft events running from 16th and 20th December. For warming refreshments, visit their cafe located in the beautifully restored glasshouses which is open all day, Friday through to Sunday. W: www.ghwalledgarden.org.uk

 

Book now for a festive steam ride with Santa

We can't promise the snow, but Santa is returning to the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway in Porthmadog on the 9th and 10th December! Your ticket includes a ride behind a steam locomotive, ride on the miniature railway and entry into the museum at Gelert's Farm which will have been transformed into a magical Christmas grotto. For the adults, your ticket includes a mince pie, and a choice of mulled wine, tea or coffee. Children’s’ tickets include juice, sweets and an individually wrapped gift. Festive, affordable family entertainment at Porthmadog's family-friendly railway! T: 01766 513402 W: www.whr.co.uk

 

Give them a magical, festive day to remember

Just 20 minutes from Chester on a hilltop overlooking the Clwydian Hills (and the local mountain Moel Famau) is Wales’ cultural gem Theatr Clwyd. This Christmas, as well as their fabulous Pantomime, they’ll also have The Snow Queen, a new immersive show for the under 11s and an ice rink! In 2016, over 9,000 people took to the ice - together with food and drinks available it’s a great place to try skating for the first time. It’s open from 8th December until 7th January with tickets from just £5. T: 01352 701521 W: www.theatrclwyd.com

 

Dunham Massey has festive days and nights all wrapped up

Christmas is coming to Dunham Massey, and there’s plenty to keep the family entertained on festive days and winter nights. Wrap up warm and explore the grounds during the day as a magical herd of deer return for the Runaway Rudolph trail with a chocolate reward if you find all eight, including Rudolph. Then, as night falls the trees and formal gardens are all aglow for a magical after-dark experience. In partnership with Raymond Gubbay Limited, Dunham Massey will be transformed into a winter wonderland - a one mile sparkling path through woodland with plenty of surprises along the way. W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

 

Fun, surprises and ‘A Christmas Canal’ at The National Waterways Museum

Get ready to enter a winter wonderland with the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port. Throughout December, Santa is parking his sleigh and boarding the trip boat! The magic will continue after the cruise along the canal with a Christmas tale in Santa’s grotto. Cruise dates are 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th & 22nd-24th December and there are three cruises per day. Christmas celebrations also include a Carol Concert performed by the Wirral Singers and Ringers on the evening of Friday 8th December and a performance of ‘The Nativity is Cancelled’ by Chalice Media from 18th-24th December. Pre-booking is essential so make sure you don’t miss out! T: 0151 355 5017

 

Gulliver’s World offers magical deals for Christmas!

Gulliver’s World has a magical Christmas season planned with festive days out available from the end of November. Midweek and weekend packages include entry to the main theme park where you can enjoy a fabulous selection of Christmas rides and attractions. Visit Santa’s Grotto, explore the winter wonderland, choose to book a full Christmas meal and watch the special show in the Starlight Theatre. Pantomime Packages are also back from 29th-30th December and the Aladdin pantomime package includes more than 25 rides and attractions. W: www.gulliversfun.co.uk

You can save 25% on Panto Packages using code GENIE25 when you book before 10th December!

 

Meet Santa aboard a nostalgic steam train this Christmas!

The Santa experience at the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway is quite different. No queuing at a grotto! Travel in comfortable heated carriages, as Santa joins the train along the way. Every child receives a quality gift and there are mince pies and drinks for all at the journey’s end! For £11 each in advance (and babies are free), it’s a lovely experience with country scenery to entertain and, at about 45 minutes for the trip, just the right length for little ones to stay entertained! The railway is easily accessible, with free parking and four or five departures a day from Llanfair, just over the Welsh border. T: 01938 810441 W: www.wllr.org.uk

 

Splash out and see Santa at Rhyl’s SeaQuarium

Santa will be returning to the SeaQuarium Christmas Grotto this festive season and preparations are underway for his visit which includes all the festive trimmings, music and even snow which starts on the Saturday 25th November right up to Christmas Eve. Even better, you can also save 15% for midweek bookings from 11th-15th December. A Child’s Package to see Santa is available at £9.99 which includes a Santa visit, a choice of present and access to the SeaQuarium where you can wander through nine different zones. Visit the amazing outdoor Seal Cove where you can see the delightful and playful harbour seals and watch the Seal Santa Show which runs 1-3pm daily. T: 01745 344660 W: www.seaquarium.co.uk

 

Family Feasts and Festivities at Macdonald Portal Hotel

There are oodles of celebratory goings-on at the MacDonald Portal hotel in Tarporley, from a relaxing Festive Afternoon Tea through to delicious Sunday lunches with Santa and a stunning Christmas Day carvery. You can welcome 2018 in style with their New Year’s Eve Celebration, with sparkling drinks and canapes, a five course gala dinner, disco, Scottish piper, fireworks display and a glass of fizz to welcome in the New Year. Their New Year’s Eve Family Party includes something for all ages with cocktails and mocktails in the golf club, a magnificent buffet spread, whilst the children's entertainer and DJ create a lively atmosphere with milk and cookies for younger party-goers at midnight! T: 01829 734150 W: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/portal

 

Brighten up your Christmas holidays with mind boggling science!

The live science shows at Techniquest Glyndŵr are sure to generate family fun this winter and are included in your admission price. Enjoy “Horrible H2O” every weekend until 16th December and “Winter Wonder” on weekends until 28th January and every day after Christmas until the schools go back (except for 31st Dec and 1st Jan) you will also be able to experience over 65 hands-on interactive exhibits which are designed to engage all ages in the wonder of science! It’s a family friendly, good value day out and you can even take your own food and refreshments to enjoy. W: www.tqg.org.uk

 

 

Can you make someone’s Christmas wish come true this year?

Broughton Shopping & Leisure is the place to be for anyone wanting to make a special Christmas wish this festive season. In association with Nightingale House, the welcome return of the ‘Wishmas Tree’ will bring more than just Christmas cheer to festive shoppers. In the run up to the big day, visitors of all ages will be invited to make a wish for Christmas with their requests being sent via special post to Santa at the North Pole. The goal is 250 wishes for Broughton Wishes in aid of Nightingale House and, when that happens, five lucky children will have their wishes granted. W: www.broughtonshopping.co.uk/news-events

 

Winter Wonderland sprinkles festive magic over Manchester

The magical Winter Wonderland is coming back to Manchester! Its doors will open on Saturday 9th December, transforming EventCity into a sparking seasonal spectacular featuring more than 50 family rides and attractions, all under one roof. Festive fans can discover Santa’s house, transported from the North Pole, where they can explore the hallway, lounge, dining room, kitchen and bedroom. There will be real reindeer, elves and fairies, all ready to have s-elfies taken with youngsters! Other highlights include Rainbow’s irrepressible duo Zippy and George, bringing mayhem and comedy capers, plus the brilliant Christmas Circus which will leave everyone amazed at its daily performances. T: 0843 208 1842 W: www.winterwonderlandmanchester.com

 

Spruce up your decorations with Ivy Cottage Tree Farm

If you’re already looking forward to having a beautifully decorated house for Christmas, then it’s time to plan your picture-perfect tree! At Ivy Cottage Tree Farm you’ll find spruce, fir and pine available, plus you can choose your Norway spruce still growing in the ground and either take it home with you or come back for it nearer to Christmas. There are stunning freshly made holly and fir wreaths and an inviting Decoration Shop with tree stands, lights and stunning decorations from the 20th November. Plus, their cosy Red Bus Tea Room is open every weekend for welcome refreshments. T: 01625 531609 W: www.ivycottagetreefarm.co.uk

 

The Season of Sparkle is nearly upon us

Season of Sparkle launches at the Lowry Outlet on the 23rd November with a four day Enchanted Elf Christmas Market, where you can enjoy food, drink, art and crafts, street entertainers, family activities, live choirs and brass bands. Don’t forget to help Elvin the Lowry Elf on his trail around the centre! See inside the wonders of the Elves’ workshop in their Elf Experience, where the elves are hard at work, preparing for the big day. If you’re still looking for a unique gift, visit Magical Makers Market in December (2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th), where you can explore the gorgeous stalls and find perfect presents. W: www.lowryoutlet.co.uk

 

Santa Specials set the scene for Christmas

The world is covered in a blanket of snow, the children are too excited to sleep and all the family are coming together to partake in festive cheer… it must be Christmas! And what better way to kick off your festive fun than with the East Lancashire Railway’s Santa Specials running from 25th-26th November and 2nd-24th December? Take a relaxing steam train ride with St Nick and his crew of happy helpers as they travel through the beautifully decorated train handing lovely gifts out to the children and tasty festive tipples to the grown-ups. It’s the perfect Yuletide treat for all! T: 0333 320 2830 W: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

 

Have a glittering family day out at The Rink

The Rink at Cathedral Gardens returns to Manchester city centre, and it’s guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit. The rink penguins will be on hand if you need some help to glide across the ice! At the Christmas Markets there’s a real family feel in Cathedral Gardens, so take the kids along for a special treat on some traditional fairground rides. They have it all - fine food, drink, arts and crafts, and entertainment for the kids. Make it your best Christmas ever! The rink is open from Saturday 4th November until Sunday 7th January. T: 0333 666 3366 W: www.ticketsource.co.uk/therinkatcathedralgardens

 

Ho Ho Ho - it’s Santa Cruise time!

A fantastic day out for all the family, at Anderton Boat Lift there is so much to discover! Plus, as an extra treat, you can book now to join Santa this December as he takes to the water on their very special Santa Cruises along the River Weaver Navigation! With festive stories and jolly songs to sing, every child will receive a Christmas gift from Santa Claus! You can join them every weekend in December: 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th and from Thursday 21st-24th December. Ticket prices are £5.95 per adult and £7.95 per child. T: 01606 786777 W: www.visitcheshire.com

 

Chester’s elves get set to spread holiday cheer

Shop, Dine and Play in Chester this Christmas, where you will find free activities to keep your little ones entertained throughout the festive season. Chester’s Business Improvement District, CH1ChesterBID, presents Christmas activities that will make shopping in Chester a truly magical experience for you and your family. Whether you want to see the lights sparkle at Chester’s Twelve Days of Christmas light switch on parade, listen to Santa’s stories in a wonderful story time session or take a #selfie with Chester’s Christmas elves, they’ve got festive fun for all ages. W: www.experiencechester.co.uk

 

Make a Wish and brighten someone’s life this Christmas

Pyramids Shopping Centre, Birkenhead are making dreams come true and granting 10 Christmas Wishes this year. So, if you have a wish you would like to be granted then visit their website below and click on Make a Wish. It could be for an individual, a business, or you might want to do something nice for your community. If you would like to make a real difference and put smiles on faces this festive season then have a think about what gesture could really brighten someone’s day. W: www.pyramidsbirkenhead.com

 

The joy of Christmas starts with Gordale

Take a trip to Gordale’s and see their best-ever line-up of festive inspiration - from real and artificial trees and dazzling decorations to sparkly lights and unique gifts for that special someone - a visit is guaranteed to release your Christmas spirit! Don’t forget Santa’s charity grotto is back - enjoy a magical experience visiting Santa in his very own grotto - tickets are just £6.50 and 100% of the ticket price is donated to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd. Tickets are available to book online. T: 0151 336 2116 W: www.gordale.co.uk/events

 

Can you find Father Christmas in Blakemere’s Christmas Woodland?

If you're looking to do something completely different with the family this Christmas, then Blakemere's Christmas Woodland is the day out you're looking for! Lively festive characters entertain you in real Cheshire woodland as you’re guided on a journey in search of Father Christmas. Your journey ends at the hidden Sorting Office where each child receives a small gift from Father Christmas himself! There’s also great fun to be had in Mrs Claus’ Workshop, on the skating rink, fair rides and meeting Snowy the Owl. Book Blakemere’s Christmas Woodland on either 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 22nd or 23rd December. W: www.blakemerevillage.com

 

Soak up the atmosphere aboard a Santa Special

You are in for a real treat when you board the Talyllyn Railway this Christmas! Reserved seats will be waiting for you on the steam locomotive hauled Santa Special to "Plas Nadolig". Each child will get to meet Santa and receive a gift perfectly suited to their age and have photographs taken with the big man himself in the idyllic setting of "Plas Nadolig". After that, the steam train will return you to Tywyn Wharf where a seasonal treat awaits - King's Licensed Cafe will serve you complimentary mulled wine and delicious mince pies. T: 01654 710472 W: www.talyllyn.co.uk

 

Treat the family to a genuine feel-good gift with Brio Leisure

Brio Leisure has a cracking Christmas offer this year - you can join this November for only £1! Take advantage of their gym, classes and casual swimming along with access to all eight of their centres. You can treat yourself and the family, as kids can join on their Junior Membership for £1 too. They are not leaving anyone out - the whole family can get fit and festive together this year! W: www.brioleisure.org/christmas

 

Sit back and enjoy a train ride with Santa at Llangollen Railway

Go and visit Santa at Llangollen Railway, where you can enjoy a trip along the beautiful Dee Valley in a fantastic steam train while eating a mince pie and sipping a Christmas tipple. Have fun watching your children’s excited faces when they see Santa and his elves coming down the train with presents for each of them. The children will also get to enjoy a drink and a chocolate and when you arrive at Lapland, you can have your picture taken with Santa in his magical sleigh. T: 01978 860979 W: www.llangollen-railway.co.uk

 

Magical festive fun at for all at Tatton Park

Christmas at Tatton Park is an enchanting time of the year! Enter a magical Mansion decorated to the theme of The Twelve Days of Christmas. See where the geese have run amok in the kitchen and take a turn with the ladies dancing! Be captivated by the twinkling Lantern Parade as they welcome Father Christmas, and meet the man himself as he settles into the Farm with the festive farmyard animals. Join for the Lantern Parade at 6pm on 24th November and choose from select dates in November and December to visit the magical Mansion and meet Father Christmas at the Farm. W: www.tattonpark.org.uk/festivefun