Family Things To Do In Manc This Xmas

Stuuuuuu said:
Hi all.

I will be spending Xmas in Manchester with my family (wife and two girls - 11 and 9). I'm on the lookout for nice things to do to make it a fun and magical Christmas without spending silly money.

I've got a few ideas but could do with some tips from those in the know. Each of these things cost over £100 for a family of four!

For example, what is the best place for ice skating? I noticed the other week that they were setting something up at The Triangle(?). Have I got that right?

Also considering The Snowman with the Hallé orchestra, Festive Sundays, Yuletide Glittering Garden Adventure (by the organisers of Just So festival which we always go to), maybe the light trails at Dunham Massey and Lightwaves, Glow at RHS Garden Bridgewater...

Any thoughts or tips? I'm sure there are plenty on here with kids who could benefit from some good suggestions.

Thanks!
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Thanks for the tips mate, halle booked, and the Mrs thinks I've been researching what's on and not looking up where my next race is, winner winner!!
As for returning the favour, sorry matey you seem to be covering all the bases, all I know is you need deep pockets if you want to do anything with a family of four round here nowadays!!
Bit of a tip on the halle thing, pick your own seats, I did that and got four adults and 2 kids seat as a family ticket thingy and it was just over £100
 
I think most of the activities in the city centre will be pricey as I'm sure you're seeing!

Here's a few things to look at which might be useful.

The Christmas Markets are very good - despite what people say. They are really good but can be very busy and they are pricey! I'd definitely recommend having a walk around and getting some festive treats for the kids.

We've done the ice skating before and it's ok if you've not done it before and just want to have a go. However, if you want a proper rink it might be worth looking at Altrincham ice rink or even Blackburn. They also do Christmas events from memory.

The light festivals can be very hit and miss we've found. We did Heaton Park one year and we were a bit underwhelmed and didn't think it was worth the money. We're going to the one in Mayfield - a new park in the centre of Manchester. I don't know anyone who's done it yet but have a read on Secret Manchester. Lightwaves is on for a weekend at the Quays and that will be quite good.

Salford Quays sometimes do a "Christmas hunt" where you get a map and walk around finding the Snowmen etc which is quite nice. It's a decent walk and the Snowmen make good pictures. It's free as well and the Quays are nice to walk around.

Sundays in Manchester are supposed to have some street entertainers on but I've no idea what they are like. Generally, Manchester does those things quite well.

Elf the musical is on somewhere I read as well.

It might be worth seeing if there's anything on in the local towns as well as they will also have events on. Have a look at Christmas events in Oldham, Bury, Rochdale, Ashton, Stockport etc. They are likely to be a bit lighter on the pockets! Heywood Civic Centre does a Panto for something like £8pp and they have some biggish names doing them. Also, the Santa Express in Bury is really good - went a few years ago and remember that being good. There might also be some Christmas wreath making at local places too but you'd need to Google for them.

Hope it helps!
 
gaz76 said:
Thanks for the tips mate, halle booked, and the Mrs thinks I've been researching what's on and not looking up where my next race is, winner winner!!
As for returning the favour, sorry matey you seem to be covering all the bases, all I know is you need deep pockets if you want to do anything with a family of four round here nowadays!!
Bit of a tip on the halle thing, pick your own seats, I did that and got four adults and 2 kids seat as a family ticket thingy and it was just over £100
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Nice one Gaz - might see you there.
 
GoatersLeftShin said:
I think most of the activities in the city centre will be pricey as I'm sure you're seeing!

Here's a few things to look at which might be useful.

The Christmas Markets are very good - despite what people say. They are really good but can be very busy and they are pricey! I'd definitely recommend having a walk around and getting some festive treats for the kids.

We've done the ice skating before and it's ok if you've not done it before and just want to have a go. However, if you want a proper rink it might be worth looking at Altrincham ice rink or even Blackburn. They also do Christmas events from memory.

The light festivals can be very hit and miss we've found. We did Heaton Park one year and we were a bit underwhelmed and didn't think it was worth the money. We're going to the one in Mayfield - a new park in the centre of Manchester. I don't know anyone who's done it yet but have a read on Secret Manchester. Lightwaves is on for a weekend at the Quays and that will be quite good.

Salford Quays sometimes do a "Christmas hunt" where you get a map and walk around finding the Snowmen etc which is quite nice. It's a decent walk and the Snowmen make good pictures. It's free as well and the Quays are nice to walk around.

Sundays in Manchester are supposed to have some street entertainers on but I've no idea what they are like. Generally, Manchester does those things quite well.

Elf the musical is on somewhere I read as well.

It might be worth seeing if there's anything on in the local towns as well as they will also have events on. Have a look at Christmas events in Oldham, Bury, Rochdale, Ashton, Stockport etc. They are likely to be a bit lighter on the pockets! Heywood Civic Centre does a Panto for something like £8pp and they have some biggish names doing them. Also, the Santa Express in Bury is really good - went a few years ago and remember that being good. There might also be some Christmas wreath making at local places too but you'd need to Google for them.

Hope it helps!
Click to expand...
Nice one! Very helpful mate. I appreciate you taking the time to write all of that.
 
City v Sheffield United.

And, a panto is good with a family.
Warrington Parr Hall is decent and half the price of the big Mcr shows. (Bar and Ice Cream seller too ;-)

A light show, all the rage but a nice evening out. Heaton Park was good when we went but not sure if it's on this year.

Santa special train at ELR although your kids mat be a tad too old for it.

Some of these Xmas pop up events are expensive shite though. If your kids want to skate might be better checking out Alty Ice Rink!
Family Metrolink ticket is a fucking bargain if you live or are staying near a station, and festive drink can be had too!
 
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