The festive season will kick off with a free parade this weekend featuring Bluey, Bingo, Paddington, Stickman and more
Christmas festivities kick off at the Trafford Centre this weekend (Image: William Lailey/PinPep)
The Trafford Centre is never short of visitors, but families have even more reason to visit at this time of year.
Its Christmas lights have been switched on – with Santa now riding on top of a new, bigger red sleigh across The Orient food hall – and the festivities kick off in style this weekend.
On Saturday, November 15 the Christmas Parade takes place at 11.30am and 2.30pm featuring favourite characters such as Bluey and Bingo, Paddington, Gruffalo, Stickman, Hey Duggee and of course, Father Christmas himself.
The events is free, but is very popular so it’s advised to get there early to grab a good spot.
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And there’s lots more happening at the centre this Christmas too, including the return of its grotto, the huge Christmas fair and an ice rink.
The Trafford Centre Christmas Parade is back for 2025(Image: Shirlaine Forrest)
The big wheel is already up offering views over the Trafford skyline and beyond – with tickets costing £5 for kids and £7 for adults – and next month will see the opening of Gandeys Snowstorm Wish inside the big top.
The festive show, along with the fair and ice rink have been a huge hit with families over recent years, offering something for all ages.
The fairground – open from November 22 to January 4 – will feature a range of rides and there’ll be Christmas market huts outside it serving up seasonal delights such as mulled wine and Bratwurst.
Entry costs £3 online, or £3.50 at the gate, and visitors buy tokens costing £1 each to pay for the rides, which cost between 1 and 5 tokens each.
The fair is returning from November 22(Image: The Trafford Centre)
The rink is open between the same dates, giving visitors the chance to skate under the stars with friends and family, before warming up with a cup of hot chocolate.
Tickets cost £12.50 for ages 13 plus and £10 for under 12s off peak and £15, or £12.50 at peak times. For a family of four – either two adults and two kids, or one adult and three kids, it’s £40 off peak and £50 peak.
The grotto opens from November 22 and will once again be housed in the the former Frankie & Benny’s restaurant outside The Great Hall.
This year, families are set to ‘become part of a magical mission… saving Christmas cheer’.
The Trafford Centre grotto opens later this month(Image: The Trafford Centre)
Starting in Gingerbread Lane, little ones will write their letters to Santa and get briefed for their mission. You’ll then head into the Merry Makers Studio to giggle, shout, and complete colourful challenges to power up the Cheer-o-Meter.
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Finally, in Santa’s Study, you’ll seal your letters, hunt for your special coloured letter and get ready for ‘a magical photo moment’ before meeting Santa himself.
Tickets are on sale now priced £27 for children (including a Christmas gift) and £9.50 for adults, plus booking fees. Babies under 12 months go free but tickets do not include a gift.
Gandeys’ show runs from December 5 to January 4 and invites guests to step into the frost-kissed realm of Snowstorm Wish, ‘where world-class figure skaters, jaw-dropping circus artists, and breathtaking visuals come together in a magical blend of storytelling, artistry, and adrenaline’. Tickets are available from £10 on the website.
Christmas will soon be in full swing at the Trafford Centre(Image: The Trafford Centre)
Simon Layton, Trafford Centre’s centre director, said: “Christmas is our favourite time of the year at Trafford Centre, and we’re thrilled to be bringing the magic back once again with a fantastic line-up of festive experiences for the whole family.
“From our incredible Christmas Parade and The Grotto to Gandeys Snowstorm show, the fairground, ice skating and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we celebrate the season in true Trafford Centre style.”
