Christmassy things to do in the North West

[DesperatelySeekingSedatives]

Saw a thread already about christmassy things to do in the North East but as I live over on The Wirral doesn't apply to me so thought I'd start this one

Took DCs to Chavasse Park last christmas to see Santa and it was a bit... shit tbh. The year before was pretty good and there was lots of expensive stuff to do, rides etc but last year there was only the grotto, ice skating and a hill thing to slide down on while sitting in giant rubber rings. the queues for all 3 were horrendous and it was all very overpriced. Both toys they got from Santa were shit and there was tears all round when one had to be binned because it broke within an hour

So! anyway was hoping people could share any alternatives? Want to do one or 2 (whatever we can afford!) with DCs. Dont have any family round here really so having to forge our own christmassy family traditions- most of mine from being a little girl involved extended family.

TIA

[Greydog]

Probably best to avoid Chester as well. Their Christmas efforts have got worse and worse over the years, and have been jaw droppingly shit. However, this year I believe the racecourse may be involved - so it might be better - or just more expensive. The local Roman group usually do a march through town to celebrate Saturnalia

[TeaAndCakeOrDeath]

Manchester Christmas market? Lots of stalls with interesting xmassy bits and yummy food/drink ones? Think theres an ice rink too and some snow slides...

We go most years and its a lovely festive day out

[Thevelveteenrabbit]

Possibly a bit far from the Wirral but East Lancs railway santa specials is a good day out and the presents from Santa were pretty good - haven't been for a couple of years but last time we went my girls had a good day.

[jamtoast12]

Oooh im north west too so marking place. We are planning on the Manchester markets too although I do love the liverpool ones are they ar closer. I had hoped they'd do the ice festival again like last year but doesn't look like they are.

We are going to see a panto at the empire. Guillivers worlds do an ok Santa day out. Its a bit tatty and the decs are a biT cheap looking but young kids enjoy it! The alton towers sleepover is great! though but both only good for under 8s as the rides open at both are for younger kids.

[SoonToBeSix]

Dobbies grottos are really good , they toy my 2 year old dd receive cost £12 to buy inside Dobbies and the grotto was £5. It was a horse farm set and she still plays with it now.

[SoonToBeSix]

Forgot to add it is near Liverpool airport , there is also a retail park nearby with free parking great for Xmas shopping.

[olibeansmummy]

Chill factore do a snow play with seeing Santa session. Not been as we were in Australia last year but plan to this year :)

[DesperatelySeekingSedatives]

thank you for all the suggestions bummer that Chester is apparently so shit though. We've lived up here 2 years so this will be our third christmas here. Still finding out what places are good to take the kids to

[Sirzy]

The Santa at the trafford centre was great last year.

[OldRoan]

Rufford Old Hall is lovely at Christmas and they do traditional events - can't find the list yet though. Croxteth Hall also has lots of lovely stuff, including a Christmas market.

Give it a month or two and then check out any National Trust type places near you, there's bound to be lots on.

[Greydog]

Chester Zoo always used to be good at Christmas - we always took our son there - however, it was some time ago. Still worth looking to see what's on there at Christmas! I don't know what the Blue Planet do, but they're hellish expensive at the best of times.

[raisah]

Have a look at the Liverpool museum websites as they always have things going on over the Christmas holidays.

www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/

www.liverpool-360.co.uk/whats-on/december

[raisah]

Also Try Liverpool Bluecoat

www.thebluecoat.org.uk/

[OctoberMoon]

I second Dobbie's Grotto, the most genuine santa you'll meet! You have to book in advance though. Just over the road is a retail park with a pizza hut for dinner afterwards, or there is now a toby carvery next door to Dobbie's if you fancy a Christmas dinner.

Just around the corner from Dobbie's is Speke Hall which is a national trust place, they have some great festive events for kids in the first couple of weekends in December. They have details on the website already. You can make a day of it doing all 3, and all together it's not too expensive.

[raisah]

The National Wildflower Centre in knowsley is really good with child centred events through the year. It is about a 5 minute drive from.Broadgreen hospital so quite close to the motorway.
24th November is their Mini Winter Festival
Also craft stalls are available for people to book.

www.nwc.org.uk/events&page=3

[DesperatelySeekingSedatives]

Thanks for all the suggestions! plenty of options too choose from x

[excited99]

The Christmas Market in Manchester is very good, though maybe a bit busy for young children. I believe that Gullivers World do some events during December.

[raisah]

Drawing attention to the National Trust's Free Heritage Day out this Sat 14 Sept.

Click on link for information in the selected properties taking part:

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1356392530547/

[raisah]

Try Gordale Garden Centre in Burton in South Wirral for their Santa Grotto. This is closer to you then Dobbies which is near Liverpool airport.

www.gordale.co.uk/events

[DesperatelySeekingSedatives]

Ooh that is pretty close to us thank you raisah

[DearPrudence]

Chester's effort at a Christmas Market in 2012 was pretty poor, but I'm not sure what the plan is this year. There's usually a parade with Father Christmas and reindeer (free), and there's a production of The Snow Queen at St Mary's Centre. Tatton Park usually does nice events at Christmas time, as does the Grosvenor Garden Centre outside Chester.

[Bramblesinforrin]

Theatr Clwyd in Mold do a cracking panto, it's been really good every year and we've been for the last five.

Agree re the Chester Christmas market, really poor.

[jamtoast12]

Chester is planning a winter wonderland this year...

www.winterwonderlandchester.co.uk/

[jamtoast12]

www.winterwonderlandchester.co.uk/

[MacNCheese]

Shameless marking