Non Christmassy places to visit in December (North West)

[WutheringTights]

I know, I know, an odd one to post in the Christmas topic but I thought this would be the best place to ask. My DS is 5 in December and I want to make his birthday a special "birthday" event rather than another Christmas outing. Is there anywhere in the North West we could go for a fun day out that isn't solely geared towards Christmas? It doesn't have to be a huge amazing thing as I also have two younger children and at five quite little things can be special. In the past we've been to Legoland discovery and Sealife at the Trafford Centre but I'd like to go somewhere different this year. If it was summer the big woodland playground at Chatsworth or similar would be plenty but we're unlikely to have the weather for it in December. Any ideas? Thanks!

Watching with interest. We're in the north west too. Dc2 has a birthday a week before Christmas so I'm also trying to find things to do that aren't too Christmassy. Last year we went for lunch and to a playground and had cake. It was cold but dry.

We haven't been but the lanterns at Chester Zoo are supposed to be good.

What about venturing to north wales ? You could visit a castle or somewhere like the welsh mountain zoo at colwyn bay.

Chester Zoo, Knowsley Safari Park, Blackpool Pleasure Beach should all not be too Christmassy

Thanks. Chester Zoo is a good idea. Will look into it (had assumed that it wouldn't be open). Will look into the other places suggested too. Thanks!

We go to chatsworth every single Christmas for their nativity which we just love, where the children get to be part of it and their are real animals etc. It's got that Christmas element but no grotto, a bit more traditional. We cope fine with the weather! They have a magician and crafts on. You could miss nativity all together and make it less Christmassy. Id really recommend it unless it's driving rain!