From ice rinks held within historic town squares to magical seaside light displays, there are lots of places you can visit near Greater Manchester which are guaranteed to put you in a Christmassy mood. With towns and villages decked out with their finest decorations and magical lights, it’s the best time of year to visit somewhere new.
This year many places are going all out with festive events and many activities are free, making it easier for families to enjoy a cheaper day out. Whether you prefer big and bold Christmas lights, or old-fashioned villages, you won’t struggle to find the perfect day out.
For a family-friendly day trip head to Blackpool, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland with illuminations, free ice skating and even guaranteed snow. Meanwhile Audlem, in Cheshire, suits those who are looking for a wintry walk and a cosy pub meal.
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We’ve rounded up some of the most Christmassy towns and villages near Greater Manchester below. Read on to discover the festive activities each one has to offer.
Halifax
Enter Halifax’s magnificent 66,000sq foot open courtyard and you’ll feel as if you’re in an old town square in Belgium or Germany, rather than in a market town in West Yorkshire. The town’s Piece Hall has been transformed this year with an ice rink, a vintage carousel and a huge tree decked out in sparkly lights.
Throughout December there will be family-friendly events taking place, including craft activities and film screenings, while live entertainment can be found inside the Spiegeltent. You can do a spot of Christmas shopping in the boutique shops which line the square too.
Castleton
Nestled in the gorgeous scenery of the Peak District, Castleton is a beautiful village which is even more charming at Christmas time. The village is known for its light displays, with Christmas trees glowing with twinkling lights being placed outside houses, pubs and shops.
Thanks to its position in the Peak District, snow is pretty much guaranteed in Castleton - and the village looks like a scene from a Christmas card when it's dusted with snow. For a unique Christmas experience, go to a carol concert held in one of the village’s caves.
Audlem
Ensuring a place has a Christmassy feel takes a lot of effort, but there’s one village in Cheshire which goes the extra mile. In Audlem residents even pay a voluntary annual fee to make sure the village looks extra special at Christmas.
The village is decorated with twinkling lights and 60 fir trees mounted on flag poles, which are maintained thanks to the money raised. Last year a resident even donated a 30ft Christmas tree which took pride of place in the village square. Santa ditches his sleigh when he arrives for the village’s light switch on, choosing to travel by boat along the canal instead.
Blackpool
Perhaps not the first place that springs to mind when you think of festive places to visit, Blackpool has been transformed into a winter wonderland - and it even features superficial snowfall. Christmas by the Sea has returned to the costal resort and it promises a festive family day out like no other.
There’s a free ice skating rink overlooked by Blackpool tower, mesmerising light displays (including the iconic Illuminations) and guaranteed snowfall along the Comedy carpet. You can tuck into some tasty treats at the Christmas village, such as Bavarian sausages, warm churros and Yorkshire pudding wraps.
Wilmslow
This market town is embracing the festive spirit by hosting 12 days of Christmas events from December 13 to 24. Called 12 Days of Wilmslow Christmas, it will feature a range of activities including pantomimes, wreath decorating and carol singing.
The initiative is organised in partnership with St Bartholomew's Church, and includes the popular Wilmslow Christmas Tree Festival. There’s even a festive Park Run on Christmas Eve for those who want to burn off a few mince pies. On the edge of the town is Quarry Bank, an 18th-century cotton mill with grounds perfect for a wintry walk.
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