The countdown to Christmas is well underway. Soon, you’ll be writing your cards, decorating your tree, and choosing and wrapping gifts for family and friends.
And there are plenty of opportunities to get out and about with friends too, allowing you to enjoy the magic of Christmas without the need to host at home.
Whether you want to indulge in some festive shopping, discover magical gardens, or marvel at the inventiveness of other people’s Christmas decorations, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the ways you could celebrate Christmas with all the family.
Read on for five top events happening near you this festive season.
1. Kick off the festivities with a spot of Christmas shopping at Tatton Park
This year, Tatton Park is offering the opportunity to explore the Tenants’ Hall inside the stately mansion house. Not usually open to the public and festooned with twinkling lights, the Hall will be at its sparkling best for curious eyes, as local suppliers set up stall and show their wares.
Selling everything from jewellery to candles and crafts to gin, you’ll be well set to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. With gift ideas that you won’t find on the high street, your Christmas gifts are guaranteed to delight.
Entry to the fair inside the Tenants’ Hall is completely free and takes place between Friday 1 and Saturday 3 December from 10 am to 8 pm (Friday and Saturday), and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday.
2. Find your Christmas magic with RHS Glow 2023 at Bridgewater
This festive season, head to RHS Garden Bridgwater for an unmissable festive evening.
Wander the enchanting magical walk and enjoy spectacular light displays as you weave your way through fairy-lit tunnels. Expect mirror balls, dazzling fountains in the Paradise Garden and dancing – to some of the best Manchester tunes. Plus, every evening, there are eight showings of Jago Juggling Art’s entrancing kaleidoscopic light display for all the family.
A festive evening out wouldn’t be complete without some tasty treats. So, be sure to stop off at Bridgewater Cafe, where you’ll be spoilt for choice for heart-warming meals. Tuck into homemade curries, jacket potatoes topped with chilli, or pie served with peas and gravy.
If you want a simple sweet treat, stop at the Stables Cafe and pick up a mince pie and mulled wine to tickle your tastebuds.
And, before heading home, be sure to pop into the Christmas shop and discover a treasure trove of decorations, gifts and stocking fillers to delight all the people you love.
RHS Glow is running every evening from Wednesday 15 November to Saturday 30 December between 4.30 pm and 9 pm.
3. Start Christmas with a bang at Lyme, who’ve gone Animal Crackers
For the first time ever, the house at Lyme will be open every day from 1 to 24 December, between 11 am and 3 pm. And it’s not only open to human visitors – Christmas has been interrupted by an animal takeover!
With a menagerie of magnificent and unusual creatures, seeking refuge from extreme rain, join the party with an amazing array of animals.
Designed by The Strange Train Company, Animal Crackers guarantees a sense of fun for all the family.
Dressed for a traditional Christmas, as you venture through the historic house, enjoying the sumptuous decorations, you can also collect mislaid eggs, relax with cows, and even join in with a spot of karaoke with a set of badgers.
4. Take a night-time walk through the Christmas Illuminated Trail at Dunham Massey
With masses of twinkling lights and giant glowing deer welcoming you on arrival, Dunham Massey has everything you need for an unforgettable Christmas experience.
Enjoy time with friends and family discovering the beautiful and iconic atmosphere of Dunham Massey after dark. Take the mile-long walk through sparkling tunnels of light and dancing lakeside reflections, under giant baubles and beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
The new light and sound installations for 2023 include colour-changing batons of light, stretching far into the distance, winding paths, tunnels of stars and larger-than-life flowers glittering overhead.
Christmas at Dunham Massey 2023 will run from 17 November to 31 December and trail start times are staggered. Check out the National Trust website for more information.
5. Extend the festivities with Christmas at the Movies in Manchester Cathedral
Candlelight Concerts brings Christmas at the Movies to Manchester Cathedral. Celebrate the festive season through the magical world of Christmas movies.
Gather your family and favourite people and make the quiet period between Christmas and New Year extra special and experience the beautiful Manchester Cathedral by candlelight.
Stunning performances from the highly acclaimed London Concertante, this enchanting one-night-only performance includes music from all your favourite Christmas classics, including A Christmas Carol, Elf, Love Actually and Home Alone, as well as popular animated films The Polar Express and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
This is a concert to bring the whole family together and make your Christmas truly special.
Secure your tickets now. The 90-minute performance is on Saturday 30 December at 5 pm.
Get in touch
If you’re planning to use some of the holiday time to organise your finances ready for the new year, we’re here to help. Please email contactme@kbafinancial.com or call us on 01942 889 883.
