December

It’s finally here – the season of good cheer, fluffy snow (fingers crossed), and endless family entertainment. Whether you are looking for Santa in a grotto, on the steam train or at the farm, whether skating takes your fancy or crafty sessions when you create your own Christmas decorations, whether you like carols by candlelight or sparkling lights of a firework – it’s all in our listings, just read on. And have fun!

Till 4 January 2026 11am – 9pm (last skate 8pm), excluding Christmas Day
Skate under the sun, moon, and stars
Whatever the weather, enjoy the festive season and skate at the new clear roofed ice rink at the enchanting Cathedral Gardens, offering an atmosphere of festivity and fairy tale for couples, families, and groups looking for some fun this winter.
Skating sessions last up to 45 minutes
The Cathedral Gardens,
Manchester, M4 3BG
www.skatemanchester.com

5 December 2025, 10.30am – 2.30pm
Art Baby at Whitworth
Sensory play sessions in the beautiful surroundings of the gallery, especially for non-walking babies and their grown-ups. It is a warm, welcoming and supportive environment where you can meet, play and talk with other parents and carers. These sensory play sessions are also specially designed to help develop your baby’s physical and social skills. With loads of space to crawl and explore, and lots of new things to look at, the gallery is a great place to play and bond with your baby.
The Whitworth,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/getinvolved/families/artbaby/

5 December 2025, 11am, 12noon for toddlers, 13.45pm, 14.45pm for babies
Music Makers
Monthly music and sensory play sessions for babies and toddlers.
For parents with both baby and toddler, babies may attend toddler sessions. The same does not apply in reverse, as toddlers tend to be more boisterous and we want to keep the baby sessions more relaxed.
Tickets: £5.00, 1 ticket admits 1 child plus accompanying adult
Barbirolli Room,
The Bridgewater Hall,
Lower Mosley Street,
Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

7 December 2025, 10 – 11 am
Relaxed Visits to Jodrell Bank
Come to Jodrell Bank for a relaxed start to the day – sound in the exhibition spaces will be at a reduced level and there’ll be a relaxed early showing of the free film ‘Introduction to Jodrell Bank’at 10.15
Prepare for your visit with the handy Familiarisation Guide. You can also get to know the site in advance by reading Jodrell’s Accessibility Statement.
Jodrell Bank Discovery Centrer
The University of Manchester
Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 9DL
Tel: 01477 571 766
Book online: www.jodrellbank.net

12 December 2025, 10.30am – 2.30pm
PLAY days at Whitworth
A space for under 5s and their grown-ups to come together to play, be curious and be creative with simple, open-ended play resources. Whitworth’s School of Creativity space will be packed full of huge tubes and pipes, big boxes, crates, large reels, tyres, and lots more, creating a world of endless possibilities to explore and create.
The Whitworth,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/getinvolved/families/playdays/

12 – 13 December (Christmas themed)
After-hours with the Mermaids
Come and meet the magical SEA LIFE mermaids at SEA LIFE Manchester!
Tickets: £28 adult, £24 child, £5 passholders
Pre-booking is essential
SEA LIFE Manchester,
Trafford Palazzo, Trafford, Manchester M17 8AS
Tel: 0161 749 2875
www.visitsealife.com/manchester/explore/events/after-hours-with-the-mermaids

20 December 2025, 10.30am – 1.30pm
Outdoor Art Club at Whitworth
Play-based outdoor workshops for all the family, but particularly brilliant for two to eight year-olds – encouraging children to play freely while exploring nature.
Wear suitable clothing, waterproofs and wellies, especially during the winter months.
Free, drop-in
The Whitworth,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/getinvolved/families/outdoorartclub/

28, 30 December, 10.15am
Ted’s Space Adventure at Jodrell Bank
Introduction to wonderous new worlds for your little ones, with a charming Dome Show which puts the stars at your fingertips!
Explore the Solar System in a special Space Dome screenings of Ted’s Space Adventure – it’s one small step for Ted, one giant leap for little stargazers! Come on a journey through space with a bear named Ted (and trusty companion, Plant!), learning about the things we find there and how they affect us.
With interactivity, music and rhyme, the show is suatable for preschool children.
Dome Show tickets can be added to a general admission booking at online checkout or booked on arrival.
Tickets: £5, under 4 are free
Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre
The University of Manchester
Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 9D
Tel: 01477 571 766
Book online: www.jodrellbank.net