Steph Smith, who manages the Hale, Altrincham and Sale area for Mums in the Know, chooses five great things to do with the kids over the next week.
1. Great British Christmas Markets at Altrincham Market
Altrincham’s Great British Christmas Markets return for a second year with the best of British produce and unique gift ideas. There are 24 Christmas markets in all – the Twilight markets on Thursdays and Fridays, and then fantastic festive markets on Saturdays and Sundays. All markets with be specially lit, with a 20-foot Christmas tree in Market House. A chance to buy something special for someone special.
Altrincham Market, WA14 1SA. More details here.
2. Christmas in Goose Green with Silk 106.9 (Saturday 15th November)
Altrincham Forward has teamed up with Cheshire radio station Silk 106.9 to bring some Christmas fun and cheer to Goose Green this Saturday, with a festive musical showcase hosted by popular breakfast presenter Ditchy. Shoppers will be treated to two hours of music, games and giveaways plus Christmas-themed performances from local acts and an appearance by Frozen’s Elsa and Olaf.
All those attending will also have the chance to win a fantastic prize of a ‘sleighful of presents’ worth over £1,000 that’s been donated by Altrincham businesses. As well as the musical entertainment, there will be festive fare on offer, with hot street food at Café Cleo and drinks on the terraces at La Piazza and The House Restaurant & Wine Bar. For more details click here.
Goose Green, Altrincham, WA14 1DW. Times: 3-5pm.
3. Old MacDonald Had a Farm at the Waterside Arts Centre (Sunday 16th November)
Old MacDonald had a farm – altogether now, E-I-E-I-O! But Old MacDonald’s animals have gone missing – can you help a friendly scientist and his amazing time machine get them back for him? Suitable for children four and upwards. Running time: 1 hour approx.
Waterside Arts Centre, Sale, M33 7ZF. Starts 2pm.
4. Christmas Gift Fair at Tatton Park (Saturday 15th November and Sunday 16th November)
Head down to Tatton this weekend for an early chance to look for those special Christmas gifts for all the family and ideas for presents not usually found on the high street.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, WA16 6QN. Fair open between 10.30am and 5pm.
5. Santa’s Snow Grotto at the Chill Factore (Saturday 15th November and Sunday 16th November)
Santa is in his home on the snow every weekend throughout November and everyday in December – right up until the evening of Christmas Eve. After all, Santa is in for a very busy night that night…. All visits to Santa will be combined with some play time in the snow, which is bound to really get your children into the festive spirit, and they can thrill in their very own winter wonderland. See here for more details.
Trafford Way, Trafford Quays Leisure Village, Manchester M41 7JA.
