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. Disney Themed Children’s Christmas Party at the Cresta Court (Sunday 30th November)
Lasting Memories by Alison Ltd is hosting this ‘drop in’ Christmas party in aid of Key 103’s Mission Christmas Toy Appeal, for children who may not receive any presents this Christmas. The Disney-themed fancy dress party is free of charge and families can call in at any point during the day.
The party will take place in a magical winter wonderland themed room with a disco and Disney-themed children’s entertainers. Elsa from Frozen will be making a VIP appearance alongside Father Christmas!
And for adults who bring their children along, there’s a special winter sleigh and Christmas themed cut-outs for photos alongside vintage cars and a fire engine. Families are asked to donate a present to put under the Key 103 Christmas tree (children must be accompanied by an adult at all times). Presents of all sizes (and for all ages, including teenagers) are welcome and they will then be passed onto Key 103 who will distribute to children in time for Christmas Day.
Times: 12 noon to 6pm. Best Western Cresta Court, Church St, Altrincham WA14 4DP.
2. Sale Christmas Lights: The Big Switch On (Saturday 29th November)
There will be a day of festive fun in Sale town centre on Saturday with the Christmas Lights Big Switch-On. This true community event will showcase a wealth of local talent with performances from choirs, dance schools and drama groups across Sale.
Throughout the day, there will be a Christmas Market on School Road and the Big Christmas Lights Switch-on will take place at 3.45pm. At 4.15pm, head over to the Waterside to see Father Christmas on Sale Cruising Club’s boat parade and on the plaza. There’ll also be live music from the King’s Ransom, Christmas markets, Santa Claus and more. Click here for further details.
12 noon to 6pm, Sale town centre.
3. Altrincham’s Charity Day (Sunday 30th November)
This Sunday, Altrincham Market is holding a charity market from 10am to 6pm to raise money for the Didsbury-based charity ReverseRett as well as the Movember foundation. Here at Mums in the Know, we will absolutely be going along to show our support and we’d love you to do the same. Click here to find out more.
Times: 10am-6pm.
4. Christmas Fair at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys (Sunday 30th November)
School Christmas fairs are usually a hit with the kids but they’re also a good opportunity to get a feel for a potential school for your child! Altrincham Grammar School for Boys invites local families along to their Christmas Fair this Sunday where there will be a variety of lovely stalls as well as games for children. There will also be treats, snacks and lunch available.
Times: 11.30am-3.30pm. AGSB, Marlborough Road, Altrincham, WA14 2RS.
5. The FC (Father Christmas) Grotto at the National Football Museum (Friday 28th November to Sunday 30th November)
Take a ride up to the top floor of the National Football Museum, where Santa’s squad are getting ready for Christmas. Kids will have the chance to meet the big man himself, and tell him what’s on their transfer list this season! There’ll be a chance to take your own photos and every child who meets Father Christmas will be given a gift to take home.
Entrance to the FC Grotto is £5 per child. Suggested age range for children attending is 3 to 10 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult (no charge). Tickets will not be available in advance, please speak to staff during your visit about availabilty and likely waiting times.
Times: 11am-4pm. NFM, Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, Manchester M4 3BG.