10 things to do during Christmas week in the North West
THE presents have been opened, the food has all magically disappeared and you have taken your fair share of afternoon naps. What now? There is no need to sit around the house waiting for the new year to arrive, here is what you can get up to once Christmas is over.
Get your skates on…
Liverpool Ice Festival – Pier Head
Liverpool’s Ice Festival is running right through to January 3 and offers something for all the gang. Brush up on your skating skills on the ice rink, or use the handy penguin skate aids to help you glide across the ice. The festival is also home to the UK’s largest ever Ice Slide and Ice Bar, don’t forget to wrap up! The Ice Festival is not open Christmas Day. Find out more here.
The Rink at Cathedral Gardens, Manchester
Manchester Christmas Market may have come to an end, but the ice rink at Cathedral Gardens is in town until January 8, meaning you can still bust your best moves on the ice even after the Christmas rush has ended. It is not open Christmas Day. Find out more here.
Bolton Winter Festival
Bolton’s Winter Festival is also taking place until January 8, with the ice rink and snow slide offering loads of fun for the whole gang. If you’re eager to get the kids on the ice, the festival is offering a Penguin Club for ice skating session which are the perfect introduction to ice skating. Bolton Winter Festival will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Find out more here.
Head to the panto…
Snow White – Liverpool Empire Theatre
Starring Hollyoaks star Jorgie Porter, follow the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Will the Wicked Queen banish Snow White once and for all, or will the handsome Prince thwart her plans with some help from the dwarfs? Who’s the fairest in the land, and will good triumph over evil? Go along to find out – the pantomime is on until December 31. Find out more here.
Aladdin – Opera House, Manchester
Enter the cave of wonders, rub the magic lamp and be transported to an enchanting world in Aladdin. The show will star Loose Women and Benidorm favourite Sherrie Hewson, Cold Feet’s John Thomson, pop sensation Ben Adams and one of the best dames in the business, Eric Potts will also take to the stage. The show is on until January 8. Find out more here.
Perfect for the whole family…
The Man Who Planted The Trees – Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
Jean Giono’s classic tells the inspiring story of a shepherd who plants a forest, acorn by acorn, transforming a barren wasteland. The hilarious puppet show is a touching tale showing the audience the difference one man and his dog can make to the world. The show is on at the Royal Exchange Theatre until December 31. Find out more here.
Liverpool Snow Flake Trail
Grab the gang and head into Liverpool City Centre to do something more exciting than shopping in the sales. Snowflake sculptors, which have been created by artists around the UK, have been placed at 12 locations across the city centre. It is your job to find them! Pick up a trail map from Merseyrail train stations and stores including Marks and Spencer and Primark and start searching. Liverpool’s Snow Flake Trail is taking place in the city centre until January 3. Find out more here.
Crafty Creative – Brockholes, Preston
Fill in those long days in between Christmas and New Year with some creative family fun. Head along to Brockholes in Preston for drop-in craft sessions where the family will be able to take part in various crafts. Find out more here.
Festive Fun Run – Salt Ayre Sports Centre, Lancaster
Join in the fun at Lancaster & Morecambe AC Club House on Tuesday December 27. The fun run will start at 11am and is aimed at families, but regular competitors are also welcome. There will be festive medals for all finishers as well as a range of spot prizes and a presentation ceremony. Find out more here.
Christmas Corner – Cheshire Oaks
Head along to Cheshire Oaks for some festive cheer during your time off. The whole family can enjoy carousel rides, festive swing grills and an apres ski bar. You can also take a look inside the UK’s largest walk-in Christmas Tree and be amazed by over 100,000 lights. Find out more here.
