FAMILY EVENTS IN MANCHESTER
FAMILY EVENTS IN MANCHESTER
Most Popular Family Events in Manchester
A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong
Manchester Opera House
Tue 17 - Sat 21 Nov 2026
Home Alone in Concert - The Film with Live Orchestra
The Bridgewater Hall
Wed 2 - Thu 3 Dec 2026
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Crown Ballet - The Nutcracker
Stockport Plaza, Stockport
Tuesday 10 November 2026
A wonderful treat full of glitter for the whole family, and an ideal introduction to audiences of any age to the magic that is classical ballet, Moldova's Crown Ballet returns to the UK to enchant you with their delightful production of an...A Christmas Carol Performed by Gerald Charles Dickens
Stockport Plaza, Stockport
Wednesday 11 - Thursday 12 November 2026
The original Christmas Carol and the best! No other show in the country has a direct descendant of Charles Dickens playing the lead role. Gerald Charles Dickens is none other than the great great grandson of Charles Dickens. We all k...The Snowman Live - The Film Performed Live by a Brass Band
Stockport Plaza, Stockport
Friday 13 November 2026
Step into the magic of Christmas as a world famous brass band brings Raymond Briggs' timeless classic The Snowman to life in a spellbinding live performance. First released in 1982 and cherished by generations, The Snowman tells the encha...Gladiators Live
AO Arena, Manchester
Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 November 2026
Get ready for the ultimate action-packed experience, as Gladiators Live Tour makes its global debut in arenas across the UK for the very first time in 2025. Featuring the new stars of the UK TV series Gladiators, the live show will be a sp...Chris Hadfield - Exploring the New Space Age
Lowry, Salford
Sunday 15 November 2026 - Sunday 13 June 2027
What happens when space becomes the new economic frontier? Who controls the resources beyond our atmosphere? How will the coming space revolution transform life on Earth? Join acclaimed Canadian astronaut, test pilot, spacewalker, space...MC Grammar
Lowry, Salford
Sunday 15 November 2026
Multi-award winning rapping teacher, World Book Day Ambassador and bestselling author, MC Grammar, is back with a new show Mic Drop Live and this time he's bringin'.... BIGGER Beats, BIGGER Laughs and even BIGGER Family FUN! Grab your caps...A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 November 2026
The Cornley Amateur Drama Society are back with tidings of chaos and joy, ready to tackle the Charles Dickens' classic, A Christmas Carol.A new production of CHRISTMAS CAROL GOES WRONG smashes into Aylesbury Waterside Theatre direct from a...The Little Mermaid - South Manchester AOS Panto
Z-arts, Manchester
Wednesday 18 - Saturday 21 November 2026
Join us under the sea for our glistening pantomime... guaranteed to have the whole family flipping with laughter. Winner's of 'Best Pantomime 2025' at the NODA awards! Following on from their previous sell out pantomimes at Z-arts - ('Moth...Cinderella: A Fairytale
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Friday 20 November 2026 - Saturday 9 January 2027
Cinderella: A Fairytale brings this well-loved classic tale bang up to date with a funny, high-energy show that will be a real crowd pleaser for the whole family. When Ella's father remarries, her world turns upside down. She escapes from ...Chetham's Woodwind Academy Day
The Stoller Hall, Manchester
Sunday 22 November 2026
A free, one-day event for young woodwind players, aged 9 - 17 (from grade 3 upwards). Come and join us for a full day of masterclasses, ensemble playing, and lively group discussions, led by a friendly, specialist team of Chetham's tutors,...The Sorcerer's Apprentice
HOME, Manchester
Friday 27 November 2026 - Saturday 2 January 2027
A magical musical treat for the whole family! Against the backdrop of the Northern Lights, a small town has been pushed to the brink of collapse in a bid for progress and prosperity. To rescue Midgard from certain destruction, the sorcerer...The Gruffalo
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 27 - Sunday 29 November 2026
A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood... Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories' magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Searching for ...Santa Special
East Lancashire Railway, Bury
Saturday 28 November - Thursday 24 December 2026
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Treat the family to an enchanting voyage through the magical Irwell Valley, kick start your Christmas on one of our famous Santa Specials! There's more family friendly fun, colourful characters ...Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs - Bolton's Christmas Panto
The Albert Halls, Bolton
Tuesday 1 - Thursday 31 December 2026
This Christmas, Shone Productions bring Bolton's biggest ever pantomime to the Bolton Albert Halls. See the beautiful Snow White and her seven little friends from the Enchanted Forest as they attempt to defeat the Evil Wicked Queen who is ...Billy Elliot The Musical
Palace Theatre, Manchester
Wednesday 2 December 2026 - Saturday 9 January 2027
Seen by almost 12 million people across five continents and honoured with more than 80 awards worldwide, Billy Elliot the Musical is one of the most successful and beloved British musicals of all time. Ten years after it last played to aud...
Home Alone in Concert - The Film with Live Orchestra
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Wednesday 2 - Thursday 3 December 2026
This beloved holiday favourite features renowned composer John Williams' charming and delightful score performed live to picture by a live symphony orchestra. Since its debut in 2013, Home Alone in Concert has become a seasonal favourite w...The Jolly Christmas Postman
Lowry, Salford
Friday 4 December 2026 - Sunday 3 January 2027
Join the Jolly Postman on a frosty, fairytale adventure in this stage adaptation from Lowry and Royal & Derngate. Based on the award-winning children's book by much-loved duo Janet and Allan Ahlberg, this family show sees the Jolly Postm...Jack and The Beanstalk - Stockport Plaza Panto
Stockport Plaza, Stockport
Friday 4 December 2026 - Sunday 3 January 2027
Fe-fi-fo-fum! ..... Stockport's GIANT Family Pantomime JACK AND THE BEANSTALK will delight audiences of all ages in this Spectacular Magical production that will provide you, your family and friends with sensational memories that will last...Robin Hood - Altrincham Garrick Panto
Altrincham Garrick, Altrincham
Friday 4 December 2026 - Sunday 3 January 2027
The Merry Garrick Panto that really hits the bullseye! The fine folk of Sherwood Forest are terrorised by the mounting taxes imposed by the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham who'll stop at nothing to seize the throne of England and claim the fa...Dick Whittington
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
Saturday 5 December 2026 - Sunday 3 January 2027
Manchester's pantomime will be paved with gold as comedy sensation Jason Manford and panto favourite Ben Nickless return to the Opera House to star in Dick Whittington. Join our hero on a quest for fame, fortune and happiness as he journey...Mr Popper's Penguins
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 5 - Sunday 27 December 2026
The creators of Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas return this year with their international smash hit musical! Painter and decorator by day, Mr Popper spends his time dreaming of Antarctic adventures. He is astounded when one day a packing ...The Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Monday 7 - Thursday 17 December 2026
Back by popular demand, Disney's much loved 1992 musical comedy The Muppet Christmas Carol returns. The beloved festive movie will be brought to life by a talented orchestra performing its musical score live in time with the film. The o...Prehistoric Planet - Discovering Dinosaurs
Aviva Studios, Manchester
Tuesday 8 December 2026 - Thursday 7 January 2027
Sammy the Snowman's Christmas Surprise
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Wednesday 9 - Thursday 24 December 2026
Sammy the Snowman is bored of the freezing North Pole. He dreams of sunshine, sand, and a holiday in the sun! But when a snowman heads somewhere hot, things might get a little... melty! Will Sammy's big adventure end in disaster, or will C...A Christmas Carol
Lowry, Salford
Friday 11 December 2026 - Sunday 10 January 2027
Matthew Warchus' big-hearted, smash hit production of Charles Dickens' immortal classic comes to Lowry following nine sell out years at The Old Vic, joyously adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, His Dark...Santa Live! The Ultimate Santa Show Party
The Albert Halls, Bolton
Saturday 12 - Thursday 24 December 2026
After a sell-out run in 2024, get ready as Santa LIVE! returns to Bolton this Christmas with a brand-new adventure! Disaster strikes in Christmas town when Santa's cheeky elf Muddles has gotten all the presents in a muddle! Join our ...Disney On Ice - Discover the Magic
AO Arena, Manchester
Wednesday 16 - Sunday 20 December 2026
Celebrate Disney magic at Disney On Ice presents Discover the Magic, a fast-paced, family-friendly production that follows the search for Tinker Bell through stunning worlds. Explore the colourful spirit realm of Coco with Miguel, brave...Warrington town wrestling - Winter Warzone
Alford Hall Sports And Social Club, Warrington
Saturday 19 December 2026
Family friendly professional wrestling returns to alford hall sports club for another afternoon of awesome entertainment...A Christmas Carol Performed by Gerald Charles Dickens
The Stoller Hall, Manchester
Sunday 20 December 2026
The original Christmas Carol and the best! No other show in the country has a direct descendant of Charles Dickens playing the lead role. Gerald Charles Dickens is none other than the great great grandson of Charles Dickens. We all k...
How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Wednesday 30 December 2026
Winner of the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film, DreamWorks' How to Train Your Dragon 2 is that rare sequel that's a worthy successor to the original! Hailed by critics and audiences alike, the acclaimed adventure co...Varna International Ballet - Snow White
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Saturday 2 - Sunday 3 January 2027
Filled with stunning choreography, vibrant characters, and the music of Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Pugni and Grieg, Snow White is a dazzling ballet for all ages - a story of hope, courage, and happily ever after. Step into a spellbinding ...Varna International Ballet - The Nutcracker
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Saturday 2 January 2027
This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents...Robin Hood & His Merry Men - Sale Nomads Panto
Waterside, Manchester
Friday 8 - Sunday 17 January 2027
A new Sale Nomads family panto is coming to Waterside Arts! Get ready for a riotous adventure through Sherwood Forest, where heroes are heroic, villains are hopeless, and absolutely nothing goes according to plan! The Sheriff of Nottingham...WWE Smackdown
Co-op Live, Manchester
Friday 22 January 2027
WWE wrestling returns to Europe with the 2027 Road to Royal Rumble European Tour Fans will see their favourite WWE Superstars in action including Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk, Women's World Champion Liv Morgan, "The American Nightmare" ...The Brain Bending Science Illusion Show
Lowry, Salford
Sunday 24 January 2027
Seriously Silly Science for All Ages. Join The Magical Mr West and his corvid companion Crowbert on a journey into the brain bending world of science illusions! Prepare to be astounded by cognitive conundrums, mind melting mysteries and sp...The Legend of Korra in Concert
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Monday 1 February 2027
From The Producers of The Smash Hit Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert, The New Live Orchestral Experience! The Legend of Korra in Concert is a new live-to-picture orchestral experience that brings the acclaimed animated series to life ...Joss Arnott Dance - Meet The Hatter
Lowry, Salford
Saturday 6 February 2027
A magical, cinematic dance and multimedia spectacle. Joss Arnott Dance return with their production - Meet the Hatter. Prepare to be amazed by this fantastical family show! Combining powerful dance with new captivating storytelling...Dear Zoo
Stockport Plaza, Stockport
Saturday 6 - Sunday 7 February 2027
Rod Campbell's much-loved lift the flap book has been a firm favourite with children and parents for nearly forty years. Lovingly adapted for the stage, his distinctive illustrations leap from the page in this colourful show packed full of...Disney Descendants, ZOMBIES & Camp Rock - Worlds Collide Concert
AO Arena, Manchester
Wednesday 10 February 2027
The all-new Disney Worlds Collide Concert Tour brings together the worlds of Descendants, ZOMBIES, and for the very first time, Camp Rock, in an unforgettable new arena spectacular. A pop concert of the highest calibre, the cast features a...Gordon Buchanan - Lions and Tigers and Bears
Lowry, Salford
Monday 15 February 2027
Due to phenomenal demand, award winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker Gordon Buchanan will hit the road again, continuing the success of his biggest ever live tour - Lions and Tigers and Bears. Join Gordon as he recounts thrillin...Dinosaur World Live
Lowry, Salford
Monday 15 - Thursday 18 February 2027
Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family - now returning to The Lowry due to popular demand! Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted t...The Dinosaur That Pooped
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
Tuesday 16 February 2027
When Danny and Dino's favourite rock band are playing their last ever concert, they go on a quest to get the last two tickets. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan. Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or...Fun for Little Ones - A Tribute to Ms Rachel
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
Thursday 18 February 2027
The UK's Premier Tribute to Global Phenomenon... 'Ms Rachel'! Bringing 'Ms Rachels' character to life in a FUN, interactive LIVE on stage performance with lots of audience participation for the little ones!With over 5 Billion Views and ove...
Sonic Live in Concert
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Friday 19 - Sunday 21 February 2027
Celebrate 35 years of one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time: Sonic the Hedgehog. This new in concert experience brings together, live on stage, the most iconic music and incredible moments of the beloved Sonic video game...Not Now, Bernard
Lowry, Salford
Sunday 21 February 2027
A wildly funny, physical theatre adaptation of David McKee's much-loved picture book, bursting with chaos, live music made from instruments and household objects, and an ENORMOUS purple monster. Bernard's got a problem. There's a monster i...Pinocchio (by Indefinite Articles)
Waterside, Manchester
Sunday 21 February 2027
Steve Tiplady, as Geppetto, uses the objects of a carpenter's workshop to tell the tale of the puppet that wants to be a real boy, and the puppet-maker who wants to be a real father. Pinocchio is carved on stage, brushes become a fox and t...Opera North - The Big Opera Mystery
Lowry, Salford
Thursday 4 March 2027
Aimed at Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11), this operatic extravaganza, with music played live by the Orchestra of Opera North, will give children an inspiring first encounter with opera. An expert thief is on the loose, and only you can catch them...For the Love of Anime
Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester
Saturday 6 March 2027
A brand-new celebration of Anime, Japan, and Cosplay in the UK. This convention is a love letter to the world of anime, Japanese culture, and the art of cosplay - and we can't wait to build something special with you. Whether you're a life...Nick Cope's Family Show
