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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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 ...Believe! The Polar Express Experience
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
Saturday 21 November - Thursday 24 December 2026
Believe! The Polar Express Experience is a brand new, truly magical, multi-room immersive walkthrough experience that brings the enchanting world of the beloved movie to life in a whole new way. Step into the Hero Boy's house where you be ...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...Snowstorm - A Frozen Adventure
Trafford Centre, Manchester
Friday 4 December 2026 - Sunday 3 January 2027
Following five sensational years of sell-out performances, Manchester's favourite festive ice spectacular returns with an all-new magical adventure for 2026... Welcome to SNOWSTORM 6: A Frozen Adventure - a breathtaking Christmas spectacul...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 Santa Experience at The Hayloft 2026
The Hayloft Cheshire, Warrington
Sunday 6 - Thursday 24 December 2026
Step into Christmas at The Hayloft Meet the elves, make reindeer food, ride the festive train and enjoy a magical story and gift from Santa....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...Sleeping Beauty (Contact's Pantomime)
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Contact, Manchester
Thursday 10 - Thursday 31 December 2026
The Big Tiny are back at Contact's castle for another year of Pantomime fun following their hilarious (and award nominated) 2025 show Rumpelstiltskin. Get ready for even more magic, mirth and mischief, as we bring Sleeping Beauty to the ...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 ...Joy Ride
Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Oldham
Saturday 12 December 2026
JOY RIDE is an immersive performance co-created with Oldham. Artists Meg & Claud are celebrating connections between the south west & the north west in this touring journey of joy!This mobile experience celebrates the ways we find light, j...Bolton town wrestling - christmas chaos
Little Lever Working Men Club, Bolton
Saturday 12 December 2026
Family friendly professional wrestling returns to little lever wmc for our final show of the year. Titles on the line...Breakfast With Santa
The Black Bull Pub, St Helens
Saturday 12 - Saturday 19 December 2026
Join us for Breakfast with Santa Enjoy a festive breakfast, meet Santa, receive a selection box, take photos & have fun in our soft play...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...Tribute to Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites
Manchester Cathedral, Manchester
Saturday 19 December 2026
Cinema's most iconic music performed by The Illuminated Orchestra, enhanced by a stunning light show.A jam-packed with cinema's most iconic music, beautifully performed by a live chamber orchestra, including the music from: Avatar, Dune, E...ComedySportz Improvised Panto (Tots)
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 19 December 2026
Bored of the same pantomimes every year? The award-winning Totally Improvised Company present The Totally Improvised Pantomime! Heroes, villains, songs and silliness are guaranteed this December as the gang create brand-new pantomime adven...
Breakfast with Santa
Milnrow Cricket Club, Rochdale
Saturday 19 December 2026
Join MCC for a festive morning of Christmas Fun...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...John Street Social's Family Christmas Party
John Street Social, Manchester
Sunday 20 December 2026
Join us for our annual Family Christmas Party, on Sunday 20th December. Doors at 1.00pm for a party start at 2.00pm....Mika and the Polar Bear
HOME, Manchester
Monday 21 - Tuesday 22 December 2026
Featuring original music, digital animation and enchanting puppetry, Mika and the Polar Bear is a dynamic new dance-theatre production for all ages (4+) from Coalesce Dance Theatre, celebrating resilience, friendship, and the courage to j...
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...Holmes & Watson - The Curious Case of the Masked Magician
Lowry, Salford
Saturday 16 January 2027
A Holmes & Watson Magic Show for ages 6 - 106. It's 1906 - the Golden Age of Magic. The Masked Magician bestrides London's world of Magic like a colossus, UNTIL... one night, in mid-performance, the Magician vanishes. Dead? Kidnapped...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...Dog Man The Musical
Palace Theatre, Manchester
Thursday 28 - Saturday 30 January 2027
Dog Man The Musical is a hilarious new musical based on the worldwide bestselling book series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club. Best friends George and Harold have been creating comics for years, bu...
For the Love of the Force - Independent Star Wars Convention
Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester
Saturday 30 - Sunday 31 January 2027
After an absence of over 10 years, the original brand that set the Monopoly Events empire on its way is back for a trip of true nostalgia! For the Love of the Force is independent Star Wars fan convention not affiliated with Disney or Luc...Grand Pro Wrestling: Back With A Bang 2027
The Monaco, Wigan
Sunday 31 January 2027
Established since 2003, Grand Pro Wrestling are the UK's No.1 wrestling promotion. Bringing stories, characters and matches that matter to life...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 ...Strictly Come Dancing - The Live Tour
AO Arena, Manchester
Saturday 6 - Sunday 7 February 2027
Get your score cards ready, your dancing shoes on and prepare for the return of the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour! Get ready for an electrifying spectacle full of glitz, glamour, and pure entertainment as your favourite stars take to the...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
