Budget-Friendly Festive Family Fun in the North West

The holidays are nearly here, and there’s nothing quite like a fun day out with the family to get you feeling merry and bright! If you’re in need of some festive spirit, here’s our round up of the best budget-friendly festive activities for families in the North West.

 

Festive Fun For Families in Rossendale

 

There’s lots going on in Rossendale this festive season, with everything from craft sessions to makers markets, carols by candlelight and family discos!

 

Why not kick off the school Christmas break with a special Saturday morning screening of The Polar Express at The Whitaker in Rawtenstall? Tickets are just £5 each and include a free hot chocolate.

 

The Therapeutic Forest will be holding Enchanted Christmas Forest sessions in the woodlands at Cribden House School this December. Activities will include decorating gingerbread men, singing carols around a campfire and making tree decorations to take home. The sessions are free for Rossendale families who have children with special educational needs (SEN) and those experiencing financial hardship and are open to the whole family including grown-ups and siblings.

 

If you get yourself down to Stubbylee Park on Saturday 21st December, you can take part in an Elfabet Adventure! This free event takes place between 11am-2pm and will include a festive family trail, crafts and activities and a prize for every child. Meanwhile, older kids will love the Pokémon Christmas Fest at The Circle in Bacup.

 

Festive Fun For Families in Greater Manchester

 

There’s no shortage of family fun to be had in Manchester this Christmas, either!

 

The light festival Lightwaves is returning to Salford Quays and Media City for its 11th year! You can catch it between the 5th and 8th of December, and it’s free to attend, with no need to book.

 

The spectacular Manchester Christmas Parade will be once again making its way through the city’s streets on Sunday 8th December with live music, dancers and circus performers and even skiers taking part! The parade will start from Manchester Cathedral at 1pm and take a circular route, passing along Victoria Street, Deansgate, John Dalton Street, Cross Street, Market Street and St Mary's Gate before looping back to finish at the Cathedral.

 

Of course, Christmas isn’t the only religious holiday that takes place during December. If you’d like to learn more about the Chanukah, the eight-day 'festival of lights', celebrated by the Jewish community, then stop by the Manchester Jewish Museum on December 22nd for a Chanukah-inspired workshop and the chance to make and decorate your own Chocolate Gelt to take home in an origami box.

 

Festive Fun For Families in Merseyside

 

For families in Merseyside, there’s plenty to see and do this Christmas. Whether it’s a stroll around the magically lit-up Royal Albert Dock or a spot of Christmas shopping at Liverpool One, where special festive fun activities are taking place every Thursday throughout November and December.

 

Southport Market is hosting a wide range of events this festive season from a gospel choir to elf mischief and, of course, visits from the main man himself!

 

The Liverpool Christmas Markets are running between now and Christmas Eve. Or for a walk on the wild side, step into the enchanted Christmas lights extravaganza at Knowsley Safari Park.

 

Festive Fun For Families in Lancashire

 

Lancashire has loads for families to enjoy in the run-up to Christmas.

 

A stroll beneath the glittering lights of Blackpool Illuminations is sure to have you feeling festive and is completely free. Just be sure to wrap up warm and don’t forget some change for the slot machines!

 

Or step into a winter wonderland at Brockholes Nature Reserve in Preston this winter and follow a magical trail to Santa’s Postbox to post your letter to the man himself. Tickets cost £10 and include a letter-writing pack, a hot chocolate and a cookie.

 

We may not get a white Christmas, but that won’t stop the Coppull Snowman Festival! This free event kicks off at 6pm on the 29th of November, and will take place all weekend.

 

In Burnley, the HAPPA Festive Fayre will take place on Saturday 30th November from 11am onwards. Tickets are £6 per adult and £1 per child and there’ll be a range of festive activities such as crafts and wreath-making, as well as stalls and live entertainment, and all for a good cause.

 

Festive Fun For Families in Cheshire

 

Families in Cheshire are spoilt for choice this holiday season.

 

Dunham Massey’s famous Winter Light Trail is back and packed with interactive light displays and festive installations, making it the perfect way to spend a winter evening beneath the stars.

 

Or you can join in with Christmas Carols in the Stableyard at Tatton Park, Cheshire. The event takes place on Sunday the 22nd of December and is free to attend, with no need to book - just turn up on the day and grab a song sheet!

 

The popular Knutsford Santa Parade and Christmas lights switch on is set to take place on Saturday 30th November this year, with a Christmas Market happening across the whole weekend.

 

For families with children who have special educational needs, Quarry Bank is offering SEN-friendly sessions. A Quiet Visit With Father Christmas allows neurodiverse children to meet Santa in a more relaxed atmosphere.

 

Festive Fun at Olive Branch Fostering

 

Here at Olive Branch Fostering, we have plenty of festive fun planned for our families, including the return of our magical Winter Wonderland.

 

If you’re an Olive Branch carer, you can ask your social worker about upcoming events or keep an eye on our Facebook page.

 

We know that this time of year can be a hectic one for many families, but here at Olive Branch, we provide support to our fostering families 365 days a year and we’re always looking for safe and loving homes for foster children. Whether fostering is something you’ve been considering for a while, you’re looking for a new challenge for 2025, or you’d just like to find out more about what fostering involves, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Get in touch today or book a call back with one of our friendly advisors at a time that suits you. We look forward to hearing from you!