From our new twinkling light trail to ice skating, and an extra-special visit to see Santa at the Grotto. As well as Gandeys’ sensational ice-skating show. ‘Tis the season to start new family traditions and create lasting memories.
Christmas
Christmas
THE GIFT OF
TRAFFORD CENTRE
THIS CHRISTMAS
THE GROTTO
16 NOVEMBER – 24 DECEMBER
Outside The Great Hall, Opposite the Fair, Ex Frankie & Benny’s
Children are invited to head to The Grotto on a top-secret toy making mission, as Santa is ready to launch the very first Giggle Gizmo! This top-secret super toy has been in development for centuries and is ready for its grand unveiling this Christmas.
With the help of Santa’s Elves, families will embark on a whimsical adventure through Candy Cane Land, The Enchanted Forest, The Merry Makers Studio, Santa’s Study and, finally, the magical grotto to meet the big man himself!
This magical experience can be found in a new location outside The Great Hall, in the previous Frankie & Benny’s space.
FESTIVE FAIRGROUND
AT TINSEL TOWN
22 November – 5 JANUARY
Step into the magic of Christmas at our festive fairground,
where twinkling lights and joyful rides await, as well as
seasonal delights such as mulled wine and bratwurst.
OPENING TIMES
Monday – Friday 4pm – 9pm, Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 9pm
Christmas Eve 12pm – 7pm, Boxing Day 1pm – 7pm
New Year’s Eve 12pm – 7pm & New Year’s Day 12pm – 9pm*
*Closed (25 Nov, 2, 9 & 16 Dec)
ADMISSIONS
£3.00 on the gate
£2.50 plus booking fee online
SKATE AT TINSEL TOWN
22 NOVEMBER – 5 JANUARY
Glide into the festive spirit on our shimmering ice rink, surrounded by festive cheer and sparkling lights. Skate under the stars with friends and family, before warming up with a cup of hot chocolate.
OPENING TIMES
Monday – Friday 4 – 8pm, Saturday & Sundays 12pm – 8pm
Christmas Eve 12pm – 6pm, Boxing Day 1pm – 6pm
New Year’s Eve 12pm – 6pm, New Year’s Day 12pm – 8pm
ADMISSIONS
Adult ticket (13+) Peak £16.50, Off-Peak £12.50
Child ticket (under 12) Peak £13.75, Off-Peak £10
Family ticket (2x adults, 2 x children or 1 adult, 3 children) Peak £54, Off-Peak £40
GANDEYS SNOWSTORM FIREBIRD 4
6 DECEMBER – 5 JANUARY
CAR PARK 7
Prepare to be dazzled as the enchanting world of “Firebird” takes centre stage this winter in a mesmerising fusion of ice skating and circus arts. This breathtaking production, featuring a cast of world-class skaters and top-tier circus performers, will ignite the season with a vibrant celebration of light, unity, and happiness.
THE BIG WHEEL
18 OCTOBER – 5 JANUARY
OUTSIDE THE GREAT HALL
Take a magical ride above the twinkling lights and soar to new heights on our Big Wheel.
THE CHRISTMAS TRAIL
15 NOVEMBER – 2 JANUARY
WILDERSPOOL WOODS
This breathtaking experience promises to whisk visitors into a magical wonderland of twinkling lights and festive magic.
Wilderspool Woods will be illuminated by a dazzling array of lights and captivating installations, accompanied by a festive soundtrack with holiday classics and upbeat tunes.
Don’t miss Freight Island’s festive pop up, with delicious winter warmers from the likes of Formaggi by Lazy Tony’s, Voodoo Rays and special guest trader Heard.
OPENING HOURS
15th – 17th November: Open at 16:30
18th November – 2nd January: Open at 16:00
JURASSIC WORLD: THE EXHIBITION
UNTIL 5 JANUARY
CAR PARK 7
Jurassic World: The Exhibition is a family-friendly exhibit of massive proportions based on one of the biggest blockbuster franchises in cinema history. Walk through the iconic Jurassic World gates, explore richly themed environments, encounter a life-sized Brachiosaurus, Velociraptors, including fan-favorite Blue, and the most fearsome dinosaur of all, the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex.
THE SEASON OF GIVING
NAME A TRAFFORD CENTRE STAR
Did you know that the Trafford Centre’s Orient food court sparkles under the glow of over 6,000 twinkling stars? Now, you have the magical opportunity to name one of these stars after a loved one this Christmas.
Whether you want to celebrate someone special, mark a cherished moment, or find the perfect gift for the person who has everything, naming a Trafford Centre star is a heartwarming and timeless way to show how much you care.
The best bit? Every single penny raised from donations will go directly to support our three incredible local charities: Stockdales, FareShare Manchester, and Look Good Feel Better. This festive season, let your love shine brightly in the night sky while making a difference to those in need.
To dedicate a star, email by 6 December with your chosen name for the star.
In return for a donation of £30, you’ll receive a certificate featuring your chosen name, which will be displayed on a plaque in The Orient for the next year, creating a meaningful and visible tribute.
CHARITY GIFT WRAPPING SERVICE
A season of giving back to our community
Take the stress out of your gift wrapping this year and let our charity partners do it for you! Our busy elves will turn your cherished gifts into beautifully wrapped masterpieces – all we ask for is a small donation to our centre charities.
Charity gift wrapping will be available every Sunday in December outside Pull & Bear in our Christmas Selfie Present.
Listen to the sounds of Christmas
From Sunday 24 November ACROSS THE CENTRE
There’s nothing quite like the sound of a brass band or choir to get us in the Christmas mood. So, we’ve invited local brass bands, schools, community and charity choirs to perform every day up until Christmas.
It’s the perfect soundtrack to your Christmas shopping trip!
CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS
Step into the magic of Christmas with late-night shopping until 11pm at Trafford Centre. Tick everything off your list as you soak in the festive cheer, finding the perfect gifts for all your loved ones.
Monday 16 December: 10am-11pm
Tuesday 17 December: 10am-11pm
Wednesday 18 December: 10am-11pm
Thursday 19 December: 10am-11pm
Friday 20 December: 10am-11pm
Monday 23 December: 10am-11pm
Tuesday 24 December (Christmas Eve): 9am-5pm
Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day): CLOSED
Thursday 26 December (Boxing Day) 8am-8pm
Tuesday 31 December (New Years Eve) 9am-5pm
Wednesday 1 January (New Years Day) 12noon-6pm
Christmas events map
Plan your Christmas visit to Trafford Centre with our handy map. Download the PDF and find your way around!
- Visit Trafford Centre
- Sign up to PULSE when you connect to our Wi-Fi
- Sign in each visit to enjoy priority event bookings, exclusive rewards, unique offers, and more…