On Saturday morning whilst most sane people were still asleep, we found ourselves heading down to the Trafford Centre Christmas Parade in Manchester for a day of Christmas related fun.
I would have enjoyed extra sleeping time, but then I wouldn’t have been able to capture this image. The weather was fabulous on the day and we were truly blessed!
Visiting The Trafford Centre At Christmas
A fun filled day in Manchester
We had been invited along to check out the intu Trafford Centre Christmas Parade, one of the highlights of the year and the most popular event in the shopping centre’s calendar.
Packed with many well known children’s TV character’s, the parade promised to be a big draw… and it was! The Trafford Centre was packed and every car park filled, with everyone leaving filled with the joys of Christmas.
Before the parade started at 11.30am (there was also a 2.30pm performance), we were fortunate to get the chance to meet the characters who would be appearing in the Trafford Centre Christmas Parade.
Liv may be a tad old to watch the particular shows, but she did recognise the characters. Clearly I wasn’t shy about having my pictures taken with them!
Trafford Centre Christmas Parade
The atmosphere in the Orient was electric as the Trafford Centre Christmas Parade made its way around the top deck. This was before characters made their way onto the stage. Trust me, there is nothing funnier than watching a LEGO Santa and Darth Vader attempt to navigate an escalator!
Each character was given time to welcome the crowd. Before amazing performers and dancers delighted all with songs from The Greatest Showman and Christmas tunes. My favourite segment was Peter Rabbit flossing, possibly the coolest rabbit ever!
The Trafford Centre Christmas Parade was absolutely fantastic. A total showstopper and I am so glad we got to attend our first parade at the shopping centre!
The finale saw snow shaped confetti being released. Much to the delight of many children as they said goodbye to their favourite characters. You can check out intu Trafford Centre events in the run up to Christmas and beyond on their site.
Peter Rabbit Christmas Grotto
Continuing with the Christmas theme, situated just outside the Orient is the very magical Peter Rabbit Christmas Grotto.
You will navigate your way through burrows whilst meeting Peter Rabbit, Mr. Todd and Mrs. Tiggywinkle and be encapsulated by their animal world.
The character’s are amazing and hugely funny, offering respite during your wait to see Father Christmas. There are many activities to take part in as you wind your way around the grotto. Including decorating your own gingerbread cookie!
Which Liv informed me was absolutely delicious!
The Grotto itself is impeccably decorated and very inkeeping with the Peter Rabbit theme. There are also plenty of tree trunks for adults to perch themselves on too!
Finally you move on to meeting Father Christmas to tell him what you would like for Christmas. I was informed there wasn’t enough wrapping paper to cover The Rock!
Trafford Centre Christmas Grotto Prices
Tickets are priced at £8.50 for children and £5.50 for adults, the grotto runs until 24th December.
Also located directly outside the Orient is the fantastic Alpine Village Trafford Centre experience.
Traditional Christmas Market At The Trafford Centre
Offering traditional Christmas food and drink, alongside family fun activities. All including a beautifully decorated carousel and big ferris wheel (as seen in the first image).
Fortunately, arriving at the Trafford Centre early meant we had the opportunity to take pictures before the crowds descended. We were glas we did as it did get very busy on the day.
A fantastic set of Christmas market huts for you to stock up on Bratwurst, Nutella crepes, mulled wine, hot Vimto and even super yummy Keto halloumi fries. Which were absolutely delicious and priced at £5 for 5 fries.
Alongside the traditional Christmas markets, there is a large tipi tent which houses a bar, lots of comfy seating areas, fire pits, photo booth and live music. The perfect place to chill after a shopping trip at the Trafford Centre!
Outside of the large tipi tent is a rather cool igloo seated area for a more chilly themed experience! The Alpine Village is a great addition to the Trafford Centre and offers a very festive Christmas market feel.
There really is something for all and children will absolutely love the activities on offer. Check out further details on their Facebook page.
The Trafford Centre has surpassed itself by bringing Christmas cheer to all that visit in the run up to Christmas. Make sure you head down so you don’t miss out! Other Christmas events at the Trafford Centre include the Silcock’s Winter Wonderland which is always great fun!
You may want to read these posts next
Check out our La Tasca Trafford Centre review.
It was fabulous, wasn’t it! It is now the highlight of my niece and nephews year and the grotto just topped it all off #pocolo
It really was such a fantastic event and glad we were there to experience it all 🙂 xx
What a great day. Peter Rabbit will always have a special place in my heart because they’re the stories my Nan used to read to me. 🙂
It turns out Peter Rabbit was a bit of a groover… who knew 🙂 Such a beloved character and was totally perfect for the parade 🙂 x
Looks a great way to kick off Christmas – and always good to get a bit of relaxation in at the same time! thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
What a very cool place. Looks like a wonderful time. #PoCoLo
It really was such a fantastic day and we all left with lots of Christmas cheer 🙂
This looks so fun. I’m feeling so festive right now and love anything Christmassy. Looks like you had a great time x #pocolo
I absolutely love Christmas and this was such a fantastic day to get everyone in the Christmas spirit 🙂 x
This looks fabulous! Love the Trafford Centre but this is brilliant! #PoCoLo
The Trafford Centre is amazing, but their events really do make it more than just a shopping experience. The Christmas parade was amazing and we are already looking forward to next year’s! 🙂 x
Batman!! 😀 hahaha It was an excellent day, it really was. Incredibly festive and everyone was in such a lovely mood, the atmosphere was great 🙂