From November, Trafford Centre will be transformed into a magical haven full of festive fun; the perfect destination to spend time creating memories and celebrating the Christmas season.
Trafford Centre’s Tinseltown is complete with a festive fairground, SNOWSTORM 2 spectacular ice show, winter ice rink, and a very exciting NEW grotto; there is a magical winter at Trafford Centre ahead. Plus, with free parking and a host of sensational shops, food, and gifting options inside at Trafford Centre, it’s the perfect destination to celebrate the Christmas season.
Tinseltown will also offer a series of ‘always-on’ style entertainment, from traditional carols to acoustic Christmas covers, the programme of live music at Tinseltown will be ever-changing.

Visitors can also enjoy incredible views and festive magic this Christmas, as the big wheel returns to Trafford Centre’s Tinseltown – enjoy all the glittering lights and sights from a staggering 55 metres high. Full schedules, tickets, and prices to be updated on www.traffordcentre.co.uk.
Bruce Gardner, Brand Experience Director at Trafford Centre said: “This Christmas we will create a unique, festive, and magical offering for visitors in the Northwest and beyond. Introducing the new Christmas with Paddington™ Grotto and welcoming back our iconic Skate at Tinseltown in association with Hits Radio, Christmas at Trafford Centre has never been so exciting. Tinseltown will be the talk of the town as we provide memorable experiences for the whole family.”
Here is your full list of Christmas magic at the Trafford Centre:
Christmas with Paddington: 16 November – 24 December
Tinseltown at Trafford Centre is set to be extra-special this year as Santa will be joined in its iconic Christmas Grotto by a special new friend, Paddington™. The NEW Christmas with Paddington Grotto experience at Trafford Centre Manchester will be open 16th November until 24th December for families of all ages to enjoy a memorable festive experience – expected to be bigger and better than ever before with Paddington’s arrival. Tickets now available to purchase, check here for more details.
Skate at Tinseltown: 18 November – 2 January 2023
In association with Hits Radio, take to the ice on Trafford Centre’s wonderful 25m x 20m covered rink for a 45-minute ice skate session to celebrate the winter season. Glide away under a sky full of twinkling lights whilst festive music transports skaters to a whimsical, festive haven. Non-skaters will be able to enjoy a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine from the centre’s festive bar complete with towering Christmas tree.
Skate between 4-8pm Monday-Friday and 12-8pm on weekends [Christmas week and new year times may vary, check here for updated times, prices, and the full schedule]. Please note, funfair entrance will be included with all skate session ticket prices.
Festive funfair: 18 November – 2 January 2023
The funfair returns, even more thrilling, magical, and fun. Enjoy fantastic rides for the whole family. Soar the skies with the Waveswinger, brave the white-knuckle Rock Rage or watch the little ones enjoy a host of fun rides like the Mini Chairs, Jumping Frog and Kidzone. Other rides include Teacups, Bumper Carz, Runaway Train, and Flying Elephants.
Prices are £2.50 + booking fee per person in advance (£3.50 on the door). Kids under two-years-old go free. Check here for updated times and prices.
SNOWSTORM 2 from Gandeys: 25 November – 2 January 2023
Discover an all-new Christmas production on real ice! Discover this spectacular show in a heated theatre big top as international ice-skaters, aerial artistes, and a fantastic circus line up transport you to the magical Ice Kingdom.
State of the art special effects will have visitors on the edge of their seat, with special appearances from the much-loved ice bears and the main man himself – Santa Claus. With 200sq metres of shimmering real ice for performers to soar above and glide upon, it’s the perfect festive experience to celebrate the season with family and friends. Seats start from just £11.99. Check here for dates, show times and ticket prices.
Festive Flicks: 19 November – 17 December
Get in the Christmas mood with a selection of midday matinees every Saturday on Trafford Centre’s 5m x 3m big screens. Snuggle down with a blanket and some festive food and enjoy a host of magical movies including:
- Saturday 19th November, 12pm: The Nightmare before Christmas
- Saturday 26th November, 12pm: Frozen
- Saturday 3rd December, 12pm: How the Grinch stole Christmas
- Saturday 10th December, 12pm: Arthur Christmas
- Saturday 17th December, 12pm: Home Alone
*Please note, fairground entry will need to be purchased to gain access to the movie screenings.
10 Weeks to Christmas: Donations accepted until 18 December
Trafford Centre is proud to partner with Trafford Council and Trafford Community Hubs, introducing an important festive donation scheme to the centre this Christmas. With a core aim to help create a positive difference, to those who may need financial support, some gifting love or help in making their house feel like a home this winter with everything from winter warmers, Christmas presents, decorations and everyday essentials; Trafford Centre kindly asks visitors to join in with this initiative and offer support by donating a variety of new items to those in need.
Donations can be made at the customer services desk, where the hubs will coordinate and manage the distribution of all items raised through this initiative with the Trafford Centre, as they provide first-level support for residents.
Costume characters and face-painting details soon to be announced. Check www.traffordcentre.co.uk for updated dates, times, and the full schedule for all Tinseltown activity.
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