A completely COVID-safe and socially-distanced Ultimate Grotto Experience is arriving in the heart of the Northern Quarter next week.
We all know by now that the festive season is gearing up to be a little different this year, with the UK government having sadly conceded that “Christmas cannot be normal” amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and while it has been announced that up to three families can form a Christmas bubble between 23rd – 27th December, it just won’t be the same as it usually is for many.
But luckily, The NQ Grotto is still adamant on bringing some festive cheer to Manchester as safely as possible.
Both children and adults alike are invited to be taken on “a magical 60-minute journey through Christmas” next week by visiting “a fairytale land called Mancunia” tucked away in the majestic basement of the Northern Quarter’s iconic Hilton House.
The NQ Grotto is promising a “meet Santa experience like no other”.
Included in the Ultimate Grotto Experience ticket price, you’ll get to meet & greet the Ice Princesses and Ice Queen, listen to some magical story telling with Mrs Claus, enjoy a spot of socially-distanced fun with elves Holly & Ivy, and of course, have the chance to wave to the big man himself, all from the comfort of your own private box with your household / social bubble.
Up to six people from the same household / social bubble will be permitted in a single box.
With safety of “paramount importance” at The NQ Grotto, all boxes will be fully disinfected between sessions, hand sanitiser will be available throughout the building, face coverings must be worn at all times – not required for children under 11 or for those legally exempt – and all guests must remain seated and in their box for the full duration of the session.
You are asked to arrive 10 minutes prior to your session and remain on Hilton Street in the queue which will be clearly marked ‘The NQ Grotto’, and once your session is over, prompt vacation of the building is encouraged so that staff are able to prepare for the next session.
Track & Trace will also be required by the lead guest before entering the building, and where possible, it is asked that prams and pushchairs are not brought to the event.
Up to 30 guests maximum will be in the building during any one session.
The NQ Grotto is taking place in 60-minute sessions throughout the day on Saturday 19th – Thursday 24th December, with tickets setting you back £80 per single household / bubble box.
There’s still plenty of time to grab your tickets and suitably get into the festive spirit before the big day rolls around, but it’s advised to act fast if you want to secure your spot as dates and sessions are being snapped up quickly.
The NQ Grotto, Hilton House, Hilton Street, Manchester, M1 2EH
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 opening date announced – including Albert Square return
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Christmas Markets are merely months away, and the opening date and important details for 2025’s return have been announced.
It’s official… holidays are coming, and the countdown is on.
Just as we do every year, the Greater Manchester public has been eagerly awaiting news of when the city’s iconic Christmas Markets would be making a comeback for the 2025 festive season.
But now, Manchester City Council has announced that the famous wooden huts will be lining Manchester‘s streets once again from the first week in November, and for the first time in six years, Markets will also be returning to Albert Square.
The Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 return date has officially been confirmed / Credit: The Manc Group | Flickr
Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bring thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on the fantastic festive treats and to soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.
While restoration work has been carried out on the city’s Grade I-listed Town Hall building, markets have been spread all across the city centre in recent years, instead of the central hub being in Albert Square – but this year, some of the festivities will return to where they belong.
More than 200 stalls will also be spread across nine other sites throughout the city centre.
Markets will take over 10 major locations across the city centre / Credit: Manchester City Council
Promising to be plenty on offer for seasonal shoppers of all ages, 2025 will see the iconic wooden ski chalet market stalls take over King Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, and Cathedral Gardens, as well as Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens as usual.
Dominating a twinkling seasonal skyline on Albert Square will be an enormous 50-metre-high ferris wheel, as well as an enchanting vintage carousel for children, and other Christmas fairground-style attractions.
The new ‘A Taste of Christmas’ event will be open on Albert Square until Sunday 4 January 2026, bringing the space back into the heart of the city’s countdown to Christmas festivities and staying open throughout the festive season for families to enjoy into the new year.
Councillors are going all out to make Manchester the world’s number one Christmas city / Credit: Manchester City Council
“We’re going all out this year to make sure that Manchester is the number one city for Christmas – not just in the UK, but in the world,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council.
Cllr Karney also teased that there are a few other ‘Santa surprises’ to come that we can expect to be announced in the coming weeks.
He concluded: “In the meantime, dust off your baubles, un-twirl your tinsel, and get ready – Albert’s back.”
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 will officially open across the city on Friday 7 November and close on Monday 22 December.
That is except for A Taste of Christmas on Albert Square, and the stalls at Cathedral Gardens – which will remain open throughout the Christmas period until 4 January 2026.
Featured Image – Flickr
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Spooky steam trains will be back travelling through Greater Manchester this Halloween
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season will soon be on its way, and one of Greater Manchester’s most-popular Halloween events is returning.
Generally selling out each year, the heritage railway’s Halloween Ghost Trains always prove to be top of the Halloween bucket list for people looking for ‘loads of spooktacular fun’ once the scariest time of year rolls around, and 2025 is expected to be no different – especially as there’s set to be ‘fresh twists and new surprises’ to celebrate ‘Year of the Bat’ this year.
Those brave enough at lending the Monster Squad a helping hand at banishing ghosts and ghouls will be whisked away on a haunted steam engine through the atmospheric Greater Manchester countryside.
You’ll be greeted by legendary monster hunter, Dr Hurtz Von Driver, who’ll first share tales of his terrifying adventures before deciding if you have the right stuff to join the Monster Squad.
If you make it, you’ll then get to join Count Brian the Vampire, his trusted henchman Bogeye, and the rest of the team on a chilling adventure.
In this year’s event, the railway will be transformed with elaborate decorations and eerie lighting, and visitors are encouraged to ensure that ‘no ghouls fly under the radar’.
Spooky steam train rides through Greater Manchester are returning this Halloween / Credit: ELR
If you’ve got the guts for the ride of a lifetime, then you’ll first start with a haunted house walkthrough, all before you hop on a 60-minute spooky steam train ride through the Irwell Vale and back.
As you take in the autumn sights and delights of the local countryside out the historic steam train’s windows, there’ll be lots of spooky entertainment and music along the way, and, as it always is each year, screaming and singalongs are to be expected too – and encouraged – as this is all part of the experience.
Families are also encouraged to ‘show off your spookiest fancy dress’ on the day, and if you make it to the end, then a goody bag for every child ‘full of tricks and treats’ awaits.
The Halloween Ghost Trains are happening over an extended weekend in late October to early November, running from Thursday 30 October to Saturday 1 November – and tickets are now on sale starting from just £14 per person.
Emily Sergeant -
16th December 2020 
