- Santa's Grottos
- All Ages
The Grotto Manchester at the Corn Exchange
The Grotto Manchester · Manchester, Greater Manchester · 20th November to 24th December 2026
About this event
The Grotto Manchester has moved to the Corn Exchange for 2026 and runs daily from 20 November to 24 December, in the main atrium next door to Mowgli Street Food. Bookings are in timed ten minute entry windows, the queue is indoors, and the experience lasts about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Families walk through a series of rooms on the way to Santa's cabin. Children can take their own photos the whole way round, and staff ask you to arrive five minutes before your slot with your e-ticket on your phone, because late admission cannot be guaranteed.
In the cabin, every child receives a free gift from Santa. A professional photo is taken there too and can be bought on the day, or keepsake packages can be pre-ordered online for less, from £15 for bronze to £34 for platinum.
Whispering Winter sessions run on selected dates exclusively for children with special educational needs and children on the autistic spectrum, with the sound gently muted and fewer guests in each slot. They are booked from a separate page. December weekends are close to selling out, while November dates and weekdays have the most choice.
Under cover in the city centre
The Grotto is inside the Corn Exchange atrium with an indoor queue, so a visit works in any weather and slots neatly into a day of Christmas shopping. The whole experience takes about 30 minutes from your ten minute entry window.
Whispering Winter sessions
On selected dates, Whispering Winter sessions are exclusively for children with special educational needs and children on the autistic spectrum, with the sound gently muted and fewer guests per slot. Carers go free with a letter confirming disability benefits.
Your own photos, or a keepsake
Families can take their own pictures all the way round, including with Santa. A professional photo is also taken in his cabin, and keepsake packages cost less pre-ordered online, from £15 for bronze to £34 for platinum, than they do on the day.
Plan your visit
Dates and times
20th November to 24th December 2026
Daily, 20 November to 24 December 2026
Timed 10 minute entry windows, chosen at booking
Arrive 5 minutes before your slot
The experience lasts about 30 minutes
Whispering Winter sessions on selected datesAges
All Ages
Getting there
VIP Pass
Members save at selected Christmas days out
Frequently Asked Questions
Most asked questions relating to Christmas.
From Santa's grottos and magical light trails to winter farm parks, theme park celebrations and immersive festive experiences, the UK has plenty of Christmas days out for all ages. Our Christmas Events hub highlights the most popular and top-rated options to help you choose the perfect adventure.
