Greater Manchester’s very own winter wonderland, Tinsel Town, will return to the Trafford Centre this festive season.

Open from November 17 to January 1 outside the Great Hall, families can enjoy a full festive day out complete with a huge shimmering ice rink, festive fairground rides, SNOWSTORM spectacular ice show, magical Christmas tree bar and other festive fayre.

Visitors can enjoy a 45 minute ice-skating adventure, across a 25m x 20m covered ice rink, underneath a canopy of twinkling lights. SKATE, in partnership with Hits Radio, opens November 18.

The festive spirit continues with the magical atmosphere of ‘ChristMASSIVE’, Trafford Centre’s Christmas event. From the Snow Jets to the thrilling Starflyer and Don Sapo, as well as plenty of family friendly rides for the little ones, there’s something for everyone. Plus, a new fairground attraction for 2023 is VOID, which promises an unparalleled experience for thrill-seekers.

New for 2023, a Christmas grotto will be available with an immersive wonderland. From 18 November - 24 December (excluding 20-22 and 27-28 November), families will be given the chance to explore the North Pole, including Candy Cane Land and Enchanted Forest, to hand deliver their very own letters to Santa. Tickets are on sale now.

Santa’s elves will be busy in the Great Hall from December 14 to 21 wrapping up gifts, so you don’t have to. In return, those participating are asked to make a small donation to Trafford Centre’s “centre charities”. Charities include; FareShare Greater Manchester, Stockades, and Look Good Feel Better, all of which are newly signed partnerships this year.

Festive food and drinks will also be available including traditional bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, donuts, crepes, mulled wine and even a chocolate fountain.

Also returning is a magical Christmas tree bar, crowned by a magnificent Christmas tree standing over 50ft tall - the perfect spot for a family selfie.

Gandeys Snowstorm 3: Northern Lights returns with a sensational ice-skating show, live from the heated theatre big top on 200 sq meters of shimmering real ice. Be wowed by this all new production featuring 16 ice skaters, international circus stars, amazing special effects, and the return of the massive ice bears!

The Big Wheel is also back at Trafford Centre until January 7, where riders can enjoy all the glittering lights and sights whilst soaring above the ground at a staggering 55 metres high.

The Trafford Centre will be extending their hours until 11pm on December 18 to 22 for that last minute Christmas shopping.

Simon Layton, centre director at Trafford Centre, said: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year here at Trafford Centre, where we’re all about making cherished festive memories for families. Wrap up warm and kickstart the festivities with a visit to Tinsel Town, a trip to see Santa in our magical Grotto or simply soak up the atmosphere whilst you shop with our twinkling Christmas lights.”

Tickets for ice skating and the fairground must be purchased separately, are available at traffordcentre.co.uk/christmas Ice skating tickets are £12.50 for adults and £10 for children off-peak / £15 for adults and £12.50 for children peak, for a 45-minute ice skating session. Fairground entry is only £2 if pre-booked online, or £2.50 on the day, with ride tokens available to purchase separately. Opening hours may vary, please check the Trafford Centre website for full opening hours.

Gandeys Snowstorm 3 tickets are available to purchase here, priced from £12.99 with great deals to be had on family tickets.

Big Wheel tickets are £8 per adults, £6 per child (under 1.4m) and £24 for a family ticket, tickets can be purchased on the day at the Big Wheel.