The Grotto, one of Greater Manchester's most popular Santa experiences, has revealed new details ahead of its move to Manchester's Corn Exchange, marking the city centre's first major grotto in years.
The experience, which has been at the Trafford Centre for the last three years, will open its doors inside the Grade II listed building in Exchange Square from November 20 to December 24. It will be a short distance from Manchester Christmas Markets and the Skate Manchester ice rink, making it easier for families to combine the two.
New storyline and longer journey
The experience will feature a new storyline called Santa's Wish Keepers, which invites children to discover that the greatest Christmas magic might just be within them. The journey is now longer, at around 30 minutes, and promises 'even more festive magic to discover'. Weekend December tickets are already 95% sold.
Guided by Santa's 'wonderfully eccentric' team of elves, visitors will embark on an immersive adventure through magical worlds, becoming apprentice Wish Keepers on a mission to help keep the spirit of Christmas alive. The adventure begins in Candy Cane Lane, then moves to Gingerbread Lane, where Christmas letters and secret wishes begin their journey, and the Enchanted Forest, where wishes are given a place to grow.
Previous home and famous visitors
The Grotto has been at the Trafford Centre for the last three years, previously in Lower Peel Avenue before moving to the former Frankie & Benny's building outside the Great Hall. It welcomed a host of familiar faces including Molly-Mae, Paris Fury, Kevin de Bruyne, Harry Maguire and Helen Flanagan.
Often described as 'the biggest and busiest' of all grottos across Greater Manchester, the Dear Santa experience saw the building transformed into 'The North Pole Headquarters'. The Trafford Centre is launching a new HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto this year, collaborating with sweetie giant Haribo for what's described as a new 'interactive family adventure'.
SEND sessions and offers
The experience will include some Whispering Winter sessions, designed for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. These offer the same story and magic in a calmer setting, with softer lighting, quieter sounds and fewer guests. Sessions run from 9am to 11am on Sunday, November 29, Sunday, December 6 and Wednesday, December 9.
Robyn Isherwood, CEO of The Grotto, said: "After three wonderful years at Trafford Centre, we couldn't imagine a more magical setting for our next chapter than Corn Exchange Manchester. It is steeped in history and packed with character, right in the heart of Manchester."
"Santa's Wish Keepers is our most heartfelt story yet, and it is built around a simple idea: Christmas magic isn't something children come to see, it's something they help create. We can't wait to welcome our returning families, and a whole new generation of guests, into our new home."
The Grotto will release special offers with restaurants within Corn Exchange Manchester, such as kids eat free and 20% off the total bill, plus a dedicated discount at Skate Manchester. Tanisha Fletcher, marketing manager at Corn Exchange Manchester, said: "We're thrilled to be welcoming The Grotto to Corn Exchange Manchester this Christmas. Having delighted families at the Trafford Centre, we know this is a team that creates serious festive magic."
Child tickets are £29.50 and include a gift from Santa, and adult tickets are half price. Families can also purchase festive photo merchandise featuring their professional photograph with Santa.
