Manchester's new Santa's grotto has welcomed its first families in the heart of the city centre. The Grotto experience, previously hosted at the Trafford Centre, has found a new home this Christmas at Manchester's Corn Exchange.
With the Arndale and Kendals no longer hosting Santa, it is the first time in years that the city centre has welcomed a major grotto experience. The new attraction, which held an exclusive preview event on Friday night and opens its doors from November 20, is just a stone's throw from Manchester Christmas Markets and the Skate Manchester ice rink, making it easier for families to combine the two.
A New Storyline and Longer Journey
The Grotto features an 'enchanting' new storyline, Santa's Wish Keepers, which invites children to discover that the greatest Christmas magic might just be within them. The experience has also grown: the journey is now longer, at around 30 minutes, and promises 'even more festive magic to discover'.
Guided by Santa's 'wonderfully eccentric' team of elves, little visitors will embark on an immersive adventure through a series of magical worlds, becoming apprentice Wish Keepers on a very special mission: to help keep the spirit of Christmas alive.
The Magical Worlds and Characters
The adventure begins in Candy Cane Lane, where families are welcomed into the story and meet their first elves. From there they travel on to the bustling Gingerbread Lane, where Christmas letters and secret wishes begin their journey, and the mystical Enchanted Forest, where wishes are given a place to grow.
Every room reveals a new chapter in the story. Along the way, families will meet a colourful cast of characters, from Santa's meticulous list-keeping elves and their mischievous, slightly clumsy companions to the gentle guardians of the Enchanted Forest and the wonderfully busy makers of the Merry Makers Studio. Promising 'playful challenges, heartfelt moments' and a little help from the children themselves, the magic builds towards a personal encounter with Father Christmas himself.
Dates, Tickets, and the Move
The experience runs from November 20 to December 24 and will include some Whispering Winter sessions, designed for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. 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.
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, who also attended Friday's preview event. With the Trafford Centre launching a new HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto this year, The Grotto has made its new home inside the Grade II listed building in Exchange Square.
Robyn Isherwood, CEO of The Grotto, said: “It has been incredible. Moving The Grotto to the Corn Exchange has put us right in the heart of Manchester. Seeing Christmas come alive all around us, with the markets, the ice rink and the Christmas lights, makes us feel we’re truly at the centre of the city’s festive season. The support from the restaurants in the Corn Exchange, and the collaboration we’ve found this year, have made our fourth year feel like it’s going to be our best yet. The Grotto is looking the best it has ever looked. We’ve really listened to our guests’ feedback over the past three years. We’ve added new rooms, created a longer experience, brought in new entertainment concepts and performers, and given the whole brand a complete refresh. I’m so proud of every supplier who has been part of this year for pulling together to make it incredible. We can’t wait to welcome the 25,000 guests we’re hoping to see this festive season.”
