Families Cheshire Issue 50 Nov/Dec 2017

Cheshire In this issue: Christmas Special the definitive guide to all things magical!

Issue 50 Nov/Dec 2017

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News Christmas Foodies Festival

Foodies Festival is bringing the Christmas spirit to Tatton Park in Cheshire on From Fri 17 – Sun 19 November for the first time with a 3 day festive feast.

Take home recipes and top tips from MasterChef winners and top local chefs who will be cooking up their festive favourites in the Chef’s Theatre or fantastic bakers and top patisserie chefs who will be baking up show-stopping cakes and treats in the Cakes and Desserts Theatre.

Learn all the skills to become the ultimate host this Christmas

at the 12 Top Tip festive masterclasses, get merry with Craft Beer, Wine and Champagne masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre, discover your new favourite tipple at Gin Alley and browse for Christmas gifts in the artisan market.

Bring the kids along to the Elf’s Cookery School, taste flavours of the world at Street Food Avenue, indulge in award-winning treats at Pudding Hall, or enjoy Christmas carols and music from Cheshire’s most exciting unsigned bands on the Live Music Stage. With a luxury VIP area, a vintage tea room and a Champagne Ski Bar, Foodies Festival is the only place to kick off the festive season. Enjoy 30% off tickets with the code FOODIES30 at www.foodiesfestival.com.

Family Fitness, for Kids, Teens and Parents

There’s something new on the scene in Macclesfield – somewhere all the family can get fitter, happier and healthier.

CrossFit Silk now runs classes all week, both for Kids (aged 5-11) and Teens (12-18) in CrossFit, Yoga, Pilates and Gymnastics.

Their expert coaches use specially designed programming to make fitness fun and accessible to Kids & Teens of all ages and abilities, building confidence,

strength, flexibility and mobility.

Your kids will learn how to move well, and develop a lifelong love of fitness and health. They’ll learn to run, row, skip, climb ropes, do pull-ups and more. In their teen classes they’ll learn Olympic lifting, or build their core strength in a state of the art Reformer Pilates studio.

Most importantly, it’s not just the kids who can have all these benefits. In their brand new town centre location, CrossFit Silk have an onsite crèche and a range of Family Membership options, meaning Mum and Dad don’t have to fight about who gets to work out, and who stays home to babysit… www.crossfitsilk.co.uk

A Georgian Christmas at Quarry Bank

Rich and poor celebrated the festive season in very different ways in Georgian times; even their mince pies had different ingredients! At Quarry Bank, you can discover these past traditions as you celebrate with the wealthy cotton mill owning Greg family, and join in with the humble festivities of the child apprentice workers.

In the Apprentice House, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as the apprentices set about making traditional cakes. If you’re really good you might just get to try a piece, Next issue: January/February 2018 Circulation: 25,000 copies of Families Cheshire are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Cheshire. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.

Contact details: Families Cheshire, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesonline.co.uk Editors: Jayne Keep & Caryl Hall Editorial: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk 2 Families Cheshire

before you settle down for festive storytelling. Then you can head over to Quarry Bank House to join in with the sophisticated celebrations in the Greg family home.

And don’t miss seeing Father Christmas on your visit. Book onto ‘Meet Father Christmas’ to play festive games and have a go at Christmas crafts, then visit Father Christmas to tell him all about your wishlist. On Fridays, little ones aged 6 months to 5 years are invited to meet Father Christmas in special baby and toddler sessions.

‘A Georgian Christmas’ is included in the Quarry Bank admission price. ‘Meet Father Christmas’ has a separate charge and must be booked in advance at www. nationaltrust.org.uk/quarrybank Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiescheshire.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiescheshire.co.uk Cover Photography: www.bigstockphoto.com Design: WITH Creative, Congleton. www.withcreative.co.uk Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk

Go Wild in the Woods Get outdoors this autumn and help celebrate National Tree Week, (25 November to 3 December), with City of Trees’ downloadable guides. The Go Wild in the Woods activity pack includes ideas for creating forest art, making bird feeders out of pinecones, building bug hotels and making journey sticks.

Research has shown that engaging with nature is good for children’s health and wellbeing, as well as their education – helping them to develop language around nature… so let’s all Go Wild in

the Woods and have fun!

And, if you take a picture whilst you are out and about exploring– and share it on Twitter or Instagram using #gowildinthewoods – City of Trees will pick two winners who will each receive a family pass to the Treetop Trek at Heaton Park. The runner up will receive a goody bag filled with a mini beast explorer kit, Temperament of Trees book, a hedgehog mini buddy and wildflower seeds.

Download your free activity sheet and ‘Where to go’ guide at www.cityoftrees.org/families

Families Cheshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Cheshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Cheshire. Every care is taken in

the preparation of this magazine, but but Families Cheshire, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

@FamiliesChesMag facebook.com/FamiliesCheshire

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News Create your own style with ease Style Of My Own is an independent online fashion boutique, formed by two fashion inspired mums Lucy and Leah who aspired to create unique and affordable trendy apparel for women.

Their focus is on versatility, choosing key pieces and creating various looks to inspire women.

Each season, SOMO carefully brings together a collection of beautifully detailed garments keeping you fresh for the season ahead.

Their main goal is to make a woman feel not only beautiful but also comfortable and confident about herself.

Fancy a girl’s night in with the latest trends brought to your living room? Then please get in touch! SOMO will come to your home with their clothing and accessories and style you and your friends (the host will also receive a hostess discount).

And follow Style Of My Own on Facebook and Instagram for the latest looks and information on other local pop up’s and events they are hosting!

You can shop their latest collection at www.styleofmyown.co.uk

WIN a Family Ticket to Winter Wonderland!

Yes it’s back! The UK’s biggest indoor Christmas Theme Park returns to Event City from 9 December to 1 January and we’ve got a Family Ticket up for grabs!

With rides and attractions galore, the family can have four hours of nonstop fun and entertainment.

You can visit Santa’s house, transported from the North Pole to the city, see real reindeer, and have a s-elfie taken with elves and fairies. Enjoy the Christmas Circus and try out your own circus skills, or build models in the interactive building block zone.

All you have to do to win this fabulous prize is to send an email with the word WONDERLAND in the title to caryl@familiescheshire.co.uk. The competition closes on Thursday 30 November, and we’ll draw the winner on Friday 1 December. www.winterwonderlandmanchester.com

WIN a Family Ticket to Dinosaurs in the Wild at Event City, Manchester!

Dinosaurs in the Wild gives you the opportunity to go on the voyage of a lifetime. Board the time machine and your adventure begins – in seconds, pioneering technology will transport you back 67 million years to see living dinosaurs with your very own eyes.

Ride across the jaw-dropping Cretaceous plains, where you come face to face with the most awesome creatures ever to live. Then visit an incredible research station where scientists are studying dinosaurs in the past. See prehistoric animals in cages, watch babies hatching, and witness an autopsy on a giant dinosaur.

Learn amazing facts about dinosaurs – even plunge your hands into piles of poo to discover more about their diet! Be astonished by panoramic views of prehistoric life all around you, and witness mighty creatures like Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops roaming free in their natural environment.

Get closer to dinosaurs than you ever imagined possible – right at the heart of the action! Prepare to be amazed!

Enter our competition now – your seat on our time machine awaits! The prize is a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children under 16 – not recommended for under 3s) for any performances until 19 December (closed on Mondays). Simply send an email with the word DINOSAUR in the title to caryl@familiescheshire. co.uk. Competition closes Sunday 19 November, and the winner will be drawn on Monday 20 November. Good luck! www.dinosaursinthewild.com

WIN A Family Ticket to see The Wizard of Oz! Brought to you by KD Theatre Productions, this spectacular pantomime features first class professional performers, stunning sets, lavish costumes and a live band! It’s on at The Grange Theatre, Hartford, and we’ve got a Family Ticket (for 4 people) to give away for any performance (subject to availability) between 10 December and 1 January! Come and meet Dorothy all the way from Kansas as she goes on a magical adventure to the Land Of Oz, making new friends with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the very cowardly Lion.

All you have to do to win the ticket is to send an email with the word WIZARD in the title to caryl@familiescheshire.co.uk by Thursday 30 November. We’ll draw the winner on Friday 1 December. www.thegrangetheatre.com

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Families Cheshire 3

Where’s Santa?

Top ways to write to Santa

Gone are the days of sending letters up the chimney with present requests! Now contacting Santa is an altogether more fun and exciting mission.

Breakfast with Santa Sat 25 Nov, 2, 9 & 19 Dec / 9.15am / Adult £7.95, Child £7.45 (includes gift), Booking essential. 01829 270302 / www.bellisbrothers.co.uk

Santa’s a busy man but there are plenty of opportunities for you to get up close and personal with him and make sure he’s got your letter!

Anderton Boat Lift, Northwich Santa Cruises Weekends from Sat 2 Dec – Sun 17 Dec, and from Thurs 21 – Sun 24 Dec 10am – 4pm, Adult £5.95, Child £7.95, Booking essential. Santa swaps his sleigh for a trip boat! Christmas jumpers optional! Festive stories and songs as well as play time in the new boat lift inspired play area. Take ‘elfies’ with Santa. Gift for every child. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/ anderton-boat-lift Astbury Meadow Garden Centre, Congleton Breakfast with Santa Sat 9, 16 & 23 Dec, 9.30am / Sun 24 Dec, 10am, £9.95 per child. Enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast, as well as an enchanted story. Write your very own letter to Santa and colour in a Christmas picture. Children who have been extra good this year will get a gift from Santa to take home! Booking essential. www.klondyke.co.uk Bellis Brothers Farm Shop & Garden Centre, Hold Village, Wrexham Santa & Real Reindeer Parade Fri 24 Nov, 6 – 8pm (Reindeer will be at the centre all weekend). Late night shopping, brass band, children’s entertainment, food tastings.

Santa’s Grotto Weekends from Fri 24 Dec – Sun 17 Dec / £4.50 (includes gift)

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Blakemere Village, Northwich Breakfast with Santa Fri 8 & Sat 9 Dec / £11.95. Santa and his trusted Elf Jingle Bells mingle with guests during their hearty English breakfast.

Children then gather around the fireplace to hear Santa’s festive story before having their picture taken with him and receiving a small gift. £11.95 per person. 01606 883261 / www.blakemerevillage.com Blakemere Village, Northwich Christmas Woodland Sat 9 & Sun 10, Sat 16 & Sun 17, Fri 22 & Sat 23 Dec / £19.95. If you’re looking to do something completely different with the family this Christmas, then Blakemere’s Christmas Woodland is the day out you’re looking for! Lively festive characters entertain you in real Cheshire woodland as you’re guided on a journey in search of Father Christmas.

Your journey ends at the hidden Sorting Office where each child receives a small gift from Father Christmas himself!

There’s also great fun to be had in Mrs Claus’s Workshop, on the skating rink, fair rides and meeting Snowy the Owl. Book Blakemere’s Christmas Woodland at www.blakemerevillage.com on either 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 22nd or 23rd December. 01606 883261 / www.blakemerevillage.com Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton Breakfast with Santa Sat 9, 16 & 23 Dec, 9.30am / Sun 24 Dec, 10am, £9.95 per child.

Supper with Santa Thurs 21 Dec, 5pm, £10.95 per child.

Enjoy a freshly cooked meal, as well as an enchanted story. Write your very own letter to Santa and colour in a Christmas picture. Children who have been extra good this year will get a gift from Santa to take home! Booking essential. www.klondyke.co.uk

Top ways to get in touch include: • The Royal Mail: Write to the man in red by Friday 8 December and get a personal letter back. See www.royalmail.com/letters -to-santa for more info.

• Write an email to Santa at emailsanta.com and he will send you a reply faster than Rudolph can fly!

• You can surprise your children with a personalised letter from Father Christmas whilst helping to raise funds for the

Carter’s Green Farm, Weston, nr Crewe CW2 5LE Winter Wonderland Fri 1 – Thurs 28 Dec, 6.15 – 9pm. A working dairy farm with the family home, farm buildings and gardens transformed with thousands of Christmas lights – and a visit from Santa every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the opportunity for a “sleigh selfie”! Raising money for The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice Cheshire Reindeer Lodge & Christmas Tree Farm, Cheshire Oaks Santa’s Grotto & Reindeer Lodge Weekends from Sat 25 Nov, weekdays from Thurs 21 Dec. Meet and feed the reindeer, reindeer talks, donkey and fairground rides, Elf stage show and visit to the grotto for a gift.

01244 646045 / www.cheshirereindeer.co.uk Cheshire Workshops, nr Tattenhall, Chester Breakfast with Santa Booking essential. Sat 9 & Sun 10, Sat 16 & Sun 17, Sat 23 Dec. Adult £10, Child £7, Under 4’s £4.50, Booking essential Full cooked breakfast as well as cereal options, a gift from Santa and some great kids’ entertainment. 01829 770401 / www.cheshireworkshops.co.uk Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Tree Lighting Thurs 9 Nov Entertainment from 6pm, tree lighting

by Santa at 7.30pm with a musical fireworks display. Local choirs, including Pop Vox, will be performing. www.christmasinchester.com Chester Zoo The Lanterns at Chester Zoo Fri 24 – Sun 26 Nov, Fri 1 – Sun 3 Dec, Fri 8 – Sun 10 Dec, Fri 17 – Sun 17 Dec, Wed 20 – Sat 23 Dec, Wed 27 – Sat 30 Dec. As twilight falls across Chester Zoo a magical Christmas sorting office comes to life. The zoo will be transformed into an enchanting world full of illumination and spellbinding theatrical adventure.

The lantern route will be filled to the brim with sacks of lantern toys and boxes of lantern presents piled high.

Father Christmas and his helpers will be hard at work ensuring that all of the Christmas wishes can come true. Booking essential.

01244 380280 / www.chesterzoo.org

NSPCC. All letters are age-appropriate and come with beautiful illustrations.

Request your letter delivered via RudolphMail at www.nspcc.org.uk (suggested donation £5).

• Get a personalised video from Santa using Portable North Pole App at www.portablenorthpole. com/en/ and Santa will commend those with good behaviour and offer a few words of encouragement for those naughty ones!

Chill Factore, Trafford Quays Santa’s Grotto Weekends from Sat 11 Nov and daily from Sat 2 Dec – Sun 24 Dec. Is there anything more Christmassy than the feeling of fresh snow beneath your feet? Imagine being able to turn that feeling into a reality and revel in the magic that is Santa’s Grotto at Chill Factore!

Santa’s Grotto at Chill Factore is the only Grotto in the country on real snow, surrounded by sparkling trees, glistening lights and chattering elves, and is open right up until Christmas Eve. All of Santa’s guests will receive a special gift on the day and be able to access snow fun in Mini Moose Land. So, if you’re looking to enjoy a family day out, there’s something extra special about a trip to see Santa at Chill Factore. What’s more, it’s not just a trip to see Santa... all visits to the Grotto will be combined with some play time in the Snow Park (Age 4+) or Mini Moose Land (Under 4s), which will really get you and your children into the festive spirit in their very own winter wonderland. www.chillfactore.com Congleton Town Centre Christmas Festival Sat 25 Nov. A fun-packed, family day including the chance to see Santa, the Christmas Makers Market, Charity Stalls, Reindeer, a full programme of Stage Entertainment, Lantern Procession, Lights Switch-on (5.30pm) and Finale Firework Display! This is all before Santa has to return to Lapland at 6pm. www.congleton-tc.gov.uk Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre, Tarporley Breakfast with Santa Sat 9 & Sun 10, Sat 16 & Sun 17 Dec Adult £7.25, Child £10.25 (includes gift), booking essential. Santa and his elves will greet you and take you to your table and then bring a special gift for each child. 01829 760506 / www.cotebrookshirehorses.co.uk

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Where’s Santa?

Delamere Forest Santa’s Grotto Weekends only Sat 25 Nov – Sun 17 Dec, 10am – 5pm (11am on Sat 25), queue closes 3pm. www.delamereevents.co.uk Dunham Massey, Altrincham Christmas at Dunham Massey Adult £16, Child £10, Under 5s free, booking advised. Follow the mile long sparkling path that winds its way through the historic woodland in a magical after dark experience. Father Christmas sees you on your way through twinkling tunnels, over a swaying lawn of fibre optic colour and beside glowing waterside reflections.

0871 230 1553 / www.nationaltrust. org.uk/dunham-massey East Lancashire Railway, Bury Santa Specials Weekends from 25 Nov – 17 Dec, and Thurs 21 – Sun 24 Dec Take a special steam ride with Santa, his happy helpers and an onboard magician as they make their way through the carriages with a gift for each child. Biscuit and juice for children and a mince pie and festive tipple for adults! Hunt for hidden treasure in Bury Transport Museum with the Great Christmas Treasure Hunt. The ride takes you from Bury to Rawtenstall and back through the beautiful Irwell Valley. Booking essential. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

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Event City, Trafford Park Winter Wonderland - Santa meet and greet Sat 9 Dec – Mon 1 Jan. The UK’s largest indoor Winter Wonderland with loads of rides, entertainment and shows, and a chance to meet Santa (not a full grotto experience, but an efficient meet and greet system). www.winterwonderlandmanchester.com Foxfield Railway, Blythe Bridge Santa Specials Weekends from Sat 25 Nov – Sun 24 Dec Board Santa’s magical train journey for loads of festive cheer & merriment.

A 5½ mile round trip festive train ride in decorated coaches with a seasonal glass of sherry and a scrumptious mince pie for adults and children meet Santa and receive their quality presents.

Onboard entertainment too. Booking essential. www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk Glebe Farm, Astbury Christmas Extravaganza Weekend and Santa’s Arrival Sat 25 & Sun 26 Nov. A day full of festive food tasting and special offers on Saturday. Santa arrives at the Farm and opens his grotto; the Christmas lights are turned on and the stock of Christmas trees arrive. Also fair rides, face painting, balloon modelling, hot food, mulled wine and lots and lots of free samples of Christmas produce for you to try.

Breakfast and Lunch with Santa Weekends in December Breakfast 9.30am, Lunch 1pm / £17.95 per head, booking essential. Santa’s elves will greet you and escort you to your table that’s laden with Christmas

goodies – and enjoy either a full English breakfast or traditional turkey lunch with all the trimmings. Once Santa arrives, children will visit him in his grotto and receive a present. Tractor ride, gingerbread man to decorate and a bag of animal food also included in the price. 01260 273916 / www.glebefarmastbury.co.uk Hamleys, Trafford Centre Meet Father Christmas Tues 21 & Wed 22 Nov, Weekends from Sat 25 Nov – Sun 16 Dec, Daily from Mon 11 Dec – Sun 24 Dec (excl Wed 20) / Ages 2 – 8, booking essential Join Father Christmas and his loveable elves for fun, magic and theatre. Take part in seasonal games and activities, spend time with Father Christmas and receive an extra special gift bag to take home. www.hamleys.com High Legh Garden Centre, Knutsford Santa’s Grotto Weekends from Sat 25 Nov – Sun 24 Dec Child: £7.95, Adult £1.50. Travel on the magical train to visit Santa in his Grotto and choose a present from his Toy Store. www.klondyke.co.uk Hoole, Chester Christmas Light Switch On and Christmas Market Sun 19 Nov, 11am – 7pm. An opportunity to meet Santa as you support your local traders and get your gift shopping underway! www. notting-hoole.co.uk

Knutsford Christmas Market, Christmas lights Switch On & Reindeer Parade Sat 2 & Sun 3 Dec. Market 12 – 7pm daily, Parade 5pm on Saturday. Lights switch on 6pm Saturday. A fantastic assortment of community entertainment.

Santa’s team of Reindeer bring him along King Street and into Canute Place before he says hello to his fans! www.knutsfordtowncoucil.org.uk Lion Salt Works, Northwich Christmas at the Works Sat 9 & Sun 10 Dec / 10.30am – 4pm / Free, drop-in (suggested donation £2) Celebrate the start of the festive season with fun for all the family, including music, crafts and Father Christmas! www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Lyme Park, Disley An Audience with Father Christmas Every Fri – Sun from Fri 24 Nov – Sun 24 Dec / £9 per child, booking essential Meet Father Christmas, Mother Christmas and their helpers in the Chapel. Listen to a story and receive a special present too! Normal park admission also applies.

0344 249 1895 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ lyme-park

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Where’s Santa?

Philips Park, Manchester Santa’s Grotto Fri 24 Nov – Mon 1 Jan / £10 per child, booking advised. A magical, fully decorated, timber grotto experience.

Meet the man from Lapland as he takes a break from flying around the globe delivering Xmas gifts. Every child will be given a present to take away with them as a souvenir of their experience. www.magicallantern.uk Macclesfield Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On Sat 25 Nov. Father Christmas will switch on the lights at 5pm following a fun filled family day including a fair, food, drink, music, street entertainment and market stalls. Free face painting and balloon modelling. Spectacular fireworks following the lights switch on.

National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port Santa Cruises Father Christmas will be leaving his sleigh to set sail on canal boat Centaur for some festive fun!

Sat 9 & Sun 10 Dec, Sat 16 & Sun 17 Dec, Fri 22 – Sun 24 Dec / 11am, 12.45pm, 2.30pm each day / £10pp Stories, songs and silliness then follow Father Christmas to his beautiful Grotto, for storytelling and a gift for each child. 0151 355 5017 / www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Northwich Town Centre Christmas Extravaganza 2017 Sat 25 Nov. Father Christmas and his Sleigh, tractor & trailer rides, live music and the light switch on finale. www.northwichtowncouncil.gov.uk

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Meet Father Christmas Sat 2 & Sun 3 Dec, Sat 9 & Sun 10 Dec, Sat 16

& Sun 17 Dec A special half-hour session of festive activities, including a private family visit to Father Christmas and a gift. £9 per child, suitable for up to age 10, booking essential. Baby and Toddler sessions Fri 1, 8 & 15 Dec (ages 6 months – 5 years) include a storytelling and play session with the visit to Father Christmas.

0344 2491895 / www.nationatrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Ribble Steam Railway Santa Steam A perfect family get together, sprinkled with some festive fun. Father Christmas will bring you your personal Christmas present while you take a trip on this steam heated train. Enjoy light seasonal refreshments and then visit the museum and take a ride on the miniature indoor railway. Booking essential. www.ribblesteam.org.uk

Sandbach Town Centre Santa’s Grotto Fri 1 Dec, 3 – 8pm. A magical Christmas Market with over 100 stalls and Santa waiting for you in his Grotto. www.sandbach.gov.uk Stockley Farm, Northwich Exciting Elf Adventure Weekends throughout December including a visit to Father Christmas in his grotto for a special Christmas Gift. Booking essential. 01565 777323 / www.stockleyfarm.co.uk Sycamore Park Garden Centre, Great Sutton Breakfast with Santa Sat 16 Dec, 9.30am / Sun 24 Dec, 10am, £7.95 per child. Enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast, as well as an enchanted story. Write your very own letter to Santa and colour in a Christmas picture. Children who have been extra good this year will get a gift from Santa to take home!

Booking essential. www.klondyke.co.uk Tarvin High Street Tarvin Christmas Market Sat 2 Dec, 12pm. Visit Santa in his Grotto and enjoy this Family Christmas market with local market stalls, a puppet show, teas and coffees as well as a Jazz band.

Tatton Park, Knutsford Lantern Parade Fri 24 Nov, Parade 6pm. Light Father Christmas’ route at the stableyard for his special arrival.

Bring your own lantern (instructions on website) or buy your own on the night to light his way as he and his elves glide in on his sleigh.

Christmas-themed glitter tattoos & Christmas balloons available (additional charge). Free workshops from 4pm in the stableyard barn rooms such as decorating your own paper lantern and writing a letter to Father Christmas (to post in the post box on the night!). Christmas Mansion (Entry £10 Adult, £6 child) open late. All shops and restaurants open until 7.30pm and Christmas Gift fair (free entry to the Tenants’ Hall) open till 6.30pm.

Father Christmas at the Farm Weekends from Sat 25 Nov – Sat 23 Dec / Adult £7, Child £6.50 (includes gift from Father Christmas) See your favourite farmyard friends when you visit Father Christmas and his reindeer, Prancer and Dancer.

Live music from carol singers, brass bands, children’s entertainers, face painting, meet Aunty Mary in her Christmas Cottage who will be making traditional salt dough decorations (take one home to decorate!) and meet all your farmyard favourites around the nativity including donkeys Frosty and Huw. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre Santa’s Grotto Sat 16 & Sun 17 Dec / £5 (includes gift), booking essential. Maps also for sale for an Elf Hunt round the park! 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

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intu Trafford Centre Santa’s Grotto Tues 7 Nov - Sun 24 Dec. A magical, breath-taking adventure in an augmented-reality grotto. Follow Santa’s baby reindeer Norbert through an arctic wonderland to the Northern Lights before you meet Santa and his polar friends. Booking essential. www.intu.co.uk/traffordcentre Weaver Vale Garden Centre, Northwich Breakfast with Santa Sat 16 Dec, 9.30am / Sun 24 Dec, 10am, £7.95 per child.

Supper with Santa Thurs 21 Dec, 5pm, £8.95 per child.

Enjoy a freshly cooked meal, as well as an enchanted story. Write your very own letter to Santa and colour in a Christmas picture. Children who have been extra good this year will get a gift from Santa to take home! Booking essential. www.klondyke.co.uk Winsford Academy St Luke’s Community Christmas Fair Sat 18 Nov, 10am – 2pm. A special visit from Santa as well as fabulous food, crafts and games. Free entry. www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk Winsford High Street Winsford Christmas Street Festival Fri 24 Nov. A day packed full of Christmas fun including an opportunity to visit Father Christmas. www.winsford.gov.uk Wilmslow Garden Centre Breakfast with Santa Sat 9, 16 & 23 Dec, 9.30am / Sun 24 Dec, 10am, £9.95 per child.

Supper with Santa Thurs 21 Dec, 5pm, £10.95 per child.

Enjoy a freshly cooked meal, as well as an enchanted story. Write your very own letter to Santa and colour in a Christmas picture. Children who have been extra good this year will get a gift from Santa to take home!

Booking essential. www.klondyke.co.uk Woodford Park Garden Centre, Stockport Santa’s Grotto Sun 19 Nov – Sun 24 Dec / £9.50 per child, booking essential. A personal visit to Santa in his own winter wonderland, including a special gift.

Breakfast or Tea with Santa Breakfast: Weekends in Dec until Sun 24 Dec as well as Mon 18, Thurs 21, Fri 22 Dec Tea:Mon 4 – Sat 23 Dec (excl Sun 10 Dec) A fun-filled mealtime including a lovely present, and a story or game with the man himself. Booking essential. 0161 439 0745 / www.notcutts.co.uk Wyvale Garden Centre, Tarporley Breakfast or Tea with Santa Enjoy a delicious, freshly-prepared breakfast or either a hot or cold tea!

The whole family meets Santa, and children decorate a festive biscuit.

Booking essential. www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

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Christmas shopping The Christmas countdown has begun – and to make sure you stay on your kids ‘good’ list here is our 2017 definitive Christmas gift guide. Avoid last minute panic shopping by getting most of it done now!

Lion Stacking Toy, £16, www.double-flip.com Age: Suitable from birth A classic set of brightly painted stacking rings that will look great in any nursery. Your little one gets to place the rings on the wooden pole and finish it off with a cheerful lion head.

Great for babies and toddlers hand eye coordination.

Talking Peter Rabbit, £15.99, www.what2buy4kids.co.uk Age: Suitable from birth Whether they are fans of the original Beatrix Potter books or the hit TV Show on CBeebies, your child will be hopping with delight when they receive this lovely talking Peter Rabbit.

Pic: amazon.co.uk

CHILDREN Little Tikes Princess Horse & Carriage, £99.99, Amazon Age: 18 months+ For the little princess in your life. This amazing toddler ride-on comes complete with clip-clop sounds and a horse that moves side to side.

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Fisher Price ‘Teach n Tag Movi’, £54.99, Argos Age: 3+ Tech inspired toys will always grab children’s attention and this cool little robot will get kids moving and learning along with him. With 360 degrees of mobility it encourages pre-schoolers to get their minds and bodies moving while teaching them to follow directions and think critically about the world around them.

Pie Face Sky High Game, £26.99, Amazon Age: 5+ Messy fun for the whole family, a new take on the runaway hit game of the last two Christmases – Pie Face. This is a new ‘fairground style’ version where you hit the hammer and see how far up you can get the pie to splat your opponent. Pies at the ready!

Pic: amazon.co.uk

Age: 3+ Capitalise on the premise that all children like playing with cardboard boxes with this great kit, where you can make your own customised cardboard car with its very own personalised number plate!

Vtech Kidizoom Flix Playset, £59.99, Amazon Age: 4+ Meet Flix! An alien VTech Kidizoom camera. It can detect faces and will sound out funny alien responses when you speak to him. You can customise his look by using his camera, you can change the colour of his eyes and background. Available in blue and pink, it also has a ‘guard mode’ where it takes secret photos or videos.

Hatchimal Colleggtibles, £10, Argos Age:5+ Hatchimal look set to be another must-have toy this year with their colleggtible range.

Hold the egg in your hands, rub the heart and when it changes from purple to pink, it’s ready to hatch. There are over 70 to collect. You have been warned!

Older Children Anki Cozmo, £199.99, Amazon Age: 7+ Another tech toy with a hefty price tag but this is an amazing gift.

Cozmo is a real-life robot that is truly interactive. He’ll nudge you to play with him and his personality evolves the more time you spend with him.

Pic: amazon.co.uk

Rosa & Bo Nesting Babies, £20, www.rosaandbo.com Age: 3months – 3years How cute is this stylish, Russian doll inspired sensory toy? You can find Bo the Bunny inside and as an added bonus, he chimes too.

Stickibox Cardboard Box Car Kit, £18, www.stickibox.com

Pic: amazon.co.uk

BABIES

Age: 8+ This toy combines a karaoke mic with a selfie stick and pop-star style ear-piece. Like many toys out this year it also comes with an app.

Expect to be inundated with lots and lots of videos.

Lego Boost, £149.99, Amazon Age: 7-12 A must for any LEGO fan and listed in the Amazon top ten of Christmas toys is this amazing LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox.

You can build and code interactive motorised robots, models and creations with distance, colour and tilt sensor technologies, which you can also access by a dedicated app. How cool is that?

Pic: amazon.co.uk

By Claire Winter

Airhogs DR1 Official Race Drone, £99, Argos Age: 10+ A great gift for a tween. Download the free app, place a smart phone in the headset, and start piloting like a DR1 drone racing professional with a live stream from the camera on the drone.

The Very Merry Christmas Game, £19.99, Amazon Age: 8 + Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a family board game.

Why not get this festive themed one? You move around the board collecting presents to put in your stocking. You can also land on a singing space, where you will have to belt a verse from a Christmas carol or song and watch out for the dreaded Sprouts card!

Pic: amazon.co.uk

Christmas all wrapped up

SelfieMic, £19.99, Argos

Families Cheshire 7

Christmas shopping Gift & craft fairs Sun 26 Nov

The Space Centre, Macclesfield SK11 7NN Space for Autism Christmas Market 10am – 3pm. Crafts, candles, cakes, plants and lots more! 01625 617884 / www.space4autism.com Sandbach School Christmas Fair 10am – 2pm. Santa will be here helping raise funds for St Luke’s Hospice as well as for the school.

Sun 26 Nov & Sun 17 Dec

Sat 4 & Sun 5 Nov

Tatton Park, Knutsford Christmas Gift Fair 10.30am – 5pm / Normal park entry applies. Gifts for all the family and ideas for presents not usually found in high street shops. Free entry to the fair in the Tenants Hall. 01625 374400 / www.countrywide-events.co.uk

Tues 7 & Wed 8 Nov

Arley Hall, Northwich Christmas Shopping Spectacular Tues (Festive Bubbles & Shopping Evening): 6 – 10pm, £12 in advance only.

Wed (Daytime Shopping Spectacular): 9.30am – 4pm, £7.50. In aid of the Joshua Tree. www.arleyhallshoppingspectacular.co.uk

Sat 18 Nov & Sat 16 Dec Wilmslow Town Centre Wilmslow Artisan Market An array of must have goodies and food!

Sun 19 Nov

Hoole, Chester Christmas Light Switch On and Christmas Market 11am – 7pm. Visit the Christmas market before the big Christmas light switch on at 6pm. www.notting-hoole.co.uk

Fri 24 Nov

Fri 10 Nov – Wed 20 Dec

Sutton Church Hall SK11 0DS Shopping Evening 7.30 – 9.30pm / £3 entry (includes glass of mulled wine). Children’s Toys, Jewellery, Body Shop At Home, Crafts, Knitted Toys, Candles, Cards etc. in aid of Sutton Baby & Toddler Group.

Sat 11 Nov

High Street, Winsford Winsford Christmas Street Festival A day packed full of Christmas fun including a funfair, fireworks, a Christmas market, live music, street entertainers and an opportunity to visit Father Christmas. Christmas Lights switch on 4pm, Lantern Parade 4.30pm, Christmas Tree lights switch on 5pm, Fireworks 7pm. www.winsford.gov.uk

Manchester Manchester Christmas Markets Around 300 traders offering festive gifts, mouth-watering international food and gallons and gallons of gluwein.

Family friendly site on Cathedral Gardens with an ice rink. The main hub in Albert Square remains open until Thurs 21 Dec. www.manchester.gov.uk

Nantwich Civic Hall Vintage Escapades’ Christmas Fair 10am – 4pm. Over 50 stalls jam packed full of gifts, decorations and homeware ideas as well as a vintage tearoom.

Sat 11 Nov & Sat 9 Dec

Northwich Town Centre Northwich Artisan Market 10am – 4pm Over 100 of the very finest artisan market traders lining the main shopping avenue Witton Street.

Thurs 16 Nov – Wed 20 Dec Chester Town Hall Square Chester Christmas Markets 10am – 6pm daily (open till 8pm Thurs and 7pm Fri & Sat). Over 70 traditional wooden chalets situated in the heart of Chester, all wrapped around a sparkling Christmas tree.

Festive treats and gifts, including quality local and regional products, crafts, clothing, accessories, jewellery, unique gifts and stocking fillers, as well as delicious hot food and drink. www.christmasinchester.com

8 Families Cheshire

Fri 24 – Sun 26 Nov

Tatton Park, Knutsford Tatton Christmas Shopping Fair Fri: 11.30am – 6.30pm / Sat & Sun 10am – 4pm / Normal park entry charge Over 40 stalls in the Tenants Hall offering a wide range of present ideas, food and drinks and Christmas Essentials. Free entry to Hall.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Macclesfield Town Centre Treacle Market A bustling market in Macclesfield’s cobbled Marketplace and streets around. 150 + stalls of unique crafts, exceptional food & drink and vintage finds. www.treaclemarket.co.uk

Fri 1 Dec

Beech Hall School, Tytherington Beech Hall Outdoor Christmas Market 4 – 7pm. 01625 422192 / www.beechhallschool.org Market Square, Sandbach Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping Event 3 – 8pm. Over 100 stalls with an extensive variety of goods on offer and a really Christmassy atmosphere in the town, with choirs singing carols around the Christmas Tree, Brass Bands playing, Christmas lights twinkling and chestnuts roasting! www.sandbach.gov.uk

Sat 2 Dec

Nantwich Town Centre Vintage & Artisan Market 9am – 3pm. Fabulous handmade gifts, jewellery, home furnishings, children’s clothing, handmade soaps – the list goes on! Plus beautifully sourced vintage clothing, accessories, jewellery, homewares and textiles.

Nantwich Civic Hall DBS Christmas Market 10.30am / Adult £1, children free A fantastically festive Christmas market hosted by Dance Baby Sling – UK for all the family to enjoy.

Plenty of children’s entertainment and refreshments as well as a visit from Santa. Nearly new and brand new treats.

Sat 2 & Sun 3 Dec

Knutsford Christmas Weekend A two day festive street market providing the perfect place to get some unique gifts and treats. Live entertainment, Reindeer Parade and the switching on of the Knutsford Christmas Lights!

People’s History Museum, Manchester Etsy Made Local One of the UK’s biggest craft fair events. www.etsymcr.co.uk

Sun 3 Dec

Holmes Chapel Co-op Car Park Christmas Market 4 – 7pm. Over 30 stalls with lots of fun for the family.

Sat 9 Dec

High Lane Village Hall, Stockport Christmas Craft and Gift Fair 2 – 5pm. An afternoon of crafts, gifts, food, entertainment and family fun. www.facebook.com/ christmascraftandgiftfairhighlane

Do you have a fancy camera but don’t know how to use it?

Sat 25 Nov

Congleton Town Centre Christmas Festival A fun-packed, family day including the Christmas Makers Market. www.congleton-tc.gov.uk

www.nantwichtowncouncil.gov.uk Reaseheath College, Nantwich Christmas Artisan Market 10am – 4pm. A 65+ strong Etsy only collective of designer makers gather together in Cheshire to showcase their art. A number of items are ‘one-offs’ so to avoid disappointment, items can be pre-ordered on the website using Coupon Code COLLECTINPERSON2017 and picked up on the day. First 50 adults through the door receive a goody bag worth in excess of £100. Free gift wrapping station. www.etsy.com/pages/etsysc

Would you love to capture action shots of your kids or pets, get that lovely blurry background in your portraits, get sharp and in-focus pictures every time, and move off AUTO mode once and for all?

Helen Rae might just be able to help!

Her informal photography workshop is aimed at the complete beginner and is

designed to help you get the most out of your DSLR or mirrorless camera and to get you creating the images you want. It’s a perfect mix of theory and practical training explained in a simple way.

The workshop, held at her studio near Northwich in Cheshire, runs from 10am to 3pm and includes tea, coffee and home-made cakes, plus a delicious lunch. Spaces are limited to 8 people. Gift vouchers are available for workshops in 2018. Cost for the day is £95.

The perfect Christmas gift for yourself or for a loved one!

Details are available at www.helenraephotography.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Christmas shopping Give the gift of Adventure Golf

If you’re looking for a Christmas gift that’s a little different, how about a gift voucher from Paradise Island Adventure Golf?

With great courses at both Cheshire Oaks and the intu Trafford Centre, they’re the perfect stocking filler. Available as £10 or £20 vouchers, they come in a lovely PIAG gift wallet and are available to purchase from the paybooths at the centres or online at www.paradiseislandgolf.com

familiesonline.co.uk

Treat Yule-Self!

You’ve treated everyone else in the family now it’s time to treat yourself with Brio Leisure’s cracking Christmas offer… for only £1!

Take advantage of the gym, classes and casual swimming along with access to all 8 of their centres this November. If you do want to treat the family, kids can join on their Junior Membership for £1 too, they’re not leaving anyone out – the whole family can get fit and festive together at Brio this year! For more information visit www.brioleisure.org/christmas

Send a message that makes a difference this Christmas Pioneering charity Brain Tumour Research has taken an innovative approach to their range of Christmas cards this year, signing up supporter and artist, Caroline Copland, to design a new card for 2017.

Caroline, who sadly lost her mother Janet to a brain tumour three years ago, was inspired by the Christmas Hope Trees which decorate the charity’s Research Centres of Excellence across the UK each year.

The Hope Tree cards will join other festive favourites in the charity’s range. All cards are priced at £4 per pack of ten, with at least 60% of the proceeds going towards supporting vital brain tumour research.

Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK focused on funding

sustainable research to find a cure for brain tumours, which kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

Order via www.braintumourresearch.org/ fundraise/christmas-cards

Families Cheshire 9

Christmas shopping Books for the Season

By Justine Crow

As a bookseller, one of the least favourite phrases that I hear from passing parents is “No. You’ve got too many books already.” What sort of a message is that? I mean, those very same mums and dads also grumble that their kids just aren’t interested in reading any more. No excuses – Winter is the perfect season for hunkering down and burying noses, so here are some suggestions for filling your youngsters boots with words.

0-2 YEARS

Twinkle Twinkle ABC by Barney Saltzberg Phaidon RRP £8.95 And we begin with this artful and melodic board book that mixes and matches possibly the two most sung baby songs on the planet (well, your particular parental planet at any rate) accompanied by a banjo, a growling bear and a pirouetting cow (of course!) Perfect for winding down and instilling the irresistible idea in those little minds that bedtime means books.

The Snowbear by Sean Taylor & Claire Alexander Frances Lincoln RRP £11.99 Iggy and Martina head off into the snow to play but somehow they wander off just a little too far and after all their hard work getting cold hands whilst patting the snow into shape, who do you think comes to their rescue?

3-5 YEARS

The Bear & the Piano Sound Book by David Litchfield Frances Lincoln RRP £14.99 Now that you’ve warmed up the vocal chords above, everyone can enjoy this new sound edition of last year’s sumptuous hit picture book for pre-schoolers. Not too loud though, or – whispers - you’ll wake the baby.

Richard Scarry’s Best Treasury Ever by Richard Scarry Harpercollins RRP £20.00 For fifty years children have been entertained by the antics of Lowly Worm, Hilda Hippo and Huckle Cat and I think the deep affection for the Busytown stories persists because they convey diversity, combined with slapstick and familiarity. Everything and everyone is on the go here in aeroplanes, umpteen diggers and buses, and of course Mr Frumble’s Pickle Car. Just don’t get a ticket from Sergeant Murphy!

10 Families Cheshire

6-8 YEARS

Santa Claude by Alex T Smith Hodder RRP £5.99 Claude, the daft dog with the knack for being in the wrong place at the right time, has done much to encourage early readers in these pocket sized stories with lots of pictures alongside clear un-daunting text. Our eponymous hero is back and wearing a certain festive person’s trousers, which are just little too big (ho ho ho!) and is causing mayhem with his best friend dear old cuddly Sir Bobblysock.

Scaredy Cat, Scaredy Cat by Phil Earle Hodder RRP £6.99 I have thoroughly enjoyed the barmy adventures of the inhabitants of Storey Street and recommend the previous three titles that can be read in any order – upside down.. inside out.. etc. For our final visit we meet young resident Kay Catt, a timid soul with much to worry about. Enter Wilf Wilkinson, the weirdest pensioner ever to set foot in the street. Never mind a flat cap and cardi, this old codger has a pointy hat. Just like a.. um.. wizard?

9-11 YEARS

Father Christmas & Me by Matt Haig Canongate RRP £14.99 The third in the tinsel decked trilogy by a brilliant thinker and writer of books for all ages, in which we meet Amelia and her newly adoptive parents, none other than Father and Mary Christmas (who wouldn’t want them for a mum and dad?). But wait, everything we love about this very special time of year is under threat from a certain jealous Easter Bunny and his rabbit henchmen. Yikes!

The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman David Fickling RRP £20.00 By heck, this really is a major publishing event.

Set ten years before the Northern Lights, we meet a new character, Malcolm, who navigates the Thames in his canoe ‘La Belle Sauvage.’ One day he discovers that the priory across the water has a visitor, an infant named Lyra… In a hundred years time, should bookshops still exist, long after flash-in-the-pan celeb authors have been forgotten, Pullman will be on the shelf right next to the great storytellers such as Dickens and Swift. If we do our job right as parents now, our children’s children will still have their noses buried in really good books like this. You can never have too many of them.

Justine Crow is co-founder of the famous South London bookshop ‘Bookseller Crow on the Hill’ based in Crystal Palace.

As well as being a blogger and reviewer, parent of three and qualified swimming teacher, she also co-authored The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury. familiesonline.co.uk

Panto’s Header & family shows The Snowman Manchester Opera House Wed 8 – Sun 12 Nov The stage show based on the classic book and film. When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. They meet Father Christmas, dancing penguins, reindeer and crowds of The Snowman’s friends, but will they escape evil Jack Frost and get back home for Christmas morning? www.manchestertheatres.com The Magic Fish Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Sat 11 Nov A classic Indian tale retold through dance, storytelling and beatboxing for young thinking minds.

Suitable for ages 5-9 years. Running time approx. 45 mins. www.watersideartscentre.co.uk The Hunting of the Snark Buxton Opera House Sun 12 Nov All aboard! The ship is departing! All children, animals and silly people welcome! A sparkling musical comedy adventure for ages 4+. www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk Teletubbies: Big Hugs Palace Theatre, Manchester Fri 17 – Sun 19 Nov Join Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po in a show full of love and laughter as they explore the magical world of Teletubbyland. www.manchestertheatres.com Tidy Up The Lowry (Aldridge Studio) Sun 19 Nov Inspired by the child’s desire to create order, patterns and systems, this show is a witty and uplifting journey discovering if chaos and order can ever live side-by-side! www.thelowry.com A Christmas Carol Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Tues 21 Nov Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story is brought alive in this most traditional of productions, complete with beautiful period costume, song, dance and a magnificent musical score.

Age 6+. www.watersideartscentre.co.uk Elf – The Musical The Lowry Fri 24 Nov – Sun 14 Jan Based on the cinema hit starring Will Ferrell, Elf is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole.

Suitable for ages 5+. www.thelowry.com Comedysportz 4 Tots Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Sat 25 Nov A brand new show packed with silly games and songs for under 6s. Highly interactive, friendly, non-competitive and entertaining. www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

12 Families Cheshire

The Snow Dragon The Lowry (Aldridge Studio) Sun 26 Nov Toe-tapping songs and lots of laughs for everyone aged 3+. www.thelowry.com Nativity The Musical Palace Theatre, Manchester Wed 29 Nov – Sun 3 Dec Your favourite festive film has been adapted for the stage and is the perfect seasonal comedy for all the family. www.manchestertheatres.com Manchester & Districts Hospitals’ Choir Carol Concert Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Mon 4 & Tues 5 Dec Join in singing traditional carols for all the family with choirs from hospitals in Manchester and surrounding districts and Primary Schools around the area.

The concerts are in aid of CLIC Sargent Young Lives vs Cancer. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk The Bear Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Tues 5 Dec – Sat 6 Jan With dazzling puppetry, delicious music, dreamy storytelling, and dozens of laughs, The Bear is an unforgettable experience for the whole family and a perfect introduction to theatre.

Recommended for ages 3 – 11. www.watersideartscentre.co.uk Around The World In 80 Days The Lowry (Quays Theatre) Tues 5 Dec – Sun 7 Jan The mysterious and fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. A cast of eight play over 125 characters in this imaginative, high-spirited escapade including six trains, five boats, four fights, three dances, two circus acts and an elephant! www.thelowry.com The Gruffalo The Lowry (Quays Theatre) Wed 6 Dec – Sun 7 Jan Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. For ages 3+. www.thelowry.com Christmas is Coming!

Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Fri 8 Dec Get into the Christmas Spirit and at the same time raise much needed funds for St Ann’s Hospice. Join the Festival Choir and their guests for an exciting evening of seasonal music and readings for all the family. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk Dick Whittington Manchester Opera House Sat 9 Dec – Sun 7 Jan A magical pantomime adventure starring John Barrowman and The Krankies! www.manchestertheatres.com The Hallé Christmas Family Concert Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Sun 10 Dec An afternoon of Hallé festive family fun packed with sing-alongs, jingle-alongs, pre-show foyer entertainment and a whole lot more. Even Santa might find time to make a guest appearance… www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Peppa Pig’s Adventure Crewe Lyceum Theatre Wed 15 & Thurs 16 Nov. The brand new live show from the nation’s favourite pig! www.crewelyceum.co.uk The Snowman / The Bear and the Piano Chester Cathedral Fri 1 & Sat 2 Dec A screening of two enchanting films accompanied by a live orchestra.

The Snowman: Howard Blake’s beautiful soundtrack – including the evocative ‘Walking in the Air’ sung by a local child soloist – is played by a local orchestra with the film shown on a giant screen. This extra special performance includes a fun introduction to the orchestra, and a visit from our very own Snowman! The Bear and the Piano: an exclusive animated film of the award winning book narrated by Joanna Lumley, along with a beautiful accompanying score. www.chestercathedral.com Aladdin Stockport Plaza Fri 1 Dec – Sun 7 Jan Take a magical carpet ride to this glittering production starring Ted Robbins (Phoenix Nights/The Slammer) as the hilarious Widow Twanky and Brian Capron (Coronation Street) as the evil Abanazar. With breath-taking special effects, it’s an affordable festive family treat. www.stockportplaza.co.uk

The Secret Seven Storyhouse, Chester Fri 1 Dec – Sun 14 Jan Storyhouse’s first ever Christmas explodes into life with the world’s first ever stage show of this Enid Blyton’s children’s classic!

Only at Storyhouse in this, their first ever adventure, the Secret Seven are on the trail of strange clues which lead them through the village, to the old house and a mystery…will it be solved in time for Christmas? The entire Storyhouse building will come alive with Enid Blyton’s work as the library spaces which weave their way around the building are filled with material and images from the world of The Secret Seven. The theatre’s children’s library will also be stocked with the author’s much-loved books. www.storyhouse.com Father Christmas Comes Up Trumps Parr Hall, Warrington Sun 3 Dec Father Christmas is back, and this time he’s had three helpings of sprouts! A fabulously funny and brilliantly bouncy musical adaptation of the sequel to ‘Father Christmas Needs a Wee.’ www.pyramidparrhall.com Red Riding Hood and the Wolf Home, Manchester Thurs 7 – Thurs 14 Dec (not Sun & Mon) You may think you know the story of Red Riding Hood, but there are two sides to every story, so let’s hear it

from the Wolf himself! Here’s the story never heard of a kind and hungry wolf who strayed from the path and lost his friends. www.homemcr.org Cinderella The Forum Studio Theatre, Chester Fri 8 Dec – Fri 5 Jan A family-orientated fun-filled pantomime telling the tale of Cinderella and her Prince Charming.

01244 341296 / www.tiptopproductions.co.uk Sleeping Beauty Buxton Opera House Sat 9 – Sun 31 Dec Welcome to Buxtonia – a happy land full of lovable characters where the beautiful Princess Aurora is planning her 18th birthday party.

But vengeful fairy Maleficent has her own plans for Aurora, namely to fulfil a curse made when the princess was just a baby. A rip-roaring panto adventure. www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk Aladdin Northwich Memorial Court Sat 9 Dec – Mon 1 Jan A spectacular production with the biggest ever set, lavish costumes and dazzling special effects, plus an all-singing, all-dancing laugh a minute script. 01606 261100 / www.brioleisure.org/bookings

The Wizard of Oz The Grange Theatre, Northwich Sun 10 Dec – Mon 1 Jan Join Dorothy on her journey throughout Oz as she tries to find The Wizard to get back home to the Farm. Along the way she meets her new friends, the hilarious Scarecrow, the loveable Tin Man and the cowardly Lion. Will the Wicked Witch of The West and her army of Monkeys get hold of the Red Shoes and stop Dorothy from getting home? Will Dame Aunt Em and her silly son, Simple Simon find Dorothy before it is too late?

Starring Rob Stevens & Oliver Scott (back by popular demand) as Dame Aunt Em and Simple Simon alongside a professional cast and adorable panto babes from the local community, ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ promises to be the most exciting pantomime in town!

With a brand new script full of new and old laughs, a live band, sparkling sets and lavish costumes; The Grange Theatre really is the home of traditional family pantomime. It wouldn’t be Christmas without it! Brought to you by the team behind last year’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Book online at www.thegrangetheatre.com or call the Box office on 01606 539040.

And don’t forget we’ve got a Family Ticket up for grabs - see page 3!

familiesonline.co.uk

Panto’s & family shows Sleeping Beauty The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn Mon 11 Dec – Sun 14 Jan The pantomime you’ve been dreaming of! www.thebrindley.org.uk The Siege of Christmas Contact Manchester Wed 13 – Wed 20 Dec Starting outside the main doors of Contact, and roaming throughout this unique castle-y building, The Siege of Christmas is an immersive theatrical adventure for young audiences and the taller people that look after them.

Can you help rescue The Spirit of Christmas? Fun for all the family (Age 5+). www.contactmcr.com How To Hide A Lion Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester Wed 13 – Sun 31 Dec Join Iris on a mission to squeeze and squash her furry new friend into a variety of sneaky spots, as Helen Stephens’ magical book comes to life with playful humour, dazzling puppetry and original songs. www.royalexchange.co.uk

Peter and the Wolf with Alexander Armstrong Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Thurs 14 Dec The ever-popular Alexander Armstrong narrates Prokofiev’s charming musical tale, Peter and the Wolf. www.liverpoolphil.com Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Forum Theatre, Romiley Fri 15 – Sun 17 Dec & Thurs 21 – Fri 22 Dec The enchanting story of Snow White suitable for all. 07979 788760 / www.nktheatre.co.uk

Cinderella The Dancehouse, Manchester Fri 15 – Sun 31 Dec A panto fantastical romp full of dance, song music and comedy. Fabulous costumes, jam-packed with laughter and excitement for little ones and not-so-little ones too! www.thedancehouse.co.uk Sing-Along with Santa!

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Sat 16 & Sun 17 Dec Christmas treat filled with seasonal songs that simply everyone will know. Plus a few surprises too – whether you’ve been naughty or nice! www.liverpoolphil.com Dick Whittington Ellesmere Port Civic Hall Sat 16 – Thurs 21 Dec Another all-singing, all dancing rib-tickling ride through panto land! www.brioleisure.org/bookings

familiesonline.co.uk

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Crewe Lyceum Theatre Sat 16 Dec – Sun 7 Jan With comedy legends Cannon & Ball, you can expect an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and special effects. www.crewelyceum.co.uk RNCM Christmas Family Day Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester Sun 17 Dec A day of festive activities and musical treats, including a screening of the magical film The Bear by Raymond Briggs and Howard Blake, with live orchestra and soloists. Age 3+. www.rncm.ac.uk Snow White Alsager Civic Sun 17 & Mon 18 Dec A fabulous re-working of this magical and enchanting tale. With jokes a plenty, slapstick humour, outrageous costumes and special effects. www.ticketsource.co.uk/ snowwhitealsager The ExtraordinaryTale of Holly Christmas The Lowry (Aldridge Studio) Wed 20 – Sun 31 Dec An original festive adventure jam packed with songs, music, puppetry and lots of Christmas magic. This show is suitable for the whole family, especially 3-8 year olds and their grown-ups! www.thelowry.com The Hallé - The Snowman Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Fri 22 & Sat 23 Dec This classic animated film is accompanied by the Hallé performing Howard Blake’s magical score live including a chorister singing ‘Walking in the Air. Perfect for all the family. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk Beauty & the Beast Woodford Centre, Woodford Tues 2 – Sat 6 Jan A wonderful story, great songs and lots of fun brought to you by some of the most talented 11 – 19 year olds in Cheshire! www.chypspanto.com Sinbad and the Golden Monkey MADS Theatre, Macclesfield Wed 3 – Sat 7 Jan All singing, all dancing rollicking good fun presented by Prestbury Youth Pantomime. www.prestburypanto.org Jack & The Beanstalk Parr Hall, Warrington Fri 5 – Sun 14 Jan A giant of a Pantomime, full of beans and packed with “Fee, Fi, Fo, FUN!” www.pyramidparrhall.com The Nutcracker Buxton Opera House Sat 6 Jan With superb soloists and corps de ballet, the Russian State Ballet of Siberia accompanied by a live orchestra, will delight audiences with their breath-taking physical ability and dazzling costumes. www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Families Cheshire 13

Christmas fun The magical Winter Wonderland is back in Manchester!

© DavethePap

The UK’s largest indoor winter wonderland Christmas attraction will open its doors on Saturday 9 December, transforming 22,000sq m of EventCity in to a sparking seasonal spectacular featuring more than 50 family rides and attractions, all under one roof!

At the heart of the wonderland, festive fans will find Santa’s house, transported from the North Pole to the city and where visitors will be able to explore the hallway, lounge, dining room, kitchen and bedroom. There will also be real reindeer, as well as elves and fairies – who will be ready to have

s-elfies taken with youngsters.

Other highlights of the 24-day Christmas extravaganza include Rainbow’s irrepressible duo Zippy and George, bringing magic, mayhem and comedy capers, and the brilliant Christmas Circus which will leave everyone stunned and amazed at its daily performances.

And if you’ve been inspired by the amazing acrobatic acts and feats of daring, there’s also an opportunity to try out your own circus skills in special workshops on site.

Meanwhile there will be a chance for children to create their own amazing models in the interactive building block zone.

There will also be a host of other fun things to do and see including the thrilling rides and attractions, which are all included in one ticket price.

And don’t forget we’ve got a Family Ticket up for grabs – have a look at page 3 of this issue!

Christmas art exhibition for pre schoolers

Pre-schoolers from across the county are invited to take part in a magical festive art exhibition with a difference.

The Queen’s Lower School on Liverpool Road, Chester will host its third annual Little Artists exhibition on 2 December from 9.30 – 11.30am.

This year the exhibition will form part of the school’s Christmas Cracker event which includes festive drama and craft workshops plus a chance to stroke the reindeer, meet the elves and even meet a certain special someone – shhhh it’s a secret!

Elf yourself this Christmas….

www.winterwonderlandmanchester.com

This Christmas, Santa’s Elves need your help as The Elf Adventure Challenge returns to the North West.

Offering a fun, actioned packed, festive filled alternative to the traditional Santa’s grotto experience, Elf Adventure Challenge takes children on a journey to become a fully-fledged Christmas elf, as they are taught festive skills such as how to prepare Santa’s sleigh and how to make toys ready for Christmas Eve. Join Chief Elf

14 Families Cheshire

The exhibition is themed on the Julia Donaldson classic Christmas book of ‘The Stick Man’ and is open to any pre-school-aged pupil, with prizes given to every little exhibitor.

Nurseries and pre-school settings are also invited to take part with a special cash prize on offer for the most creative childcare setting.

The wider Christmas Cracker event is free to attend for children aged 2-6 and their families, to enjoy a taste of Christmas in the run up to the big day.

To register for the Little Artists Exhibition email news@thequeensschool.co.uk and to register your family for the Christmas Cracker event please sign up via the website www.thequeensschool.co.uk

Pumpaa and Elflet Sprout as they introduce you to the magical stories surrounding the work and play of Santa’s special helpers.

Work together as a family, complete the challenges and go away with an Honourary Elf certificate, a magical Christmas Elf Adventure storybook and even an elfie selfie!

To see if you and your family have what it takes to become ‘Honorary Elves’, make sure you join this special interactive indoor experience between 25 November and 24 December for an hour-long session that both children and adults will enjoy.

Master the challenge at Great Northern Warehouse, Deansgate, Manchester City Centre or Cheshire Ice Cream Farm, near Chester.

For more information and to book tickets visit www. elfadventurechallenge. com Limited sessions and capacity available so book early to avoid disappointment. familiesonline.co.uk

Parties Jabberjacks Christmas Parties!

Offering a unique and special Christmas party that will keep the children and parents talking for weeks!

Jabberjacks deliver specifically designed fun and exciting children’s party entertainment to your choice of Local party venue, Nursery school or Pre-school. Specially tailored for 1– 4 years, their Playmates Party format provides party games and activities that can be linked in to help support a theme.

Offering a combination of

A world of imaginative play

If you’re looking for a different kind of party for your little ones this year then look no further! Teepee Delight provides Teepee Hire for children’s birthdays and slumber parties (as well as

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weddings and events!). Bring the fun of glamping into your home and provide a day/night for your little ones to remember.

All of their hire packages include beautiful handmade teepees made here in the UK. Slumber party guests are also provided with matching sleeping mats or airbeds, sheets, bedding, bunting, cosy blankets, mini lights, twinkly lights, lanterns, star

puppetry, props, music and movement, featured around a treasure box, it’s a great interactive hands-on, educational and fun package that takes into account mixed age range and ability to ensure everyone has the opportunity to get involved and up on their feet!

To check availability and prices or for more information

about Jabberjacks children’s party entertainment, simply visit the website www.jabberjacks.co.uk Or contact - Wendy at Chester on 07519 238263 / Emily at Wilmslow on 07738 199807.

projectors and a lightbox with the party girl/boys name on. And if a midnight feast is required don’t forget to check out their fabulous Teepee Bake Off Slumber Party package!!

They will deliver, assemble and style your teepee party all before your guests arrive and pop back the following morning to pack up and take it all away, leaving your home mess free.

And you can get a 10% discount if you mention Families magazine when booking. www.teepeedelight.com

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Education The Secret Lives of 4 & 5 year olds at school

Most parents and carers wish they could be a fly-on-the-wall when their child starts school.

Well, Channel 4’s Secret Lives of 4 & 5 Year Olds which returns this November, allows them to do just that. Filmed in a specially rigged Essex school, the new series aims to give viewers a child’s perspective of their transition to a school setting.

Claire Winter talks to Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, a psychologist from the show, about what she learnt whilst filming the series.

Can you tell us more about the series?

“It offers this wonderful window, through which we can watch the children playing and interacting with each other. We give them lots of things to do, to see how they manage and play. It’s an amazing way of showing viewers what their children are actually doing at school.”

How did the children cope with the transition to school?

“Parents’ main worry is generally ‘will my child be alright?’ and some children are very anxious. A great example is that wonderful picture of Prince George looking a bit worried on his first day of school. What I can now confidently tell parents and carers is that their children

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are absolutely fine, once they are gone. They are doing lots of interesting things and coping brilliantly.”

Not all children cope with the transition so well, what advice would you give to them?

“Take a calm, pragmatic approach. Essentially children tend to be worried about what they think might happen. In reality, they are going to be fine, but they just don’t know that yet. Be confident and reassure your child that everything will be okay. Children are inherently social beings. They are curious and want to interact with people so even timid children will find something that sparks their imagination. Remember, the school setting is designed to engage them. It’s getting them to go in which is the tough bit.

Once they are there they’ll be fine.”

What advice can you give parents whose children haven’t started school yet?

“Children need to develop communications skills, get used to talking and relating to others and playing cooperatively. All of these social abilities will be vital later in life. Encourage lots of play with other children and get them to question how things work because natural curiosity

is the main driver for learning.”

How can kids deal with friendship issues, if they have fallen out with someone?

“It’s very tempting as a parent to want to fix this problem, but children fall in and out of friendships hundreds of times a day and can usually sort issues out themselves.

If the problem is more complicated and you think there is unkind behaviour or bullying, then an adult might need to step in. But on the whole, conflict, when you are learning to be social is perfectly normal. Ask your child, “Is there anything you can do to sort the situation out?” Try and help them understand the other child’s perspective. As parents, we often overcomplicate issues.

We can learn a lot from children, particularly the way they are so open and forgiving.”

How can we deal with the issue of gender with young children?

“I feel that gender isn’t particularly a driving force for children this age. They do make assumptions about children but they are happy for them to be corrected and they play on a much more straightforward basis.

Gender becomes a much bigger issue for children towards the end of primary school. It’s important to encourage them to keep an open mind and understand that children of all ages and genders need the same opportunities

because that is what is important for their development. Brains are not gendered, brains allow our children to learn.”

What can you do if a child is exhibiting OCD type behaviour?

“Anxiety needs a non-emotional response and a calm authority can be incredibly helpful. It’s tempting to offer support to someone who is suffering by saying, “isn’t this terrible,” but this reinforces the idea that there is something to be scared of.

Parents shouldn’t try to neutralise the anxiety or reinforce it; it is best to carry on, with a business as usual approach.

“If you are concerned or the behaviour is continuing over a long period of time and in more than one setting, get some advice from your school, GP or Health Visitor.”

What was the most interesting insight you gained from watching the children?

“I learnt that children of this age are hilarious and multilayered. They are not that different from adults. They have amazingly rich social lives.

They test hypotheses, ask questions, fail and then carry on. They are resilient and incredibly complicated, just like we are.”

‘The Secret Lives of 4 and 5 Year Olds’ will be aired on Channel 4 in November.

Mobberley Pre-School – a great place to grow Set in the heart of the village, Mobberley Pre-School provides affordable flexible childcare in a rural setting.

Established over 30 years ago it offers a safe and happy environment at the heart of the community in which children receive both quality education and care. The children spend their time learning through play, with planned activities based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. The pre-school is OFSTED registered (good rating 2016), members of the Pre-School Learning Alliance and welcomes children from the

age of 2.

As a taster, this term the children have been making the most of the rural setting and getting their wellies on for a range of outdoor activities including foraging for fruits which they brought back and made into some delicious fruit crumbles!

If you would like to book a visit or register your child, please call 07771 426292 or visit www.mobberleypreschool.co.uk. familiesonline.co.uk

Education

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What’s on Throughout Nov & Dec

Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Animation City presents The Cosgrove Hall Films Exhibition Free entry. An exhibition featuring your favourite Cosgrove Hall characters, including Danger Mouse, Bill and Ben the Flower Pot Men, Noddy, and many more. of beloved characters to the screen. www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Sat 4 Nov

Albert Square, Manchester Christmas lights switch-on 7.30pm / Free. Alcohol free, family friendly event with live entertainment and a 10-minute firework finish. www.manchester.gov.uk

Sat 11 Nov

Manchester Cathedral Be a Chorister for a Day Explore the Cathedral, try on chorister robes and have a go at brass-rubbing.

Children must be accompanied. Limited places, so booking essential.

0161 833 2220 (ext. 238) / www.manchestercathedral.org

Weekends from Sat 11 – Sun 26 Nov

Dunham Massey Below Stairs Tour 11.30 – 3.30 / All ages / Free tour, but normal admission applies. Disover what life was like for Dunham’s servants and step back in time on a guided tour of the servants quarters with our Victorian Estate Agent. House & Garden ticket required. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey

Sun 12 Nov

The Grange Junior School CW8 3AU Northwich NCT Nearly New Sale 1.30 – 3pm (1pm for NCT members) / £1 per adult entry. New, bigger venue with loads of free parking. Over 10,000 nearly new, quality, baby and children’s items for sale. All items are quality checked and displayed like a shop – so you can browse all clothes in one age group, toys, books etc. in one go. Also prams, maternity clothes, bumbo seats, travel cots, DVDs, outdoor toys, books etc.

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Thurs 16 Nov

Chester Christmas Light Switch On Parade 7pm. www.christmasinchester.com

Sat 18 Nov

Nantwich Civic Hall Little Munchkins Markets Christmas Extravaganza Pre-Loved Baby and Children’s Market. 9.30am – 12pm / Free entry. A fun day out for all the family with a mix of pre loved stalls and local family friendly businesses, a cafe selling cakes and hot drinks, as well as a soft play area.

Sat 18 – Mon 20 Nov

Event City Digital Kids Show The very best in tech toys and family games plus amazing family activities for 7 hours of fun, laughter, thrills and spills. Watch and meet your favourite YouTubers and enjoy a special live performance by the UK’s biggest street dance group, Diversity! www.digitalkidsshow.co.uk

Sat 18 Nov – Tues 2 Jan

Dunham Massey Runaway Rudolph 10.30 – 3.30 / All ages / £2 per trail, normal admission applies. Rudolph with his nose so bright, has suddenly vanished out of sight... A magical herd of deer return to Dunham Massey this winter and there’s a chocolate reward if you find all eight of them, including Rudolph! www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey

Sun 19 Nov

The Cheshire County Sports Club, Chester CH2 1PR Babyand Children’s Market 3pm – 4.30pm. LOTS of stalls selling excellent quality nearly new baby & children’s items from birth to 8 years old. Plus a small selection of unique businesses in the baby & children’s industry, all under one roof! For more details follow us on Facebook. Baby and children’s market- West Cheshire & South Wirral www.facebook.com/ BabyandChildrensMarketCheshire

Tues 21 Nov – Sun 3 Dec, Fri 8 – Sun 10 Dec, Fri 15 – Sun 17 Dec, Sat 23 Dec

Tatton Park, Knutsford The Twelve Days of Christmas 11am – 4pm / Adult £10, Child £6 (age 4 – 15), normal park entry applies. Count down to the big day and learn the secret symbolism behind this well-known Christmas carol when you take a magical journey through the festive Christmas Mansion. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Thurs 23 Nov

Nantwich Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On A night of great family entertainment with live entertainment and fireworks. Kick the festive period off with live entertainment, fireworks, and much more… www.nantwichtowncouncil.gov.uk

Fri 24 Nov

Middlewich Town Centre Christmas Light Switch On

Fri 24 Nov – Mon 1 Jan

Magical Lantern Festival Philips Park, Manchester A magical experience with life-size and larger-than-life lanterns in all shapes and forms, from ‘Penguins on Ice’ and ‘Ancient Temple of Heaven’ lantern to a magnificent ‘Footballing Lantern Recreation’ celebrating the city’s love affair with the beautiful game. Also fabulous entertainment with a food area and a Santa’s Grotto (additional charge). www.magicallantern.uk

Weekends from Sat 25 Nov – Sun 17 Dec, Wed 20 – Sun 24 Dec

The Ice Cream Farm, nr Tattenhall Elf Adventure Challenge Various times / Ages 2 – 10 + grownups / £12pp Booking essential Interactive, Festive Family Fun. Take part in Elf tasks and games. Join in with the music, fun and story and when you complete your challenges successfully you will earn a certificate and the title of ‘Honorary Elf”. www.elfadventurechallenge.com

Sat 25 Nov – Sun 7 Jan

Chester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival Open daily / Free. The cloisters will be filled with more than 40 majestic Christmas trees decorated by local schools and businesses from across Chester and Cheshire. www.christmasinchester.com

Fri 1 Dec

Chester Lantern Parade 7pm. The city centre will be lit by hundreds of children as they parade through the streets carrying handmade lanterns for the annual Lantern Parade. www.christmasinchester.com

Sat 2 Dec

Grosvenor Museum, Chester (Newstead Gallery) Welcome to Winter 2 – 4pm, drop-in. / Age 4 – 12 / Free (suggested donation £1.50). Find out how animals get ready for winter and what you can do to help them during the cold season. Have a go at some winter animal crafts. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk St Michael’s Church, Chester Christmas at St Michael’s 11am – 3pm / Free, drop-in.

Carols and festive nostalgia! Browse through thousands of photographs, including a festive display of Chester’s wintry past and delve into your family history with expert researchers. Lots of Christmassy activities and puzzles for the family and unusual stocking fillers! www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Sat 2 & Sun 3 Dec

For The Love Of Sci-fi 2017 Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Trafford Park Boldly going where no other convention has gone before! Get up front and close with the world’s biggest actors and experience jaw dropping life size prop and set builds and much more.

We are pushing the boundaries of what to expect from a convention! www.fortheloveofsci-fi.com

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These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

Thurs 7 Dec

Chester Winter Watch Parade 7pm. The Lord of Misrule leads the parade from the Forum Shopping Centre around the city. Dancers, fire breathing and sword fights along the way. www.christmasinchester.com

Fri 8 – Sun 17 Dec

St James’ Church, Gawsworth Christmas Tree Festival 11am – 4.30pm (Opening ceremony Fri 8 Dec 6.30pm). Evening opening on Tues 12 & Thurs 14 Dec. Free entry (donations on the door). www.gawsworth.com

Sat 9 Dec

Knutsford Lantern Parade Set off at 5pm from the Moor and parade through the town centre led by exciting feature lanterns. www.knutsfordtowncouncil.org.uk Grosvenor Museum, Chester (Newstead Gallery & King’s Arms Kitchen) Christmas Story-Telling with Morris the Mouse. 2 – 4pm, drop-in / Age 4 – 12 / Free (suggested donation £1.50). 2 – 3pm, prop making in the Gallery with story telling in the kitchen at 3pm & 3.30pm. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Sun 10 Dec

Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Macclesfield Children’s Crafts for Christmas 2 – 4pm / Age 6+ / £5pp, booking essential. Try your hand at some simple willow weaving making decorations for Christmas. Suitable for all the family and all skill levels! Full instructions will be given on how to make simple decorations or gifts from willow and other natural materials.

01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sun 10 & Sat 16 Dec

Worleston & District Village Hall Christmas Activity Morning 10.30am – 12.30pm / £5.50 per child, siblings £2.50, adults 50p, booking essential. Lots of Christmas crafts and activities for a variety of ages as well as the ever popular messy play!! Hosted

by Krafty Kidz. Entry includes a cold drink for children and a hot drink for adults. Additional refreshments available to purchase.

Sarah: 07972 269541 / Cath: 07935 496092 / kraftykidzuk@yahoo.com

Sat 16 – Fri 22 Dec

Tegg’s Nose Country Park Elf Hunt 9am – 5pm / All ages / 50p. The Elves are on the loose in the park! Can you find them all and collect their names?

Pick up a map from the Tegg’s Nose Tea Room for 50p and get searching around the top of the park. Each map purchased entitles you to 50p discount off one hot drink from Tegg’s Nose Tea Room following completion of the trail.

01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Elf Hunt 9am – 4pm / All ages / Free. The Elves are on the loose in the park! Can you find them all and collect their names?

Pick up a map from the visitor centre and get searching around the top of the park. 01477 534115 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Mon 18 & Tues 19 Dec

Astbury Astbury Live Nativity 6.30pm. Meet at the main entrance to Astbury Church, walk to the Egerton Arms Hotel to be greeted by the grumpy innkeeper who says there is no room at the Inn. Move on towards the village hall where hopefully, you will see the Angel Gabriel. Then on to Glebe Farm to meet some Shepherds and then head to the barn to find Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Receive a visit from the 3 Wise Men and finish off with carols and prayers. www.glebefarmastbury.co.uk

Tues 19 Dec

Tatton Park, Knutsford Deer Feed and Trailer Ride 9.30 – 10.30am / Age 4+ / £8pp, booking essential. Take a trailer ride with the Rangers to watch the daily deer feed. Get a close look at hundreds of deer feeding in their beautiful natural setting. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sat 23 Dec

Tatton Park Christmas Carols in the Stableyard 3pm / Normal admission applies. Festive carols with a live band, shopping and dining in the Stableyard.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sun 24 Dec

Winter Watch and Saturnalia Parade 7pm. Experience the special evening that merges two fantastic parades.

Starting at Eastgate Street the Saturnalia parade sees the Roman legion light up the streets with a torch-lit parade and the Winter Watch is a historic event when the city leaders would hand over the keys to the city watch. www.christmasinchester.com

Salt Line Car Park, Hassall Green, Sandbach Santa Search 12 – 2pm / All ages (children must be accompanied) / £5 per child, booking essential. Walk along the 4km (2.4 mile) trail and around the Borrow Pit looking for Christmassy clues hanging in the trees. Each one has a letter attached which will make a seasonal word. Once you’ve solved the puzzle you can pick up a small gift from the Rangers office at the car park.

01260 297237 / www.cheshireeast. gov.uk/rangers

Sat 16 Dec

Wed 3 Jan

Thurs 15 Dec

Grosvenor Museum, Chester (Newstead Gallery) Christmas Stockings 2 – 4pm, drop-in. / Age 4 – 12 / Free (suggested donation £1.50). With Santa soon on his way, make your very own festive felt Christmas stocking. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

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What’s on

Grosvenor Museum, Chester (Newstead Gallery) Design your own Calendar 2 – 4pm, drop-in. / Age 4 – 12 / Free (suggested donation £1.50). Make your very own spectacular 2018 balloon calendar to celebrate the 21st-century’s eighteenth birthday! www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

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