The Magic of Christmas

The event will go ahead in most weather conditions. Some areas are covered, but we recommend bringing a raincoat or umbrella.

Yes — Christmas After Dark is our evening experience at Freight Island, running alongside The Magic of Christmas for those wanting a more grown-up night out.

Sensory note: this experience may include some loud sounds and strobe lighting.

Yes, prams and strollers are welcome, though we recommend baby carriers in some narrower areas of the Workshop Village.

Dogs are welcome throughout The Magic of Christmas but must be kept on a lead.

Of course — we encourage you to capture the magic. Professional photography and video recording are strictly prohibited without prior written consent.

Permitted: mobility aids and smartphones.

Prohibited: paints, weapons, outside food or beverages, bikes, professional photo equipment, and tripods.

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Yes — accessible toilet facilities are available on-site within Freight Island.

Yes, available on request by emailing accessibility@freightisland.com with proof of ticket purchase and qualifying accessibility documentation.

Yes — the event is held at Freight Island, which is wheelchair accessible.

Limited parking is available nearby at Mayfield Car Park and other city centre locations.

The Magic of Christmas is a brand-new daytime festive experience at Freight Island, Manchester — a family adventure through Santa's Workshop Village, built around six magical moments: Arrive, Discover, Create, Celebrate, Believe and Continue.

The Magic of Christmas is an indoor-outdoor experience, so wrap up warm and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.

Yes — expect hot chocolate, mulled wine and festive treats from Freight Island's on-site vendors.

Wander through Santa's Workshop Village and its themed zones, visit the grotto, and take in twinkling lights and festive detail at every turn.

Absolutely — it's designed as a family experience from the ground up, with interactive workshop zones, a grotto, and play spaces built for little adventurers.

No — just bring the QR code on your phone, using either a downloaded PDF or the Skiddle app.

Freight Island, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ — easily reached from Piccadilly Train and Metrolink stations.

The Magic of Christmas runs on selected dates between 21 November and 24 December, daily from 9am to 4pm — weekend dates through most of the season, then every day during Peak Week (18–23 December) and on Christmas Eve. See our full calendar of dates in the Dates & Tickets section above.

Tickets go on sale 25 September. Sign up now for early access — our sign-up list gets first access across email and SMS before general on-sale opens.

Yes — every guest needs their own ticket, including each child; children aren't bundled free under an adult's ticket. Each booking allows a maximum of 3 children per accompanying adult.

Every guest needs their own ticket, priced by age. Weekend dates are £14.50 for an adult and £29 for a child, Peak Week (18–23 December) is £17.50 adult / £32 child, and Christmas Eve is £25.50 adult / £40 child. Prices rise closer to the day, so sign up now for 30 minutes' early access and the cheapest tickets before general sale.