Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Markets coming to Trafford Centre this year

Trafford Centre bosses have confirmed there will be a Santa’s Grotto surrounded by Christmas Market stalls coming to the shopping mall this festive season.

The Grotto is always a seasonal hit with families with young children and in previous years it has seen themes including Peter Rabbit and Paddington Bear.

Families will be pleased to hear the Grotto is set to return for 2023 with a new addition of indoor markets to make for an even better festive experience at the centre.

Bosses say this year the Grotto will return to a more traditional style with an added ‘immersive wonderland’ for children to follow a trail through an enchanted forest as they make their way to meet Santa.

The Christmas indoor markets will be located at the far end of Lower Peel Avenue near the Dolphin Fountain, where people can get into the seasonal spirit with all the bonuses of staying warm and dry.

The markets are free to enter and will sell everything you need to feel festive including hot chocolates and sweet treats as well as ‘branded merchandise’ from Santa’s Grotto.

The Grotto experience is ticketed and a festive adventure awaits its guests. Visitors can take a stroll down Candy Cane Land and search for ‘Santa’s Merry Mailroom’ with the assistance of Christmas elves.

Children can deliver their Christmas list and letter to Santa sitting in his cosy cabin.

To create an inclusive environment, there will also be the option to attend relaxed sessions where music will be quieter and lights dimmer with fewer visitors for those who may prefer it.

Tickets cost £25 for children, which includes entry to the experience, letter for Santa and pencil, as well as an age-appropriate gift. Entry for adults is £7.50.

Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “Our new grotto experience promises an extraordinary experience for all the family. 

“Christmas is such a magical time at the Trafford Centre, and with masses of festive activities and fun to be had, a huge choice of shops and restaurants to indulge in and a gigantic range of gorgeous gifts to choose from, we’re more than ready to bring the festive cheer!”

Tickets for the grotto will go on general sale today, Tuesday, October 17th at 2pm. Tickets will be available to book in 15 minute time slots via the official Grotto website by clicking HERE.

Children must be accompanied by at least one adult, with no more than five ‘Christmas explorers’ per group. Tickets cost £25 for children and adults gain entry for £7.50.

The Grotto will be based inside the former Halifax bank, next to the Lakeland store and opposite Boots, inside the Trafford Centre.