Tickets are already selling fast for many of the most popular festive events
08:22, 04 Oct 2025Updated 08:22, 04 Oct 2025
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Lanterns and Light is returning to Chester Zoo this Christmas (Image: Chester Zoo)
It might seem a bit early to be talking about Christmas, but unless you want to miss out on the best events then you need to start planning.
When it comes to the big day, tickets sell out fast, so despite it being a few months away, you might want to get cracking with your plans for this festive season.
We’ve been taking a look at some of the events that sell-out quick to give you a better chance of getting the best tickets.
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Santa Specials, East Lancashire Railway
Tickets for the Santa Specials at East Lancs Railway fly out each year, so you have to be quick if you’re wanting a specific date.
The magical events gives families the chance to enjoy a steam train journey through Lancashire’s very own winter wonderland.
The seasonal event attracts more than 40,000 people each year and features decorated stations, brass bands, carol singers and costumed characters.
Little ones get to meet Father Christmas as he gives a present to each child and a glass of Sherry and mince pie to the adults.
The Santa Special journeys will kick off on the weekend of November 22 and 23 and will continue every weekend until December 14 and then daily from December 21 to Christmas Eve.
Tickets begin at £22.50 for children and £23 for adults – available here. People can also pre-book tickets for the Santa Shuttle Diesel Railcar (£3 per adult, £2 for children) to make their way from Heywood to Bury Bolton Street Station in true festive style.
East Lancashire Railway, Bury Bolton Street Station, Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 0EY
The Santa Specials at East Lancashire RailwayLanterns and Light, Chester Zoo
Animals of a different kind come out to play at Chester Zoo at Christmas time – glowing ones.
Lanterns and Light is a festive family event featuring animal-inspired illuminations, magical lanterns, twinkly costumed characters and Father Christmas himself.
Chester Zoo has revealed a raft of new additions for 2025, with organisers promising this year’s trail will be its ‘brightest ever’.
The event will see the zoo transform into a spectacular winter wonderland with colour-changing forests, glowing animals, show-stopping puppets and a host of new immersive installations.
Among the exciting new highlights is The Airquarium, ‘a dreamlike world filled with floating, glowing sea creatures’, and the Bubble Walk, ‘a joyful explosion of light and colour’. Also debuting this year is Submergence, ‘an awe-inspiring walk-through tunnel of light that fully immerses guests in a dazzling, interactive display’.
Alongside the new additions, much-loved attractions will return, including giant festive baubles, neon-lit walkways, marshmallow toasting stations, fairground rides, an enchanting fire garden and the chance to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas hard at work in his toy workshop with his busy team of elves.
The event is running on selected dates from November 14 to January 3. Tickets, priced from £19 for adults, £12 for children, £2.50 for toddlers (babies under 12 months go free) are available on the website.
Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester, CH2 1EU
Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo(Image: Chester Zoo)Believe! The Polar Express Experience
A brand new Polar Express experience is coming to Manchester this Christmas from Warner Bros.
Believe! The Polar Express Experience will be a ‘fully immersive walkthrough experience’ and promises to ‘bring the magic of Christmas to life’ this winter.
Families are invited to journey through the heart of the beloved story, following the Hero Boy and Hero Girl on what’s being described as a ‘fantastical trip to the North Pole’.
It’s not a train ride, but something ‘entirely new’, bringing the world of The Polar Express off the tracks and into a hands-on ‘magical adventure’ designed for those looking to experience the story in a brand new, up-close way.
Brought to Manchester by Warner Bros Discovery Global Experiences, Rail Events Inc and Plus Live Events, it will be taking place at Victoria Warehouse from November 14 to December 31. Find out more about the experience here.
Ticket prices range from £39.50 to £49.50, depending on the date and time selected. For exact timings, pricing, and more event information, visit the website here. A relaxed performance day for guests with neuro diverse conditions will also be held, with details released closer to the date.
Victoria Warehouse, Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Stretford, M17 1AB
Believe! The Polar Express Experience promises to ‘bring the magic of Christmas to life'(Image: Believe! The Polar Express Experience)
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Christmas at Dunham Massey
An ‘unforgettable’ Christmas is once again promised at Dunham Massey with the return of its spectacular lights trail.
The after-dark illuminated trail has become a cherished attraction over the years and this year features an array of enchanting new light installations, alongside beloved favourites.
Created by Culture Creative and brought to you by Sony Music in partnership with the National Trust, Christmas at Dunham Massey promises a magical experience for visitors of all ages.
Among the exciting additions for 2025 is ‘Fish Are Jumping’, an installation that brings the lake to life with illuminated points of light leaping like fish in a mesmerising dance of light and reflection.
Multicoloured lasers invite guests to wander through a vibrant landscape of dynamic, colourful laser beams, creating ‘an immersive and otherworldly atmosphere’.
A captivating projection on the façade of the historic house will also narrate festive stories through ‘dazzling’ visuals, seamlessly blending Dunham Massey’s rich heritage with modern technology.
Additionally, a large triangular geometric light show, enhanced by atmospheric haze, will provide a dramatic moment that is sure to captivate visitors.
Alongside these new features, guests can look forward to the iconic tunnel of lights, larger-than-life illuminated flowers, and the ever-popular appearances by Father Christmas.
A selection of hand-picked street food vendors will be on-site and visitors can warm up with a spiced winter drink, enjoy a rich hot chocolate, or sample toasted marshmallows.
The event runs on selected dates from November 14 to January 3. Tickets, costing from £17 for adults and from £12.50 for children (under twos free), can be purchased here.
Dunham Massey, Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham, WA14 4SJ
Tickets are now on sale for this year’s event at Dunham Massey(Image: Dunham Massey)Cockfields Farm Park Christmas Experience
Tickets are always a sell-out for the popular Christmas event at Cockfields Farm Park.
The Magical Experience is taking place this year with a ‘magical train ride to the North Pole’ and a ‘heartwarming visit with Santa in his cosy grotto’.
Families get to ‘journey through a snowy, festive landscape’, wander through Elf Village and receive a golden coin from Santa to exchange for a toy in Santa’s Toy Shop.
There’s an Enchanted Forest, a Christmas show and build-your-own-bear experience, treat decorating in Mrs Claus’s Kitchen and so much more.
The event runs every weekend from November 29 to December 21 and then daily from December 22 to Christmas Eve. Tickets, costing £32.87 for adults and £41.97 for children, can be booked online. Under ones cost £16.07.
Cockfields Farm, Lees Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 8AR
(Image: Cockfields Farm)