Manchester Christmas grotto planned for Corn Exchange

A new Santa’s grotto at Manchester’s Corn Exchange is scheduled to open to the public on 20 November, bringing a major Christmas grotto experience back to the city centre after years without one, according to its organisers.

The attraction held an exclusive preview event on Friday night, before its planned public run from 20 November to 24 December. It is moving to the Grade II listed Corn Exchange after three years at the Trafford Centre. The venue is close to Manchester Christmas Markets and the Skate Manchester ice rink, offering families the option of visiting the attractions during the same trip.

This year’s experience is called Santa’s Wish Keepers. Children are invited to become apprentice Wish Keepers in a story about helping to keep the spirit of Christmas alive. The visit lasts around 30 minutes, longer than the previous experience, and is guided by a team of elves through a sequence of themed rooms.

The journey starts in Candy Cane Lane, where families meet their first elves, then continues to Gingerbread Lane, where Christmas letters and wishes begin their journey. Visitors also enter the Enchanted Forest, where wishes are given a place to grow. The attraction says the rooms tell successive chapters of the story, which builds towards a personal meeting with Father Christmas.

Characters include elves responsible for Santa’s lists, more mischievous companions, guardians of the Enchanted Forest and makers at the Merry Makers Studio. Organisers say the experience includes challenges and moments involving children. They have added rooms and entertainment, brought in performers, lengthened the visit and refreshed the brand after considering guest feedback from the past three years.

Some sessions during the run will be Whispering Winter visits, designed for children with special educational needs and disabilities and their families.

Robyn Isherwood, chief executive of The Grotto, said moving to the Corn Exchange had placed the attraction “right in the heart of Manchester”. She said the nearby markets, ice rink and Christmas lights made the team feel part of the city’s festive season. Isherwood also said the organisers hoped to welcome 25,000 guests this year.

Child tickets cost £29.50 and include a gift from Santa, while adult tickets are half price. Families can also buy photo merchandise featuring a professional photograph with Santa. At the time of the launch, organisers said December weekend tickets had almost sold out.

The attraction previously operated at the Trafford Centre, first in Lower Peel Avenue and then in the former Frankie & Benny’s building outside the Great Hall. The Trafford Centre is launching a separate HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto this year, described as an interactive family adventure. The Corn Exchange experience is the fourth year of The Grotto, according to Isherwood.

Information on this page is refreshed from the connected theuk.fyi services when the interactive page loads.