Santa ditches the sleigh and climbs aboard Manchester’s first water taxi

Manchester’s new water taxi service welcomed a very special guest on board the very first waxi as it made its maiden voyage from Dukes 92 to the Trafford Centre – Santa Claus.

Santa was full of excitement as he travelled through Castlefield and past Hotel Football for his first shift of the season.

“It was a fantastic way to see the city centre,” said Santa, “and gives my reindeers a much-needed rest before the busy season. I’d love to travel everywhere by water taxi.”

Once Upon A Smile, a Manchester bereavement charity, invited a group of young children to follow in Santa’s footsteps. After hopping on board a waxi and travelling along the Bridgewater Canal to the shopping centre, they were welcomed into the newly opened grotto to spend some quality time with Santa himself.

The grotto is the first of its kind, with augmented reality technology welcoming children into a magical, enchanted arctic wonderland. Eskimo elves lead little ones through the Polar Expedition, accompanied by the Northern Lights in a mission to meet Santa and his polar friends.

It’s open at intu Trafford Centre until Saturday 24 December. Tickets costs £4 per adult and £7.50 per child and can be purchased here.

At just £7 for a single journey, waxis are a unique and sustainable way to travel around the city.  Tickets can be booked through the app here.