10 reasons you should visit intu Trafford Centre this Christmas – and not just to see Santa

There may be almost two months to go till Christmas but when it comes to shopping, the festive season always starts early.

Nothing is guaranteed to get you in the Crimbo mood more than walking through the intu Trafford Centre when it’s decked with twinkling lights and full of festive cheer. It’s enough to melt even the most Scrooge-like hearts.

The festive season officially kicked off last week with the big intu Trafford Centre Christmas lights switch-on.

And there’s plenty more going on at intu Trafford Centre between now and the big day. Here’s a few highlights.

The intu Christmas Wheel

The big wheel is back at intu Trafford Centre giving you a unique bird’s eye view. At more than 35 metres high, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the Bridgewater Canal, MediaCity, Old Trafford and, of course, the shopping centre.  Find the big wheel outside the Great Hall (next to Frankie & Benny’s). It’s open seven days a week until Friday 8 December 2017.

Christmas Panto

intu Trafford Centre’s annual Christmas panto is returning on Sunday 17 December. Oh no it’s not! Oh yes it is! Join in the fun with an all-star cast from ITV, BBC and Sky in support of Once upon A Smile, one of intu Trafford Centre’s fountain fund charities  The performance begins at 1pm in The Orient.

Manchester Show Choir

The Manchester Show Choir perform regularly across the city to raise money for The Christie Hospital and will be performing a selection of Christmas songs and songs from the shows to get you in the festive spirit. The choir will be performing on Sunday 3 December on The Orient main stage. For further information click here.

Christmas Grotto

Make sure you head north this Christmas and embark on a magical and breathtaking adventure to the Polar Expedition at intu Trafford Centre. There’ll be Northern Lights and Eskimo Elves to guide you through an Arctic wonderland as you journey to meet Santa and his friends. Click here for more info.

Coca-Cola Truck Tour

Nothing says Christmas like that Coca-Cola commercial. When you see it on your TV screen you know the festive season is well and truly underway. On your visit to intu Trafford Centre, you’ll have the chance to have your photo taken with the iconic truck. You’ll receive a complimentary 150ml can of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke or new improved Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. Once the sun has set, you’ll be invited to enjoy an after dark surprise as the team screen a short Christmas animation onto the truck, powered by your goodwill and festive cheer. Click here for more info.

Magical Christmas Parade

On 18 November, kids will have the chance to be enchanted by some of their favourite children’s characters and enjoy music, dancing and other themed fun at the shopping centre’s The Orient. The Christmassy carnival will feature parades at 11.30am and 2.30pm to give everyone the chance to experience the festivities and catch a glimpse of their favourite characters. Click here for more info.

Breakfast with Santa

Be one of Santa’s special guests as he hosts a decadent festive breakfast for you and your friends and all the family at Selfridges. Meet the man himself and receive a special gift bag, while tucking into delicious festive food and drink. After breakfast, enjoy story time with Santa’s elves. Food and festive cheer galore. It’s a win-win. Click here for more information. Every Saturday and Sunday, from 2–17 December, 9am and 10.30am

Selfridges Christmas Party Parade

The confetti canons are poised, the marching band is ready and Santa has limbered up for his best dance moves. Join Santa and his joyous procession of merrymakers for a see-it-to-believe-it festive celebration like no other.  The parade will take place in the accessories department on Saturday 2, 9 and 16 December at 5pm. Click here for more info.

Winter Wonderland

Returning to EventCity just a prance from the Grotto, the UK’s biggest indoor Christmas theme park Winter Wonderland opens on Sunday 9 December. With rides and attractions galore, the family can have four hours of non stop fun and entertainment.

Selfridges Festive Cocktail Masterclass

Start the party season in style as mixologists from three of Manchester’s best cocktail bars show you how to recreate their signature drinks. Make and sample six miniature cocktails, from magnificent martinis to festive classics, and enjoy delicious canapés.

Tickets: £25, redeemable in the Wine Shop on the evening.

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For more information on any of the above events at intu Trafford Centre and to book tickets visit: intu.co.uk/traffordcentre/events