Experience the magic of Christmas in Stockport

The most magical time of the year is just around the corner and to get you into the festive spirit, there’s lots planned across Stockport as we celebrate our Town of Culture year. The Christmas trees are up, adding sparkle and cheer to our neighbourhoods and town centre. So, whether you want to take the little ones to visit Santa, buy a gift at a Christmas Market, be enchanted by Bramall Hall or are just looking for some inspiration, Christmas in Stockport has it all covered this year!

Bramall Hall, a real gem in Stockport’s cultural crown, looks stunning at any time of year, but especially at Christmas. This year the hall has been transformed into a sumptuous winter palace and is dressed in a palate of rich reds and sparkling golds. Alongside the charm of the decorated hall is a fun trail for children, who can win a prize by spotting all 12 elves. Bramall Hall is open to visitors Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 11am to 4.30pm (last entry is 3.45pm). Tickets can be purchased online or from the Visitor Centre at the Hall.

Over at Staircase House, little ones can pay Santa a visit on 9 and 10 December as well as take part in a trail and craft activities. Tickets are priced at £12.50 per child, which includes entry for 2 adults and must be booked in advance by calling 0161 474 4444 or by visiting Staircase House at 30 to 31 Market Place.

Festive Markets are always a great opportunity to buy a Christmas gift Merseyway Christmas Market will be open until 30 December, with a free Santa’s Grotto until 17 December. Check the website for opening hours. Stockport Maker’s Market featuring a selection of the North West’s finest food, drink, art, design and vintage will also make an appearance in Stockport Market Place, 9 December, 10am to 4pm.

The popular Foodie Friday will be adding some foodie magic to the town centre with a special Christmas party on 15 December 6 to 9pm at Stockport Market, featuring street food, craft ales, love music and much more. A must for all foodies!

Stockport Libraries are getting into the Christmas spirit, with Christmas Crime Night. The annual night of all things crime fiction and festive fun returning to Central Library for its seventh year on 14 December! This year, the evening is themed around “Christmas at Manordale” the new crime novel by local author Margaret Holbrook. The evening will be filled with readings (including Margaret Holbrook herself), quizzes, mince pies, spiced apple cider, and more. It’s lots of fun and there are always prizes to be won! Ticket are free and can be booked in advance, subject to availability.

As well as this, libraries across the borough will run their popular Story Time sessions throughout the month. Visitors to High Lane Library can also take part in a free children’s craft event on 14 December from 3.30pm. No need to book and all materials will be provided.

Our art galleries are fantastic places to while away a couple of hours. Art lovers can visit an exhibition presented by Stockport Art Guild at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery for their 102nd Annual Exhibition. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, including landscapes, portraits and experimental art. A retrospective exhibition by Joan Bradley is also at the same venue. Joan was inspired by the Impressionist painters, Constable’s oil sketches and Edward Seago’s work. She spent time as the Chairman of Stockport Art Guild and was a valued member of the Vernon Mill Artists collective.

Everyone loves a pantomime (oh yes they do!) and Stockport Plaza is showing family favourite Peter Pan, starring former Coronation Street star Brian Capron as the evil Captain Hook. The curtains go up on 8 December with Panto season in full swing throughout December and into the New Year, offering both evening and daytime performances.

Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council, said: “Christmas feels extra special this year during our town of culture year, with so much going on across the borough to keep the whole family entertained. It’s great to see residents and visitors enjoying all we have to offer, whether that’s going to an event or exhibition, shopping in the town centre or one of our district centres or enjoying a bite to eat,
Stockport is the place to be over the festive season!”

Visit the Town of Culture Website for details of more events taking place across the borough, with opportunities to move, dance, get creative and more, for all the family, this Christmas and beyond!