Some may think it's a little early to be thinking about Christmas but with many events starting to book up you may want to get some tickets in the bag. Here are some of the most popular festive attractions coming up in the area

ICE VILLAGE, CATHEDRAL GARDENS, MANCHESTER

Warrington Guardian:

The Ice Village will return to Manchester featuring new attractions such as a new -10 degrees ice tiki bar, ice cavern, ice rink and Santa's grotto.

After enjoying all the ice sculpture, you can also stay for games and entertainment, a stage hosting a variety of performers each day, children’s crafts, market stalls and live ice sculpting.

Visit icevillage.co.uk

PETER RABBIT'S CHRISTMAS GROTTO, TRAFFORD CENTRE

Warrington Guardian:

The story of Beatrix Potter’s woodland wonderland will once again be brought to life this Christmas in a festive experience, as the Peter Rabbit Christmas grotto returns to Trafford Centre.

Back for a second year, the interactive woodland adventure takes families on a journey in search of Father Christmas, meeting Peter Rabbit and his friends along the way.

The Peter Rabbit Christmas grotto will open on November 14 and close on December 24. Find it outside The Great Hall, along with lots of other festive experiences. Bookings can be made at intu.co.uk/traffordcentre/events/peter-rabbits-christmas-grotto with autism friendly sessions available.

FOODIES CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL, TATTON PARK

Warrington Guardian:

Christmas is coming early to Tatton Park as the UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink heads back to Knutsford for three days of festive fun.

Foodies Festival returns from November 15 to 17 and Great British Menu stars Aiden Byrne and Adam Reid are among the high-profile chefs who will be sharing Christmas culinary secrets in the Chef’s Theatre, while stars of the Great British Bake Off will be cooking up a storm in the Cake and Bake Theatre.

Also confirmed is Master Chef 2015 winner Simon Wood who runs restaurants in Chester and Manchester.

Food-lovers can also enjoy an array of mouth-watering attractions including an Artisan Christmas Market with hampers and gifts from top regional producers.

Organisers welcomed more than 20,000 visitors to the last festival so to avoid missing out book tickets at foodiesfestival.com or call 0844 9951111.

LYMM PANTO'S SPANK AND STEIN, LYMM RUGBY CLUB

Warrington Guardian:

In what is being billed as a night of ‘Lederhosen and Lager’, the larger than life and highly acclaimed Lymm Panto troupe are busy rehearsing for their twist on Mary Shelley’s horror classic, Frankenstein.

Audiences can look forward to a bizarre night of Bavarian thigh slapping and yodelling at Lymm Rugby Club when ‘Spank and Stein’ comes to the stage.

The festive show, which always sells out, launches on November 28 and will run for eight nights over two weekends.

Tickets are £20 and all proceeds will go to the Lymm Grass Roots Clubhouse Appeal. Visit lymmrugby.co.uk, email ctcartwright@talktalk.net or call 07789 265447.

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS, CHESTER CATHEDRAL

A star-studded charity event where television and film actors take to the stage to perform festive readings and songs. Previous celebrities have included Jim Broadbent, Alison Steadman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Carey Mulligan and Imelda Staunton.

This year David Morrissey, Selia Cadell, Robert Glenister and Kate Fahy will take to the stage on November 29 with host Matthew Kelly in support of the Neuromuscular Centre in Winsford.

To book, call 01606 861733 or visit nmcentre.com

BLINDER OF A CHRISTMAS NIGHT, KINGS HEAD

Warrington Guardian:

Dust off your flat cap for a Christmas celebration like no other – by order of the Peaky Blinders.

Former Great Sankey High School student Emma Parr is hosting a Peaky Blinders themed night at the Kings Head for the second time after its roaring success in March.

The evening, featuring showgirl dancers, merchandise from the period crime drama, lookalike artists and singers Claire Louise and Richard Walker, will be at the Winwick Street pub on Saturday, November 30.

Tickets are selling fast with the previous night being attended by enthusiasts from as far as Surrey, Birmingham and the Lake District and dressing to impress.

Tickets are £15. Visit ticketsource.co.uk/parsley

CHRISTMAS AT DUNHAM MASSEY

Warrington Guardian:

This festive trail at the National Trust property has become a firm family favourite and runs from November 30 to December 30.

There are also more illuminations planned this year including larger-than-life glittering deer, along with the sights and sounds of Christmas.

Walk through a tunnel of light festooned by a canopy of more than 100,000 pea-lights while the 'singing trees' can be heard in the distance.

The incredible water fountain finale is a showcase of water jets and beams of light which dance in time to Christmas classics.

There are hidden surprises too – watch out for 'bubbles on the bridge' and the scented fire garden.

Manchester Food and Drink Festival will be curating street food in the courtyard where there will also be a vintage carousel.

And The Stables restaurant at Dunham Massey will be serving a two-course traditional Christmas Dinner. There will a choice of two sittings, so visitors can dine before or after they visit the trail.

Go to nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey/features/christmas-at-dunham-massey

EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY SANTA SPECIALS

Warrington Guardian: Credit: East Lancashire RailwayCredit: East Lancashire Railway

Start your celebrations in style with a steam train ride with Santa and his elves.

Bury Bolton Street Station will be decorated with hundreds of Christmas trees.

Then during the train ride to Rawtenstall and back through the Irwell Valley, there will be brass band, carol singers and a magician on board. Santa and his helpers will also greet each child with a gift.

Each year around 40,000 people enjoy the Santa Specials so be sure to book early. There are various dates between November 30 and December 24.

Visit eastlancsrailway.org.uk

SANTA CRUISES, ANDERTON BOAT LIFT

Come and join Santa and his helpers on the Edwin Clark trip boat for a festive cruise on the River Weaver Navigation.

The experience includes festive storytelling, songs and a present for each child.

The cruises run on various dates between November 30 and December 24. You can book at canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/events/2019-11-30-santa-cruises

THE HAYLOFT SANTA EXPERIENCE

Warrington Guardian:

Join the elves in their workshop for some Christmas activities. Continue the journey to Santa's grotto with a ride on the miniature railway, run by Warrington's own Whitfield Light Railway.

The 50 to 55 minute experience costs £12.50 per child including a gift and train ride and £3.50 per adult including the train ride.

The Hayloft Santa Experience runs from November 30 on Saturdays and Sundays as well as on December 23 and 24.

Visit the events section of facebook.com/thehayloftcheshire

CANDLELIGHT AND CAROLS, ARLEY HALL

A chance to listen to the choir as they sing in different rooms of Arley Hall in the full festive splendour of Christmas floral displays and candlelight.

The Serenade Singers will be singing on December 3 and Equali will be performing on December 4. Both evenings run from 6pm to 9pm.

Tickets include entry to the hall, restaurant and gift shop. Visit arleyhallandgardens.com/whats-on-at-a-glance

THE LUNA WINTER CINEMA, ST GEORGE'S HALL, LIVERPOOL

Warrington Guardian:

Offering audiences the chance to enjoy classic festive films on the big screen in a unique setting, the pop-up experience runs from December 15 to 23 at St George’s Hall.

Festive favourites Love Actually, Home Alone, It's A Wonderful Life and Elf among many others will all be shown with mulled wine, mince pies and hot chocolate on offer as well as a full bar and comfy seats.

Tickets start at £13 and can be booked via thelunacinema.com

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, THE LOWRY, SALFORD QUAYS

Warrington Guardian:

The Grinch will be stealing Christmas at The Lowry this year and tickets are selling fast.

Comedy icon Griff Rhys Jones will star as Old Max, alongside X-Factor winner Matt Terry as Young Max and Edward Baker-Duly as The Grinch, the world-famous festive mischief maker in the Dr Seuss classic.

The 2019 production is based on the show originally created by three-time Tony Award winning director Jack O’Brien.

Since then, more than two million people across America have been thrilled by the heartwarming musical, known for its incredible sets. Tickets are from £26.50. Visit thelowry.com

CHRISTMAS DRIVE-IN CINEMA, HAIGH WOODLAND PARK

Go back to the drive-in days and watch a festive classic on a 40ft by 20ft screen along with digital in car audio.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone 2, Elf and Arthur Christmas will be screened between December 20 and 23 with some films already sold out.

The experience also includes a visit from Santa in the car park, ‘in car’ games and giveaways, food and drink car delivery service, a short film before the main feature and the option to attend the late night opening of Santa’s Grotto for an extra £6 per child.

Go to facebook.com/haighwoodlandpark

CINDERELLA, PARR HALL

Parr Hall's panto takes place after Christmas but you can keep the festive magic going a little longer by booking tickets for one of the shows between January 3 and 12.

Cinderella lives with her father Baron Hardup and is bullied by her two stepsisters but things are on the up when tickets arrive for a glittering ball where the Prince will be in attendance.

The ugly sisters try to steal Cinderella's ticket but her friend Buttons and her Fairy Godmother combine to get her to the ball...

There are a number of special shows during the run including a signed performance, a dementia-friendly show and a relaxed performance for those with special educational needs.

There are also discounts for family and group bookings. Visit parrhall.culturewarrington.org/whats-on/cinderella