Some of Manchester’s best-loved parks will be helping to create a Christmas to remember in the city this year.

Heaton Park and Wythenshawe Park are both offering special festive events and activities for residents of all ages during the festive season – while Christmas trees and handmade wooden decorations can be sourced from Chorlton Water Park.

“The real” Santa Claus will be in place in his Heaton Park Grotto, every weekend from 3 December until Saturday 23 December (12 – 4pm).  Make sure to visit, before he flies back to the North Pole.

Step into the realms of your imagination as Tangled Dance Company and live classical musicians reveal the secrets of the majestic Heaton Hall and its enthralling world of wizards through “Frosted by Magic”.  Be swept along by the enchanting melody in a spellbinding promenade contemporary dance performance.  See the ‘Tailors of Illusion’ work their magic to untangle the growing roots of greed and restore the warmth of Christmas. This unforgettable festive spectacle of magic is perfect for all the family.   Six weekend performances will take place between Saturday 2 – Sunday 17 December (visit www.tangleddancecompany.wixsite.com/tdc1 to find out more).

This year’s 5k Santa Dash in Heaton Park takes place on Saturday 2 December (9am).  It’s free to run in the event, which is organised by Parkrun, with the option to run in a Santa suit also offered.  See www.parkrun.org.uk/heaton for more information.

A weekend-long celebration of Christmas takes place at Wythenshawe Park on 9 and 10th December (11am – 6pm) – including a mini fun fair, featuring four children’s rides, plus the chance to visit Santa’s Grotto, enjoy carols around the Christmas tree, community craft stalls and food and drink from Wythenshawe Park café and farm shop.

Wythenshawe Park also hosts a 2.5km Santa Dash on Saturday 9 December (11:30am), to help raise funds for the 2018 Wythenshawe Games.  Santa suits are provided for all adults and children over the age of 11 years and everyone who takes part in the run will receive a medal.  To register, visit wythysantadash.eventbrite.co.uk.

Premium quality, ‘non-drop’ Nordmann Fir Christmas trees will be available to buy at Chorlton Water Park from Friday 1 December.  Sacks of air-dried hardwood logs plus handmade wooden reindeer and snowman Christmas decorations will also be on sale at the park.

And Heaton Park’s Christmas Tree Land will be offering a range of thousands of trees, with sizes ranging from four feet to as tall as 15 feet.  Lots of other Christmas decorations will also be on offer, from floral door wreaths to mistletoe – and don’t forget to wave to Santa if you see him around!  Heaton Park’s Christmas Tree Land is open from 28 November – 24 December, at the park’s Horticultural Centre.  All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Executive Member for Schools, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Luthfur Rahman, said: “Whether you’re looking for your perfect tree, or want to see Santa in his grotto, make sure you make the most of the events and activities on offer at some of Manchester’s most popular parks this Christmas.”

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