It’s going to be a cracker!

13 Dec 2019 09:30
Published by: Kian French

STOCKPORT is guaranteed an icy white Christmas as the town centre transforms to become an enchanting winter wonderland.

An exciting calendar of events is set to entertain families of all ages in the run-up to Christmas in Merseyway, Market Place, Underbank and across the town.

They include a return of the popular ice trail, Christmas markets, free entertainment and a free ride on the Polar Express.

Taking place on Saturday November 16, this year’s Christmas Light switch on in Merseyway Shopping Centre is set to get everyone in the festive spirit.

The Winter Wonderland programme, running from 4.15pm until 7.30pm, is full of spectacular shows and performances, ready for the big countdown to Christmas Day. And it’s all free!

Visitors can enjoy exclusive shows in the snow with performances from aerial acrobats, stilt walkers, giant swans, choirs, ice people, luminas and a white dragon.

An animatronic reindeer will be interacting with families and Merseyway’s very own Snow Fairy will also be making an appearance, ready to turn on Stockport’s Christmas lights with a swish of her wand.

Local musicians and dancers will also be performing throughout the day.

The Christmas Markets will also be open from November 16 for Christmas gifts, festive grub and sweet treats in Merseyway and in the Market Place.

On Saturday’s and Sundays in December – from December 7-15 - Santa Claus will be in his giant bauble at Merseyway (11am-3pm).

Children of all ages can visit Father Christmas, share their list and receive a gift. Visits to Santa are free and he may be popping in on selected late night shopping dates too.

 

Explore the Ice Sculpture Trail - with a different ice trail on Sunday December 8 and Sunday December 15 - visitors can explore the town centre to seek out all 16 ice sculptures, and watch a ‘live’ ice carving.

Take a ride on the Polar Express – take a free ride on Stockport’s own Polar Express. The land train will run on Sundays December 8 and 15.

Train rides last approximately 10 minutes and will leave Chestergate every 15 minutes between 10am and 4pm.

Shoppers can donate a gift to a child in need this Christmas as Merseyway hosts its first ever Giving Tree.

People are being encouraged to select a gift tag from the tree which will feature the name, age and interests of a child and then purchase a gift, ready for them to open on Christmas Day.

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