Christmas in Salford

Your ultimate guide to festive fun, featuring our mischievous elf’s adventures, local events, and more!

Follow the adventures of our Salford Elf!

Our mischievous Salford Elf is on a journey across the city, visiting festive hotspots, iconic locations, and hidden gems. Can you guess where they’re heading each day?

Find out where the elf has been by checking out our social media channels daily for clues. You might even get some inspiration to plan your own Christmas activities and festive outings!

Is your Elf on the Shelf getting into mischief or exploring Salford's festive spots? We’d love to see their adventures! Tag us on Instagram and use the hashtag #ElfInSalford to share their Christmassy fun. Your elf might even get featured on our page!

Festive Events You Won’t Want to Miss

We have a fantastic lineup of events coming up. From Christmas markets and carol concerts to family activities, there’s plenty to fill your diary this December.

-       RHS Glow

Explore the magical light trail at RHS Garden Bridgewater with festive installations, gardens, and displays.

Dates: Wednesday 27 November to Monday 30 December

Tickets: Find your tickets here.

 

-       Lightwaves Festival

A stunning light and art installation event that takes over Salford Quays, bringing the festive spirit to the waterfront.

Dates:

Tickets: FREE

Workshops and crafts 

-        The Perfect Present at Little Hulton Library

A fun theatre experience with puppets, songs, and silliness, perfect for younger audiences.

Dates: Tuesday 3 December, 1.30pm – 2.15pm

Tickets: FREE

 

-         Christmas Crafts at Eccles Library

Create and decorate your own festive mini wooden gingerbread house.

Dates: Saturday 7 December, 10.30am – 11.30am

Tickets: FREE

 

-          Christmas Crafts at Swinton Library

Colour your own Christmas bag and card.

Dates: Saturday 7 December, 10.30am – 11.30am

Tickets: FREE

 

-          Christmas Crafts at Broughton Library

Paint and create your own festive suncatcher Christmas card.

Dates: Wednesday 11 December, 3.00pm – 4.30pm

Tickets: FREE

 

-          Holiday Crafts at Broughton Library

Paint and make a Menorah suncatcher card.

Dates: 12th December, 3:00–5:00pm

Tickets: FREE

 

-          Ceramic Christmas Trees at Walkden Library

Paint your own ceramic Christmas tree.

Dates: Saturday 14 December, 10.30am –11.30am

Tickets: FREE

 

-          Christmas Crafts at Pendleton Library

Colour your own Christmas stocking and card.

Dates: Saturday 14 December, 10.30am –11.30am

Tickets: FREE

 

-         Winter Storytime Singalong Express at Pendleton Library

Enjoy a magical morning of stories, songs, and laughter, hosted by Dommy B.

Dates: Friday 20 December, 10am–12pm

Tickets: Tickets: FREE

 

Family-Friendly events 

-          Breakfast with Santa at Salford Museum and Art Gallery

Enjoy a festive breakfast with Santa, perfect for families.

Dates: Various dates, 9.30am – 11.30am

Tickets: Find your tickets here

 

-          Meet Santa at Menagerie

Take the little ones to meet Santa and enjoy some holiday fun.

Dates: Various dates

Tickets: Find your tickets here

 

-          Santa Paws

A pet-friendly event where your furry friends can meet Santa and take a festive photo together.

Dates: Saturday 7 December, 11am – 3pm

Tickets: Free to attend

 

-          Christmas Trail at Salford Libraries

Join in a mini Christmas scavenger hunt across Salford Libraries and see if you can spot Santa!

Dates: 2 December to 24 December, during opening hours

Tickets: FREE

 

-          Jingle on the Green

A family-friendly event with Christmas activities, live entertainment, and games on the green.

Dates: Saturday 7 December, 4pm – 8pm

Tickets: FREE

 

-          Friends of Lightoaks Christmas Cracker

A festive event with entertainment, stalls, and family activities in Lightoaks Park.

Dates: Sunday 8 December, 3pm – 5pm

Tickets: FREE

 

-          Run MediaCity Christmas Run

Get the whole family involved in this festive run around MediaCity, soaking in the Christmas spirit.

Dates: Sunday 8 December

Tickets: Register your place

Carol concerts

-          Boothstown Carol Concert
Enjoy traditional carols in a festive atmosphere.
Dates: Sunday 1 December, 4pm – 6pm
Tickets: FREE

 

-          Eccles Library Christmas Concert
Celebrate with a candlelit concert by the String Infusion group.
Dates: Wednesday 11 December, 7pm – 9pm
Tickets: £6 per person, booking required

 

-          Salford Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert at Eccles Town Hall
A magical Christmas concert performed by Salford Symphony Orchestra.
Dates: Sunday 8 Decmeber, 5pm – 7pm
Tickets: Find your tickets here

 

-          Salford Council Carol Concert
An annual festive concert hosted by Salford Council.
Dates: Wednesday 11 December, 7pm
Tickets: FREE

Other festive events and Christmas Markets 

-          Christmas Quiz at The Old Fire Station
Test your Christmas knowledge with this fun quiz night.
Dates: Saturday 7 December
Tickets: Check here for details

 

-          Christmas Quiz at Botanist
A Christmas-themed quiz to get you into the festive spirit.
Dates: Monday 9 December, 7.30pm – 10pm
Tickets: Check here for details

 

-          Christmas Parties at Salford Community Stadium
Celebrate the season with festive parties at this iconic venue.
Dates: Various dates in December
Tickets: Check here for details

 

-          Kargo Mkt Events
Enjoy festive events with food, and entertainment. Perfect for all ages
Dates: Various dates in December
Tickets: Check here for details

 

-         Lowry
Enjoy Christmas performances, including festive plays and musicals.
Dates: Various dates in December
Tickets: Find out what’s on here

 

Christmas Fair at The Danceworks 

Enjoy Christmas stalls, games, festive food and drink and even visit santa at his grotto 

Dates: Sunday 8 December, 12pm - 4pm 

Tickets: FREE 

 

-          Makers Market at Salford Quays
Shop for handmade gifts, festive treats, and seasonal goodies.
Dates: Saturday 14 December
Tickets: Free entry. Find out more information here