Get excited for holiday fun in Rochdale! Our guide highlights all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're a Rochdale veteran or a fresh face, this guide helps you navigate the seasonal landscape.
One event to look forward to is the Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch-On, where the town comes alive with festive illuminations and a warm community spirit. Celebrate the season with the Ignite Fire Festival, featuring captivating fire displays that enchant visitors of all ages. And the stunning Christmas at Dunham Massey is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing beautiful decorations set against the backdrop of the historic estate. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Rochdale
- Ignite Fire Festival
- Christmas at Dunham Massey (Altrincham)
- Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch-On
- Winter Island at Freight Island (Manchester)
- The Twilight trail, Mayfield Park (Manchester)
- Farmer Christmas Experience, Reddish Vale Farm (Stockport)
- Christmas at Cockfields (Ashton-under-Lyne)
- Fire drawing and performances at Ignite Fire Festival
- Christmas on the farm, Lancaster Park & animal farm (Oldham)
- Travelling Light Circus at Ignite Fire Festival
See these and even more events listed below!
Rochdale Holiday Light Displays
Ignite Fire Festival
What to Expect:
Immersive fire and light displays with interactive performances.
Description:
Ignite Fire Festival is a spectacular event featuring fiery displays, blazing sculptures, and illuminated installations created by artists and pyro technicians. The festival includes bubbling goblets of fire, a daisy chain of flaming flowers, and sculptures that twist, flap, or erupt with balls of fire. It also features fire drawings designed by local residents, performances by top talent, and interactive arts groups. Visitors can enjoy hot food, mulled wine, and other seasonal drinks.
Where: Rochdale | More Info: Ignite Fire Festival
Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch-On
What to Expect:
Immersive fire festival with local performances and interactive art.
Description:
The Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch-On features fiery displays, blazing sculptures, and illuminated installations, with Father Christmas and special guests switching on the lights at 5:30 PM.
Where: Rochdale | More Info: Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch-On
Christmas at Dunham Massey
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail with seasonal music and installations in a historic setting.
Description:
Christmas at Dunham Massey features beautiful walk-through light installations, joyful Christmas music, and seasonal food and drink amidst the historic gardens and moat of Dunham Massey.
Where: Altrincham | More Info: Christmas at Dunham Massey
The Twilight trail, Mayfield Park
What to Expect:
Immersive light and sound experience with DJ-curated soundtrack.
Description:
The Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park features immersive light displays, lantern installations, and a captivating soundscape curated by La Discotheque and DJ Kenny Dope. Visitors can explore an array of installations including a Spirograph tunnel, fairy-light tunnel, and abstract light installations. The event also includes festive traders offering mulled wine, hot chocolate, and festive treats.
Where: Manchester | More Info: The Twilight trail, Mayfield Park
Heywood Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Family-friendly event with live music, stalls, and fireworks.
Description:
The Heywood Christmas Lights Switch On features entertainment, stalls, and fairground rides in Heywood Town Centre, culminating in the official light switch-on and a fireworks display.
Where: Heywood | More Info: Heywood Christmas Lights Switch On
Middleton Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Interactive musical installation and festive brass band performance.
Description:
Middleton Christmas Lights Switch On features an interactive musical installation and a festive brass band performance in the town centre.
Where: Middleton | More Info: Middleton Christmas Lights Switch On
Littleborough Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Family-friendly event with live music and Santa visit.
Description:
Littleborough Events and Associations Forum will be switching on the Christmas lights in the centre of Littleborough, featuring fun-fair rides, stalls, music entertainment, and a visit from Santa. The lights will be switched on at 5:30 PM.
Where: Littleborough | More Info: Littleborough Christmas Lights Switch On
Fire drawing and performances at Ignite Fire Festival
What to Expect:
Immersive fire and light displays with interactive performances.
Description:
At the Ignite Fire Festival, witness fire drawings and mesmerizing performances by local residents and top talent, including Flame Oz and Travelling Light Circus. The event features bubbling goblets of fire, daisy chains of flaming flowers, and sculptures that twist and erupt with balls of fire. Each evening, a fire drawing designed by local residents will be ignited alongside performances that include jugglers, torch spinning, and dance.
Where: Rochdale | More Info: Fire drawing and performances at Ignite Fire Festival
Drum Machine at Ignite Fire Festival
What to Expect:
Techno-infused drumming performance by a 20-strong collective.
Description:
Drum Machine is a 20-strong drumming collective bringing techno-infused beats to the Ignite Fire Festival, adding dynamic energy to the event.
Where: Rochdale | More Info: Drum Machine at Ignite Fire Festival
Rochdale Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Winter Island at Freight Island
What to Expect:
Immersive light and sound show in Mayfield Park.
Description:
Winter Island at Freight Island transforms the venue into the UK's largest heated outdoor and indoor winter festival, featuring a Father Christmas Experience, Twilight Trail, and various festive street food pop-ups.
Where: Manchester | More Info: Winter Island at Freight Island
Rudolph the reindeer’s Christmas roadshow
What to Expect:
Interactive show with song and puppetry for young children.
Description:
Rudolph the reindeer’s Christmas roadshow is a delightful show for children aged 3-7, featuring song, puppetry, and reindeer games. The show is a fun and interactive treat where kids can help Rudolph get his magic back and become heroes.
Where: Bolton | More Info: Rudolph the reindeer’s Christmas roadshow
Travelling Light Circus at Ignite Fire Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive street theatre with pyrotechnic elements.
Description:
Travelling Light Circus at Ignite Fire Festival features mesmerizing street theatre and interactive arts performances that captivate audiences with their dynamic energy and technical skill.
Where: Rochdale | More Info: Travelling Light Circus at Ignite Fire Festival
Rochdale Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Festive Crafts workshop
What to Expect:
Hands-on crafting with materials and refreshments provided.
Description:
Join Tangent for a Christmas crafting session where you can create your own no-sew bauble and felt decoration. Enjoy refreshments and company while making lifelong friendships.
Where: Rochdale | More Info: Christmas Festive Crafts workshop
Art by the Lake
What to Expect:
Community-driven watercolor art sessions with expert guidance.
Description:
Art by the Lake is a creative event where local artists showcase their watercolor works, offering hints and tips to participants while fostering a community of art enthusiasts.
Where: Rochdale | More Info: Art by the Lake
Farmer Christmas Experience, Reddish Vale Farm
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas experience with elf-themed activities.
Description:
At Reddish Vale Farm, embark on a festive journey to the North Pole headquarters. Collect your passport, pass through the naughty/nice machine, and learn a special elfish rhyme to enter the time travel portal. Visit Elf Academy, build your own Christmas friend, and help sort Christmas letters and parcels. Enjoy authentic elf cuisine, decorate gingerbread, and meet Father Christmas for a special visit. This event includes a full tour of the North Pole Christmas Headquarters, Elf Academy, and various festive activities.
Where: Stockport | More Info: Farmer Christmas Experience, Reddish Vale Farm
Christmas at Cockfields
What to Expect:
Interactive elf show with festive activities and treats.
Description:
At Christmas at Cockfields, embark on a three-hour journey through Quality Street Village, where you'll meet Santa, build a bear, and enjoy festive treats. Explore the cozy grotto, indoor toy shop, and teddy building workshop, all while encountering friendly elves and delightful attractions.
Where: Ashton-under-Lyne | More Info: Christmas at Cockfields
Christmas on the farm, Lancaster Park & animal farm
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa and farm activities.
Description:
Visit Lancaster Park & Animal Farm for a festive holiday event featuring a Christmas grotto, small animal petting, and various farm activities. Meet Santa, enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus, and participate in fun farm games.
Where: Oldham | More Info: Christmas on the farm, Lancaster Park & animal farm
Christmas Calligraphy Workshop with Mellor & Rose
What to Expect:
Hands-on calligraphy workshop with expert tutors.
Description:
Learn the art of Christmas calligraphy with Mellor & Rose, creating beautiful stationery and decorations through guided workshops.
Where: Manchester | More Info: Christmas Calligraphy Workshop with Mellor & Rose
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Heywood (3 miles)
- Royton (4 miles)
- Middleton (5 miles)
- Oldham (6 miles)
- Bury (6 miles)
- Rossendale (7 miles)
- Whitefield (8 miles)
- Failsworth (8 miles)
- Rawtenstall (8 miles)
- Prestwich (8 miles)
- Radcliffe (8 miles)
- Ashton-under-Lyne (9 miles)
- Droylsden (10 miles)
- Manchester (10 miles)
- Stalybridge (10 miles)
- Salford (11 miles)
- Farnworth (11 miles)
- Denton (11 miles)
- Bolton (12 miles)
- Eccles (12 miles)
- Hyde (12 miles)
- Walkden (12 miles)
- Accrington (13 miles)
- Burnley (13 miles)
- Stretford (13 miles)
- Darwen (14 miles)
- Halifax (14 miles)
- Urmston (14 miles)
- Stockport (14 miles)
- Tyldesley (15 miles)
- Glossop (15 miles)
- Sale (15 miles)
- Nelson (15 miles)
- Atherton (15 miles)
- Huddersfield (15 miles)
- Westhoughton (16 miles)
- Blackburn (16 miles)
- Brighouse (16 miles)
- Colne (17 miles)
- Cheadle Hulme (17 miles)
- Leigh (17 miles)
- Altrincham (18 miles)
- Bramhall (18 miles)
- Hindley (19 miles)
- Chorley (19 miles)
- Cleckheaton (20 miles)
- Keighley (20 miles)
- Wilmslow (20 miles)
- Wigan (20 miles)
- Bradford (20 miles)
- Bingley (21 miles)
- Golborne (21 miles)
- High Peak (21 miles)
- Newton-le-Willows (22 miles)
- Shipley (22 miles)
- Dewsbury (22 miles)
- Batley (22 miles)
- Ashton in Makerfield (22 miles)
- Leyland (22 miles)
- Warrington (23 miles)
- Pudsey (24 miles)
- Ossett (24 miles)
- Morley (24 miles)
- Preston (25 miles)
- Macclesfield (25 miles)
- Great Sankey (25 miles)
- Guiseley (25 miles)
- Yeadon (26 miles)
- Skelmersdale (26 miles)
- St Helens (26 miles)
- Buxton (27 miles)
- Wakefield (27 miles)
- Leeds (28 miles)
- Barnsley (28 miles)
- Lofthouse (28 miles)
- Northwich (29 miles)
- Prescot (30 miles)
- Widnes (30 miles)
- Chapeltown (30 miles)
- Ormskirk (30 miles)
- Runcorn (30 miles)
- Congleton (31 miles)
- Huyton (32 miles)
- Kirkby (32 miles)
- Burngreave (33 miles)
- Sheffield (33 miles)
- Maghull (33 miles)
- Winsford (33 miles)
- Castleford (33 miles)
- Fylde (35 miles)
- Pontefract (35 miles)
- Southport (35 miles)
- Rotherham (35 miles)
- Dronfield (35 miles)
- Lytham St Annes (36 miles)
- Harrogate (36 miles)
- Litherland (36 miles)
- Liverpool (37 miles)
- Kidsgrove (37 miles)
- Bootle (37 miles)
- Crosby (37 miles)
- Formby (38 miles)
- Crewe (38 miles)
- Birkenhead (39 miles)
- Ellesmere Port Town (39 miles)
- Blackpool (39 miles)
- Lancaster (40 miles)
- Thornton-Cleveleys (40 miles)
- Chesterfield (40 miles)
- Wallasey (40 miles)
- Fleetwood (41 miles)
- Staveley (41 miles)
- Bentley (42 miles)
- Chester (42 miles)
- Morecambe (42 miles)
- Stoke-on-Trent (42 miles)
- Doncaster (43 miles)
- Newcastle under Lyme (43 miles)
- Heswall (44 miles)