6 reasons to visit Winter Wonderland at EventCity, Trafford

EventCity, next to the Trafford Centre

Until Sunday, January 2

THE UK’s largest indoor festive theme park is back after a four-year gap, promising to bring the magic of Christmas to visitors.

The extravaganza is now open at EventCity, next to Intu Trafford Centre, and is ready to welcome families until Sunday, January 2.

Our visit to Monday night’s launch event, with a three-year-old, was fantastically fun and festive. Here are six reasons why Silcock's Winter Wonderland is worth a try this Christmas:

There are A LOT of rides

If you have kids who love funfairs, then this is the place for you. The clue is in the description - the UK’s largest indoor Christmas theme park - but it really is huge. EventCity is a massive, cavernous space and it’s packed with rides galore, many suitable for little ones but with some to satisfy older, thrill seekers.  They’re all included in the price so the children can spend four hours exhausting themselves while getting your money’s worth from the entry fee.

It is all indoors

Yes, it’s nice to get wrapped up and enjoy an outdoor, festive attraction but have you seen the weather? No thank you, not during Storm Barra. A quick dash from the car park and say goodbye to the wind and rain to explore 50 family rides and attractions all under one roof.

There are plenty of food stalls that are pretty decent

There’s everything from gyros to pizza, Yorkshire pudding wraps to German sausages, waffles and crepes, plus a bar to wash it all down with. I opted for a Santa’s sandwich from the carvery which was a tasty offering of beef, turkey and pork on a barm with stuffing and topped with a crispy piece of bacon. It set me back £8 while a cappuccino was £4, so not the cheapest but where is these days?

There are more than just rides on offer

There were several performances on the main stage throughout the evening and we enjoyed watching the Ice Princess Show – a condensed version of Frozen. There’s also a Christmas Circus with some skilled and entertaining performers flinging themselves around for your enjoyment.

The big man himself is there

Another thing included in the ticket price is a visit to Father Christmas, although if you want a toy from the elves at the end then that’s an extra £4.50. My little one was delighted with his pop it and that his request for a Spiderman Blaster was duly noted by Santa. Your child can have their photo with him and prices for a copy start at £10.

If it’s good enough for the Corrie kids, it’s good enough for me

Corrie stars Harriet Bibby, Paddy Bever, Mollie Gibson, Tanisha Gorey, Elle Mulvaney at Winter Wonderland at Event City in Manchester (PIC: David Munn)

Monday’s VIP Launch Night saw a host of famous faces descend on the attraction – including the youngsters from Coronation Street - who were spotted having a whale of a time taking selfies in the queue to the waltzers. From little kids to teenagers to big kids, there's a bit of festive magic for everyone. 

TICKET INFORMATION

OFF-PEAK

Adult £29.50 (plus booking fee)

Child (3-16): £29.50 (plus booking fee)

OAP: £20.00 (plus booking fee)

Child (Under 3): Free (Ticket required)

Family ticket of 4 (must include at least 1 Adult) discount of £10 (plus booking fee)

PEAK

Adult: £35.00 (plus booking fee)

Child (3-16): £35.00 (plus booking fee)

OAP: £27.50 (plus booking fee)

Child (Under 3): Free (Ticket not required)

Family ticket of 4 (must include at least 1 Adult) discount of £10 (plus booking fee)

All rides and attractions are included in the ticket price (excluding games and food stalls) and each session lasts for 4 hours.

HOW TO BOOK

Book online www.winterwonderlandmanchester.com | Bookings via telephone can be made by calling 0344 815 7131 for both individual and Group Bookings.