Earlier this month I was invited along to the V.I.P launch of Winter Wonderland . It had been 4 years since the last one so my daughter and I, along with two of her friends were really excited to attend. As usual it was held at Event City next to the Trafford Centre, the venue has free parking and there is now also a tram which goes to the Trafford Centre if you are travelling by public transport.

The night itself was great and well organised. In attendance were the cast of Hollyoaks, Coronation Street and Emmerdale as well as local premiership football and rugby players. Amber was actually lucky enough to meet her favourite rugby player, Manu Tuilagi.

Footballers in attendance included Harry Maguire, Vincent Kompany, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tom Heaton, Lee Grant, Sam Johnstone, Luke Ayling and Kyle Bartley.

Event City was transformed in the most spectacular Winter Wonderland with over 50 family rides, stalls, food stalls and a Santa’s grotto. There were also live shows and a baby chill out zone. The space is 22,000sq m so there was plenty of space around, making it feel extra covid safe and face masks were encouraged indoors. All the rides are included in your ticket price and Amber and her friends were excited that they could go on their favourite rides more than once. There was also a bouncy castle which is always popular with the little ones.

We also met Father Christmas which was lovely and it didn’t feel rushed at all. Amber was excited to ask him for a sparkly bag for Christmas, and there was an opportunity to have photos taken with him.

Winter Wonderland is on until 2nd January 2022, so plenty of time to book tickets if you want something family friendly to do for the New Year.

*Gifted tickets*