Santa’s Grotto – Christmas 2025

Santa’s Grotto Returns for Christmas 2025!

We’re thrilled to announce that our magical Santa’s Grotto is back this festive season—and it’s FREE to enter!

While entry is free, we kindly ask visitors to consider making a donation to Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, helping support the amazing work they do for animals in need

Opening Dates:

The grotto will be open on various dates from Saturday 29th November until Tuesday 23rd December from 11am – 5pm.

Closed for 30 minutes every day at 1:30pm.

Please note: Once the queue has reached capacity, it will be closed. We kindly ask for your understanding that this decision is final

 

  • Saturday 29th November 
  • Sunday 30th November  (Quiet hour 4pm-5pm)
  • Saturday 6th December
  • Sunday 7th December (Quiet hour 4pm-5pm)
  • Saturday 13th December (Quiet hour 11am-12pm)
  • Sunday 14th December 
  • Monday 15th December (Quiet hour 11am-12pm)
  • Tuesday 16th December 
  • Wednesday 17th December 
  • Thursday 18th December (Quiet hour 11am-12pm)
  • Friday 19th December 
  • Saturday 20th December
  • Sunday 21st December (Quiet hour 4pm-5pm)
  • Monday 22nd December (Quiet hour 4pm-5pm)
  • Tuesday 23rd December 

 

Admission is free and includes a free chocolate lolly.

You are also welcome to take your own photos with your own devices. Santa’s little helpers will be on hand to assist with this.

QUIET HOUR:

For our Quiet Hour sessions the following measures are in place to make the Grotto more accessible to those with additional sensory needs

  1. Relaxed performances, Elves will calm their Christmas joy just a little and Father Christmas will use his indoor voice only
  2. Any lighting will be set to static
  3. Any music will be turned off
  4. Families can enjoy the grotto at a more leisurely pace
  5. Parents/carers can speak to our ‘door Elf’ and let them know if there are any other ways we can make the experience enjoyable, Elves will try their hardest to achieve this.

 

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Christmas opening times – 2025

 

Please note because we are an open centre, individual store times may vary.

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The Rock Express Land Train – December 2025

All aboard The Rock Express!

The Rock Express will return this December providing FREE transport service to add that special touch to your festive shopping experience.

The train will run from 10am – 4pm daily from Saturday 13th December until New Year’s Eve (Excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

We will also be accepting donations for our partner charity, Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary

We look forward to seeing you on The Rock Express – Choo Choo!

 

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Celebrating Our Christmas Lights Parade Award Winners!

The magic of Christmas came alive at our spectacular Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade, and what an incredible evening it was! From twinkling lights to festive cheer, the creativity and community spirit on display were truly inspiring. We were thrilled to see so many groups join in the fun, and this year’s awards highlighted some outstanding efforts.

Best Dressed – Helen’s Angels (Bury Music Service)

Helen’s Angels stole the show with their dazzling costumes and festive flair! Their attention to detail and joyful energy brought the Christmas spirit to life. A huge congratulations to this talented group for making the parade sparkle with style.

Most Original Christmas Theme – 44th Bury Scouts

The 44th Bury Scouts wowed us with their imaginative take on Christmas. Their creativity and teamwork shone through in every detail, earning them the award for originality. It’s fantastic to see such innovative ideas from our local Scouts!

Best Use of Lights – Radcliffe Rainbows

Radcliffe Rainbows lit up the night, literally! Their vibrant display of lights was nothing short of magical, creating a glowing spectacle that warmed hearts along the route. Well done to this amazing group for brightening up the parade in the most festive way.

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Festive performances this December

We’re delighted to host a number of local bands and choirs this festive season.

We’re looking forward to welcoming the following groups:

 

Tuesday 2nd December 4pm -6pm Bury Music Service Brass Bands
Saturday 6th December 1pm onwards North West Musical Theatre Choirs
Sunday 7th December 12pm onwards The Contemporary Chorus
Wednesday 10th December 11:30am Helen’s Angels
Thursday 11th December 11am – 3pm UCKG HelpCentre Manchester – Carol Singing
Saturday 13th December 10am – 12pm Bury Music Service Brass Bands
Saturday 13th December 1pm onwards Preswich Community Choir
Thursday 18th December 11am- 3pm UCKG HelpCentre Manchester – Carol Singing
Saturday 20th December 11:30am onwards Bury Fire Choir

 

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The 12 Hays of Christmas is Back at Hays Travel

 

The festive season just got even more exciting because Hays Travel is bringing back their much-loved 12 Hays of Christmas from 12–23 December, adding a sprinkle of holiday magic to every single day.

Each morning, something new is waiting to be unwrapped. It could be a seven-night escape for two at the Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya, a generous Love to Shop boost, or even a luxury food-and-wine hamper that turns an ordinary evening into a celebration.

There are incredible surprises in store, imagine holding a Chelsea shirt signed with MSC pride, enjoying a £500 G Adventures voucher, or discovering treats like a £500 easyJet holidays credit, a luxury hamper from Oceania, Newmarket and Travelsphere, or a £500 Hoseasons voucher.

And the grand finale? A show-stopping trip to New York City!

Sign up from 1 December, this could be your chance to unwrap the best Christmas ever with Hays Travel.

Link to sign up: https://www.haystravel.co.uk/12-hays

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Christmas Food Fair 2025

21st November  – 4th January

Feast on some festive treats with the German sausage swing grill, The Little Chocolatier, Donut and Creperie Cottage and Christmas roasts stall.

Open daily.

Mon-Sat: 10am-5:30pm

Sun: 11am – 5pm

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Barista Café Bar Now Open on Mondays

We’ve got exciting news for all our coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts! Throughout November and December, Barista Café Bar will be open on Mondays to make your start to the week even better.

Whether you’re looking for a cosy spot to enjoy your favourite latte, a quick lunch break, or an afternoon drink with friends, we’ve got you covered. Our team is ready to serve up delicious coffee, tasty bites, and refreshing beverages every Monday during these festive months.

So why not kick off your week with a little treat? Pop in and make Mondays something to look forward to!

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🎄 Bob & Berts Christmas Menu 2025: Festive Flavours Await

The most wonderful time of the year has arrived and so has Bob & Berts’ Christmas Menu! If you’re looking for cosy vibes, proper coffee, and a sprinkle of festive magic, this is the place to be.

From hearty wraps to indulgent sweet treats, the menu is all about comfort and cheer. Think warm turkey with cranberry, gooey brie melts, and those famous loaded festive fries everyone raves about. And yes, the drinks are just as dreamy gingerbread lattes, candy cane hot chocolates, and more to keep you feeling merry.

Whether you’re catching up with friends, grabbing a quick lunch, or treating yourself after a busy day shopping, Bob & Berts has the perfect festive fix.

📍 Available now at Bob & Berts The Rock.

Pop in, soak up the Christmas spirit, and make this season delicious!

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The Entertainer is Now Open on Sundays

We’re excited to share some fantastic news for families and toy lovers – The Entertainer at The Rock is now open every Sunday!

Whether you’re searching for the latest must-have toys, planning a fun family outing, or looking for the perfect birthday gift, The Entertainer’s friendly team is ready to welcome you all weekend long. With this new Sunday opening, you’ll have even more flexibility to shop, play, and discover everything The Entertainer has to offer.

Why visit The Entertainer on Sundays?

  • More time to shop: Enjoy a relaxed Sunday browse and pick up your favourite toys and games.
  • Perfect for families: Make your weekend shopping trip extra special with a visit to The Entertainer.
  • Never miss out: Stay up to date with the latest arrivals, offers, and exclusive in-store experiences.

We’re delighted to support The Entertainer as they extend their hours and make shopping even more convenient for you. Pop in this Sunday and see what’s new – you might just find your next family favourite!

See you at The Entertainer, now open every Sunday at The Rock. 

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