Prepare for an exciting holiday adventure in Oldham! Discover all the top festive events with our guide. Whether you're a familiar face or a new visitor, our guide reveals the holiday wonders of Oldham.
Begin your festive journey with the enchanting Christmas Lights Switch-On, which illuminates the town with a magical glow. At Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, marvel at Santa's Grotto, where children can meet Santa himself and share their wish lists. And the Christmas Pantomime at Oldham Coliseum Theatre is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it brings classic tales to life with a delightful twist. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Oldham
- Christmas Lights Switch-On
- Santa’s Grotto at Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre
- Christmas Pantomime at Oldham Coliseum Theatre
- Festive Afternoon Tea at Smokies Park Hotel
- Oldham Christmas Tree Festival
Oldham Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Switch-On
What to Expect:
Community-wide celebration marking the start of the holiday season
Description:
Oldham's streets burst into life as thousands gather for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On. This beloved tradition transforms the town center into a glittering spectacle, with intricate light displays adorning historic buildings. Visitors can enjoy live performances by local choirs and musicians, showcasing Oldham's rich cultural heritage. The event pays homage to the town's industrial past, with illuminated cotton spindles incorporated into the designs. You'll feel the excitement build as the countdown begins, culminating in a dazzling moment when the entire town center illuminates at once.
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Oldham Holiday Markets and Shopping
Santa’s Grotto at Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre
What to Expect:
Santa's Grotto in a historic cotton mill turned shopping center
Description:
Santa's Grotto at Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre offers a unique blend of history and holiday cheer. Set within a repurposed cotton mill, the grotto pays tribute to Oldham's textile heritage. Children embark on a journey through time, passing by vintage spinning machines before reaching Santa's cozy nook. The gentle whir of modern-day shoppers mingles with echoes of the past. Families can capture memories with a photo opportunity featuring both Father Christmas and industrial-themed backdrops. This grotto experience intertwines Oldham's rich history with contemporary holiday traditions.
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Santa’s Grotto at Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre
Oldham Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Pantomime at Oldham Coliseum Theatre
What to Expect:
Locally-produced pantomime with Oldham-specific humor and references
Description:
The Oldham Coliseum Theatre roars with laughter during its annual Christmas pantomime. This beloved production injects local flavor into classic tales, peppering performances with Oldham-specific jokes and references. The theater, dating back to 1885, provides a historic backdrop for the show. Audience participation reaches new heights as attendees join in time-honored pantomime traditions. You'll witness dazzling costumes that blend traditional pantomime flair with nods to Oldham's industrial past. The production showcases local talent, featuring performers from Oldham's thriving arts community.
Website:
Christmas Pantomime at Oldham Coliseum Theatre
Oldham Other Holiday Activities
Festive Afternoon Tea at Smokies Park Hotel
What to Expect:
Afternoon tea with a Lancashire twist on holiday flavors
Description:
Smokies Park Hotel elevates the classic afternoon tea with a festive Lancashire flair. Savor delicate sandwiches filled with local specialties like Bury black pudding and Lancashire cheese. The hotel's chefs reimagine traditional holiday flavors, incorporating regional ingredients into every bite. Guests can indulge in freshly baked scones paired with clotted cream and homemade preserves. The experience honors Oldham's culinary heritage while embracing modern tastes. Your taste buds will dance with the unexpected combination of familiar holiday treats and unique local flavors.
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Festive Afternoon Tea at Smokies Park Hotel
Oldham Christmas Tree Festival
What to Expect:
Community-decorated trees showcasing local organizations and causes
Description:
The Oldham Christmas Tree Festival brings together diverse community groups in a vibrant display of creativity. Local organizations, schools, and businesses decorate trees, each telling a unique story about Oldham's spirit. Visitors meander through a forest of twinkling trees, each adorned with ornaments reflecting different aspects of community life. The festival highlights Oldham's strong sense of civic pride, dating back to its days as a thriving mill town. Guests can vote for their favorite tree, supporting local charities in the process. This event unites the community, celebrating Oldham's diversity and shared holiday spirit.
Website:
Oldham Christmas Tree Festival
Nearby Events
Christmas Fair at Uppermill Civic Hall (Uppermill)
What to Expect:
Artisanal fair showcasing local Saddleworth crafts and produce
Description:
Uppermill Civic Hall transforms into a bustling marketplace during its Christmas Fair, celebrating the rich artisanal traditions of the Saddleworth area. Local craftspeople display intricate textiles, honoring the region's weaving heritage. Visitors can browse handmade gifts, from pottery to locally-produced honey. The air fills with the aroma of mulled wine made from Saddleworth-grown fruits. This fair highlights the area's strong community bonds, which have endured since its days as a cluster of mill villages. You'll discover unique treasures that capture the essence of Saddleworth's cultural identity.
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Christmas Fair at Uppermill Civic Hall
Candlelight Christmas Concert at St. Anne's Church (Royton)
What to Expect:
Concert blending traditional carols with Oldham's musical heritage
Description:
St. Anne's Church in Royton resonates with harmonious melodies during its Candlelight Christmas Concert. This event intertwines traditional carols with pieces inspired by Oldham's rich musical past, including nods to the town's brass band tradition. The church's historic architecture, dating back to 1911, provides perfect acoustics for the performances. Flickering candles cast a warm glow, creating an intimate atmosphere. Attendees can join in singing well-loved carols, their voices echoing through the century-old nave. The concert celebrates both Christian traditions and Oldham's enduring love for music.
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Candlelight Christmas Concert at St. Anne's Church
Santa Special Train Ride on the East Lancashire Railway (Greater Manchester)
What to Expect:
Vintage steam train journey through picturesque Lancashire countryside
Description:
The East Lancashire Railway's Santa Special whisks passengers on a nostalgic journey through time. Vintage steam locomotives, lovingly restored, chug along scenic routes once vital to the region's industrial heartland. Travelers step back into the golden age of rail travel, with carriages decked out in period decorations. The countryside rolls by, offering glimpses of Lancashire's winter beauty. Children receive a special gift from Santa himself, continuing a tradition that began with the railway's revival in 1987. You'll experience the rhythmic sounds of the steam engine, a reminder of the area's rich railway heritage.
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Santa Special Train Ride on the East Lancashire Railway