Prepare for a very sweet Santa’s grotto at the Trafford Centre this year, as details have now been confirmed for the 2026 event
The Trafford Centre has announced the details for this year’s big Christmas Grotto – and it will have a rather unique new theme for the 2026 return. For the shopping centre is collaborating with sweetie giant Haribo for the first time for a new “interactive family adventure”.
Haribo opened its first standalone store at the Trafford Centre last year to the delight of shoppers. Now, it is partnering with the mall to bring the brand new “HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto” to life this November and December.
A statement from the mall said: “Trafford Centre is bringing even more festive magic to Manchester this Christmas with the launch of the brand-new HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto – an interactive family adventure where children can help Santa prepare for the big day.”
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Families are already praising the news on social media, with one shopper saying: “Haribo Santa… Is this a dream?” and another adding: “What a partnership”. Bosses say it will “combine the magic of a traditional Santa visit with the playful world of HARIBO”.
The festive experience will feature larger than-life installations, hands-on games, memorable family moments and plenty of Christmas cheer. Throughout the experience, every child will become an official “Holly Jolly Helper”, joining Santa and his elves on a mission to make sure everything is ready in time for Christmas.
Along the way, families will take part in a series of interactive activities inspired by some of HARIBO’s best-loved sweets, collecting stamps on their Jolly Holly Helper Checklist before enjoying a magical one-to-one visit with Santa himself.
Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto to Trafford Centre this Christmas. Families are always looking for magical experiences they can enjoy together during the festive season, and this exciting new attraction combines the much-loved tradition of meeting Santa with the colourful, playful world of HARIBO.
“We can’t wait to welcome visitors to experience all the festive fun and create memories they’ll treasure for years to come.”
Phil Murphy, Chief Marketing Officer, HARIBO UK & Ireland said: “At HARIBO, our mission is to create moments of childlike happiness and Christmas is one of the most special times of year to bring that to life for families and loved ones. After opening our Trafford store during the festive season last year, we’re delighted to build on that relationship with the Trafford Centre community through the HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto.
“It is another exciting opportunity to serve our customers here, bringing the colourful world of HARIBO to life and helping families create sweet Christmas memories together.”
The festive journey includes designing your own digital sweet treat at a Creation Station, bringing a giant cola bottle to life through animated bubbles at the Fizz the Festive Cola Lab, exploring the glowing HARIBO Ring Reflections installation and sharing magical moments together at the interactive Cherry Seat.
Designed to delight children of all ages, and the young at heart, the HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto promises a “festive day out full of laughter, imagination and magical memories, making Trafford Centre the ultimate destination for Christmas celebrations in 2026” bosses say.
This event is produced and delivered by the award-winning creators of interactive theatrical events, Bakehouse Factory, in collaboration with HARIBO and the Trafford Centre.
Trafford Centre bosses have confirmed that the new Christmas experience will be located in a new purpose-built structure outside the Great Hall.
How to book tickets
Tickets are on sale now for the Trafford Centre HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto. It will run daily from November 20 through to December 23 this year.
Tickets are available from £20 for children and £8 for adults during off-peak periods, with standard tickets from £25 for children and £10 for adults. Family bundle ticket options will also be available.
Quieter sessions for SEND and carers are also now available to book.
For more information and to book, see the Trafford Centre website here.
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