Stockport guarantees a sweet Christmas with packed programme of family festive activities

Leading the line-up is The Great Gingerbread Hunt, a free-to-attend interactive experience transforming the centre into a festive trail for families. When Mrs. Claus discovers the gingerbread men have gone missing, young visitors are invited to help her find the missing pieces by following a trail map and clues through the centre mall.

Guided by Father Christmas’s playful elves and with fun surprises along the way, the adventure leads through Adlington Walk, where a Letter Writing Station will be open daily from December 1st – 21st , giving little ones the chance to write their wish lists and send them straight to the North Pole.

The journey concludes at the Gingerbread House, where families can meet Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a sweet treat from Mrs. Claus in her gingerbread-themed shop. The Great Gingerbread Hunt and Grotto are free to take part, taking place from 11am until slots are filled on Saturday 6th - Sunday 7th , Saturday 13th  - Sunday 14 th  and Saturday 20th - Sunday 21st  December.

Merseyway’s much-loved Giving Tree will be making a return to the centre from November 11th – December 14th , where shoppers can support local, underprivileged children by selecting a tag from a giant white tree located outside Specsavers. Each tag details the gender and age for a less-fortunate child, along with a specific gift they would like to receive for Christmas. Each shopper is then invited to purchase the requested gift and leave at the dedicated donation bin, ready for the Merseyway team to distribute in time for Christmas Day.

The Giving Tree initiative has become a tradition in Stockport, with over £100,000 worth of presents donated in 2024. To help shoppers make the most of the festivities, Merseyway will also be extending its Christmas opening hours, offering extra time to browse, buy and soak up the seasonal atmosphere across the centre. There’s also a variety of Festive Huts, where visitors can shop unique gifts and enjoy their favourite treats, including Yorkshire Pudding Wraps, Festive Crumble and more.

Festive Opening Hours

- Thursday 18 th December: 9am – 7pm

- Friday 19 th December: 9am – 7pm

- Saturday 20 th December: 9am – 7pm

- Sunday 21 st December: 10.30am – 4.30pm

- Monday 22 nd December: 9am – 7pm

- Tuesday 23 rd December: 9am – 7pm

- Wednesday 24 th December (Christmas Eve): 9am – 5.30pm

- Thursday 25 th December (Christmas Day): Closed

- Friday 26 th December (Boxing Day): 10.30am – 4,30pm

- Saturday 27 th December: 9am – 5.30pm

- Sunday 28 th December: 10.30am – 4.30pm

- Monday 29 th December: 9am – 5.30pm

- Tuesday 30 th December: 9am – 5.30pm

- Wednesday 31 st December (New Year’s Eve): 9am – 5.30pm

- Thursday 1 st January (New Year’s Day): Closed

With gingerbread adventures, heartfelt giving, letter writing and late-night shopping all wrapped up in one festive package, Merseyway is promising Stockport families a Christmas full of sweet surprises and festive wishes.

For more information on Christmas at Merseyway, please visit www.merseyway.com.