Take a first look inside Manchester’s Christmas Time Machine, where much-loved toys, festive traditions and larger-than-life installations will bring Christmases past to life across Leazes Park.
Drawing on familiar memories that make Christmas so evocative, the trail will transform much-loved toys and festive traditions into immersive light, music and interactive installations, inviting visitors of every generation to rediscover the excitement of Christmas morning.
Take a sneak peek at some of our 2026 illuminations
Peek inside a bustling world of post boxes, workshops and one very overpacked postal van, where the North Pole’s tiniest team are hard at work.
Watch the elves crafting, wrapping, sorting and quite possibly arguing over who used the last bit of sticky tape.
Peer into a set of giant mirrored kaleidoscope arches and watch the world around you shatter into swirling colour and pattern creating a dazzling nod to the classic childhood toy.
Watch neon lines twist, weave and wind overhead like your old Spirograph set has leapt out of the toy cupboard and into the night sky.
It is wonderfully wonky, brilliantly bright and pure childhood nostalgia in glowing motion.
With more illuminations to be featured, now is the time to book your 2026 festive night out.