Our guide to what you can do in and around the Borough this weekend

Child writing letter to Father Christmas

A wide range of Christmas pantomimes, Silent Christmas Disco, a Marvel-ous Christmas day with the Avengers, Family Christmas Movie afternoon, live bands, Christmas parties, Carols in the park and holiday activities at the Garden Centre - lots to do for all the family.

• Events happening all weekend

A Brief History of Christmas – Hare Hill House, Fri 22 & Sat 23 Dec, 7.00pm – 10.00pm
Acclaimed musicians Chris Green and Sophie Matthews (with special guest Jude Rees) present a festive romp through 600 years of Christmas music, songs and carols. https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/51593/

Christmas Magic at the Norton Grange – Mercure Norton Grange Hotel & Spa, all throughout December
This Christmas the Mercure Norton Grange Hotel and Spa are having a magical Christmas celebration with a range of events such as Frozen Magic parties for Children and Festive lunches for adults.
https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/48501/

Santa’s Grotto – Touchstones Rochdale, Fri 22 & Sat 23 Dec, 10.15am – 4.00pm
Although Santa has been very busy preparing for Christmas Eve, Touchstones Rochdale has managed to convince him to take a couple of days off to visit the Museum. https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/49123/

The Wizard of Oz – Heywood Civic Centre, Fri 22, Sat 23 & Sun 24 Dec
Starring Coronation Street's Julia Haworth; this Christmas treat is fun for all the family, packed with great songs, brilliant dance routines and plenty of laughter. We’re off to see… A wizardly wonderful Pantomime adventure. https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/48364/

Sleeping Beauty – Middleton Arena, Fri 22, Sat 23 & Sun 24 Dec
Beauty falls into a deep sleep that can only be ended with a kiss from her true love. Will her handsome price come to her rescue and save the day? https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/48227/

Dick Whittington – Gracie Fields Theatre, Fri 22, Sat 23 & Sun 24 Dec
A panto paved with gold starring The Chase' Mark Labbett and Rochdale's comedy legend Jimmy Cricket!
https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/51798/

Christmas Activities at Gordon Rigg Garden Centre Rochdale – Gordon Riggs Rochdale, Fri 22 & Sat 23 Dec, 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm
Join us for our festive activities throughout December! With lots to choose from, you're sure to find something to keep you entertained. There is also a free Reindeer trail! https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/51356/

• Friday 22 December

A Marvel-ous Christmas Adventure & Disco with the Avengers – The Norden Arms & Eatery, 11.00am – 12noon
The Avengers will be hosting the day (well some of them as others may be called to save the world - super heroes don’t get Christmas holidays) which will comprise of a meet and greet, photo opportunities, a disco and small buffet. https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/51550/

Family Christmas Movie Afternoon – Open Door Church, 2.30pm
A perfectly festive afternoon for all the family to get in the Christmas spirit! https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/51702/

Silent Christmas Disco – Littleborough Library, 2pm – 3pm and 3pm – 4pm
Fun for all the family! Booking is essential for the headphones only. https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/51408/

Christmas Party Night – The Heywood Carvery and Function Suite, 7.30pm
Enjoy live entertainment with Babalola the soul sensation, a 2-course hot fork buffet and then you can dance until the early hours with DJ Bryan bringing you all the Christmas and party hits.
https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/51528/

Live Music: Sex Pistols Experience – Empire Rochdale, 8.00pm – 4.00am
The 40th anniversary of the gig that almost - but never - happened! https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/49036/

Mad Friday (pop up bar) and Live Band: The Groove Yard – The Flying Horse Hotel, 10.00pm
Rochdale's oldest live music venue in the towns best pub (official CAMRA) hosts our very own Mad Friday pop up bar whilst you listen to a great Funky covers band. https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/51629/

For a full list of Friday’s events see the Rochdale Online Events Diary https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/search?searchvalue=22-12-2017&searchtype=date  

• Saturday 23 December

Rochdale AFC v Walsall & Family Christmas Day – Crown Oil Arena, 3.00pm kick off
Rochdale’s final home game before Christmas will see Keith Hill’s side take on Walsall in League One. As such, we’ve got plenty going on to get you in the festive spirit! https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/48608/

Santa’s Little Helper – The Curtain Theatre, 11.30am and 2.00pm
As the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Eve, Albert is in for a very big surprise - stuck up the chimney is a jolly old fellow with a fluffy white beard and a big, round belly and he needs Alberts help!
https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/50978/

Christmas Carols in the Park – Milnrow Memorial Park, 2.00pm
Music by Milnrow Band, come and enjoy some traditional festive spirit. https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/51127/

Live Music: Electro 80’s – Empire Rochdale, 8.00pm – 4.00am
Electro 80's (also known as E80) are the UK's premier 1980’s Electronica Tribute band, playing songs from bands like Depeche Mode, O.M.D, Yazoo, Gary Numan and Duran Duran.
https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/51674/

Live Band: The Noel Fraser Band – The Flying Horse Hotel. 8.00pm
Come down to the Flyer to see this live pop and rock covers band! https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/51630/

For a full list of Saturday’s events see the Rochdale Online Events Diary https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/search?searchvalue=23-12-2017&searchtype=date

• Sunday 24 December, Christmas Eve

Free Christmas Banquet – Rochdale Parish Church of St Chad’s, 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Don't be without a meal this Christmas. Come join us and have a chat whilst enjoying a hot meal together.
https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/51594/

Brass Bands, Carols and Olaf – The Flying Horse Hotel, open from 10.00am
Family fun at the Flying Horse to get you in the Christmas spirit. https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/51631/

For a full list of Sunday’s events, including all Church, Crib and Carol services, see the Rochdale Online Events Diary
https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/search?searchvalue=24-12-2017&searchtype=date  

• Submit an Event

If your group or organisation would like to publicise an event then you can complete and submit the Event Submission Form 
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/submit