For when the forecast falls apart in and around Stockport. Everything here is under a roof, or has enough indoor space to be worth the drive anyway.
A free half hour of stories for under 5s at Stockroom, the new library in Merseyway. Every Wednesday at 11am. It is free but they ask you to book so they know numbers.
Batilda the witch has dropped her potion ingredients all over the house, and children hunt them down room by room for a small prize. Recommended from age 3; adults pay normal house admission.
Arc's monthly art club at Hat Works in Stockport, where adults and children make things together. Drop in between 11am and 3pm, with a suggested £3 donation per artist if you can afford it.
Spot the elves hidden round Bramall Hall and win a festive prize at the end. £3 a child plus the booking fee; adults pay normal admission. Recommended from age 3. No trail on 5 and 6 December.
The Snowman shown on the big screen at Stockport Plaza with the Yorkshire Imperial Band playing the score live. Cert U and billed for all ages, in the lovely 1930s cinema.
Santa Claus The Movie on the big screen at Stockport Plaza, the restored 1932 art deco cinema in Mersey Square. A Sunday afternoon showing at 3pm. Rated PG.
The house is dressed room by room in Christmas traditions from around the world, made by Handmade Theatre. The car parks shrink when it is wet. A bus or train ticket gets you into the park and garden free, but not the house, so you still pay for this bit.
A junior cast put on Frozen Jr at the Forum Theatre in Romiley, with all the songs from the film. Evening shows 3 to 5 December and a 2pm matinee on the Saturday.
Stockport's family panto at the Plaza on Mersey Square, with Todd Carty as Fleshcreep. BSL-interpreted shows on 5 and 10 December; book at the box office to dodge the booking fee.
Father Christmas at Bramall Hall: elf spotting, a letter to write and a gift from Father Christmas himself. Every child needs a ticket booked in advance, none are sold on the day. From age 3.
Charming Entertainment's Beauty and the Beast panto at the Forum Theatre in Romiley, running 12 to 28 December with morning and evening shows. Prices are on the booking site.
Stockport Symphony Orchestra's family matinee at the Town Hall: Peter and the Wolf and The Bear and the Piano shown with the live orchestra, plus Carnival of the Animals. Accompanied under 16s are £5.