Rhyme times, toddler sessions, stay and play and everything else that genuinely works with a pre-schooler in and around Stockport.
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.
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.
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 guided walk-through at the farm: passport control, a naughty-or-nice machine, a teddy to build and stuff, Mrs Claus's kitchen, the reindeer stable, then a personal visit with Father Christmas and a coin to spend in his toy shop. Marshmallow toasting by the fire costs extra, so decide before anyone spots the fire pit. Free parking.
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.