Twixmas in Sale 2025: things to do between Christmas and New Year
Christmas in Sale is brought to you by Life in Sale and GRB Skin Clinic.
Glow into the season with skin you love!
Ah, Twixmas, that lovely, if slightly confusing, in-between stretch (too full for another roast, not quite ready to say goodbye to the tree). For those ‘what day is it?’ days, Sale is perfect for a few relaxed trips out of the house. If you’re staying local, here are some top picks to keep Twixmas feeling festive (without feeling frantic).
Start at Waterside: puppets, creativity and a proper cuppa
Head to Waterside for Meet the Puppet Masters, a free exhibition celebrating stop-motion animation, with original models and puppets on display. It runs until Saturday 17 January 2026, so it’s ideal for a Twixmas wander.
Once you’ve enjoyed the exhibition, stroll across to ‘Sup Coffee House for a hot drink and a piece of cake.
Waterside's ‘Twixmas’ opening hours
Friday 26 10am-4pm | Saturday 27 10am-5pm | Sunday 28 CLOSED | Monday 29 1-5pm | Tuesday 30 10am-5pm | Wed 31 10am-5pm | Thursday 01 January CLOSED | Friday 02 January 10am-5pm
📍 Waterside, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford, M33 7ZF
Catch a film at The Northern Light Cinema
For a dark, warm, low-effort treat (the Twixmas dream), book a seat at The Northern Light Cinema in Stanley Square. Alongside new releases, it also shows crowd-pleasers like classics, live screenings and special events, so it’s always worth checking what’s on.
Pottery painting at Bean & Brush
If Twixmas is calling for something cosy and creative, book in at Bean & Brush Art Café in Stanley Square. You pick a piece of pottery (think mugs, plates, money boxes, figurines, even bigger bits like vases and teapots), then settle in with the paints and make it completely your own — no artistic “skills” required. It's a perfect way to limit the number of times the kids say the words "I'm bored"!
Prices start from £9.50.
📍 Bean and Brush Art Café, 51-52 Stanley Square, Sale M33 7XZ
Do the Bridgewater Canal walk (with a sweet reward halfway)
If you fancy fresh air without going into full hike mode, the Bridgewater Canal towpath is your best friend this week. Wrap up, take it at a gentle pace and make a pit stop at Walton Perk, Sale’s favourite narrowboat café moored by Walton Park, serving hot drinks and treats with proper canal-side views.
Walton Perk’s ‘Twixmas’ opening hours
Saturday 27 10am-3pm | Sunday 28 10am-3pm | Monday 29 CLOSED | Tuesday 30 CLOSED | Wednesday 31 10am-3pm | New Year's Day 10am-3pm | Friday 02 January 10am-3pm
Hire a kayak from Grip Adventure
Feeling brave (or it’s miraculously dry)? You can get out on the water with Grip Adventure, who offer paddling experiences along the canal and provide the kit and a quick tutorial, so you’re not just… wobbling into the new year.
As it’s December, expect the weather to try and stop the fun – always check opening hours with Grip Adventure before you set off!
Add a must-do Sale ‘Twixmas’ classic: Sale Water Park
For a bigger outdoorsy reset, head to Sale Water Park for lakeside paths, wildlife spotting and that “I’ve been outside, I deserve a snack” feeling. It’s also home to watersports activities (seasonal and weather dependent), if you fancy being more active.
📍 Sale Water Park, Rifle Road, Sale M33 2LX
New Year’s Eve in Sale: dinners, DJs, fireworks and a proper knees-up
If you’re staying local for NYE, there’s a really good range this year, from food-led plans to full party mode. Highlights include:
Wine tasting + dinner at Cork of the North (with fizz at midnight)
The Boathouse: three courses, DJ, tables from 7.30pm (over 18s)
Ashton Mersey Cricket Club NYE Party: DJ, fizz, cocktails, fireworks
The Sale: Masquerade Millennium Party (free entry)
The King’s Ransom: ticketed party with food, live music + karaoke (over 18s)
The Block & Gasket: a “see in 2026” party night with food and drinks
Book a meal at one of Sale’s best restaurants
If you do one “proper” meal out over Twixmas, make it count – and book ahead!
A few strong picks:
Choi’s (Washway Road): inventive, fine-dining-leaning sushi and small plates in a relaxed setting
The Perfect Match (Cross Street): a neighbourhood bistro offering a contemporary European a la carte menu with optional wine pairings to complement each dish. The Perfect Match is set to close in January, so if you haven’t yet tried it, we 100% recommend that you do!
Hot Thai (Northenden Road): With its wide menu selection and welcoming atmosphere, this Sale Moor restaurant is a great choice for family meals or post-Christmas debriefs with mates. Read our review of Hot Thai, Sale Moor.
Veranda Mediterranean Restaurant: It's Eastern Mediterranean menu, blending traditional dishes with modern twists. Read our review of Veranda Mediterranean Restaurant.
Looking to eat in Sale over Twixmas? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Sale at the moment.
