MENU

Christmas Story & Donkey Day 2026

sun20dec11:00 am3:30 pmChristmas Story & Donkey Day 2026Eat, drink, sing and be merry at this festive community event!11:00 am - 3:30 pm(GMT+00:00) 4 Hours 30 Minutes

Donkey Day & Christmas Story

Event Details

Join us from 11am on December 20th, 2026 for The Christmas Story & Donkey Day community event, a celebration for all the family – come and enjoy the festive fun, refreshments, music and activities, wear your favourite Christmas jumper or outfit, sing carols and meet real donkeys!

Festive refreshments will be on sale all day in the Welcome Café, featuring Carl’s lovely winter menu with brews, brekkies, butties, bowls and cakes galore.

Carol singing with the choir will begin at 1pm and the wonderful Christmas Story, led this year by Rev Fay Barratt (and the donkeys of course!) will start at 2pm.


Booking info

Entry is just £1 for adults and free for children.

*Children must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult

Capacity and parking are limited, so early booking is recommended, as well as early arrival on the day.

Tap here to reserve your tickets


Donkey Rides

Donkey rides will be available for (small) children* all day and cost an additional £4 each.

You’ll need to book in advance for donkey rides, with various time slots available.

Tap here to choose your slot and book donkey rides.

*Please note: We take animal welfare very seriously. The donkeys are wonderfully cared for by a fully licensed sanctuary and do not travel far.


**As our duty of care to the donkeys, please note we’re unable to admit dogs (except guide dogs) on the day.

Thank you for your understanding – we’re sorry for any inconvenience.


Directions to the Monastery here.

Time

20th December 2026 11:00 am - 3:30 pm(GMT+00:00)
4 Hours 30 Minutes

The Monastery Manchester

89, Gorton LaneAn extraordinary place to visit; a sanctuary with a heart full of peace; an architectural wonder; an intellectual feast!

The Monastery Manchester

**Please note: The Great Nave will be closed to the public on Tue 20th and Wed 21st October, 2026, and the café will be moved to the Sanctuary. We're sorry for any inconvenience**