Manchester Breakdown Service Santa sleigh brings Christmas magic to Tameside

The sound of festive music, flashing lights, and plenty of Christmas cheer will soon fill the streets of Droylsden as the Manchester Breakdown Service Santa Sleigh returns to Tameside this December - spreading joy to families, hospitals, and care homes alike.

On Friday 5th December 2025, Santa and his hardworking team of volunteers will kick off their Droylsden route at Fairfield Moravian Settlement at 7:00pm, before touring the town and making special stops at Droylsden Shopping Centre, Active Medlock, Greenside Lane, and more. The night finishes at The Buxton Pub on Manchester Road around 9:30pm.

But behind the flashing lights and festive fun lies a heartfelt mission, to bring a little magic to those who need it most.

“We don’t do it for recognition,” says one of the organisers Scott, who helps run the Santa Sleigh with a dedicated group of volunteers. “It’s just about giving something back. Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces, and even the tears from parents, that’s what makes it worth it every single year.”

From selection boxes to smiles

What began as a small community gesture has grown into a huge annual operation. The team collects selection boxes, toys, and donations from local people and businesses to deliver to children’s wards, care homes, and families across Greater Manchester.

“People donate all sorts,” says Scott. “Some bring boxes out on the night; others drop things off. We just try to help as many as we can. During COVID, we went to the hospitals - the kids couldn’t come out, so they’d wave from the windows. It broke your heart, but it also made us realise how much this means.”

Bringing joy to hospitals and care homes

The sleigh and its festive crew, complete with Santa, elves, and even the Grinch, also make emotional visits to Tameside Hospital, Reubens Retreat, Ronald Macdonald, and other local care homes.

“Even five minutes of normality for those families, that’s everything,” Scott explains. “The parents are often in tears. We bring a bit of Christmas to the wards, a bit of light in a tough time.”

The team also visits elderly residents who may otherwise be alone during the festive season, delivering shortbread and small gifts to spread joy and remind them they’re not forgotten.

A community coming together

Running the sleigh takes months of planning and teamwork, from building decorations and lights to organising volunteers and routes. All donations go back into the cause with extra money being donated to Macmillan.

“Everyone helps however they can,” Scott says. “We’ve got posters going up with QR codes so people can donate, because not everyone’s online. And we’re already thinking ahead to Easter - we do the Easter Bunny run too!”

Droylsden route – Friday 5th December 2025

Here’s where you can see Santa and his sleigh in Droylsden this year:

7:00pm – Fairfield Moravian Settlement

7:30pm – Droylsden Shopping Centre Car Park

7:45pm – Medlock Sports Centre

8:20pm – Peregrine Crescent

8:40pm – Greenside Lane / Medlock Street

9:00pm – Five Ways / Manor Road

9:10pm – Cemetery Road

9:20pm – Manchester Road

9:30pm – The Buxton Pub

So, if you hear the sound of Christmas tunes and spot the glow of the sleigh lights, step outside, wave to Santa, and help spread the magic of giving this Christmas.

To support the Manchester Breakdown Service Santa Sleigh and help bring smiles to local children and families, visit their GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/8c8938bec 

Find out if Santas Sleigh is stopping near you on their Facebook page .