15 things to do in Manchester this Christmas

From magical markets to alpine karaoke, this is your ultimate festive guide to Manchester❄️

Manchester truly comes alive during the festive season. Whether you are looking for a magical evening out with the family, a cosy date night, or a lively get-together with friends, the city has something special for everyone.

From world-class light trails to interactive festive cinema and indulgent sweet treats, you are spoiled for choice this year. Grab your cosiest scarf and a hot chocolate, here are 15 amazing things to do in Manchester this Christmas!

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1. Explore the Manchester Christmas Markets

• 
  6th November 2026 – 22nd December 2026

No festive season in the city would be complete without a visit to the iconic Manchester Christmas Markets. This November, the city centre returns to its signature wooden chalets and festive cheer to mark the start of Manchester’s holiday celebrations.

Wander through Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens to browse an incredible array of handmade gifts, artisan jewellery and festive decorations. Come hungry, the famous bratwursts, mini pancakes and iconic mugs of Glühwein are must-haves as you soak up the Christmas-y atmosphere.

2. Cheer on the Manchester Christmas Parade

• 
  6th December 2026

Mark your calendars for Sunday 6th December, because the Manchester Christmas Parade is returning to spread joy through the streets! This heartwarming event is the city’s special gift to families and visitors, filling the roads with festive floats, dancers and larger-than-life characters.

It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, especially for the little ones. Grab a spot along the route early, bring your Santa hats and get ready to wave to Father Christmas as he makes his grand procession through the city centre.

3. Marvel at the Northern Lights at Heaton Park

• 
  19th November 2026 – 31st December 2026

Prepare to be dazzled by the Northern Lights at Heaton Park, an incredible mile-long Christmas light trail running from the 19th November to the 31st December 2026. This award-winning experience transforms the iconic park into a mesmerising wonderland, featuring a brand-new ‘Christmas Time Machine’ theme with 17 distinct illumination zones.

After walking through the magical woods and pulsing light displays, head into the Christmas Village. Here, you can warm up with indulgent treats, festive drinks and even enjoy some classic fairground rides with the family.

4. Experience A Christmas Carol at The Lowry

There is nothing quite like live theatre at Christmas to make the season feel truly special. For a dose of classic holiday storytelling, head to The Lowry for a spectacular performance of A Christmas Carol. This timeless Dickens tale never fails to deliver all the cosy, nostalgic feels.

Settle into the beautiful theatre in Salford Quays and watch Ebenezer Scrooge’s iconic journey of redemption unfold on stage. It’s a heartwarming production guaranteed to leave you feeling festive, grateful and full of Christmas spirit.

5. Go Christmas Shopping at the Trafford Centre

If you need to check off your Christmas shopping list, the Trafford Centre is the ultimate destination. Decked out in spectacular Christmas lights, towering trees and magical displays, the Trafford Centre turns the often-stressful task of gift-buying into a genuinely festive experience.

Take a break from browsing the massive selection of high street and designer stores by stopping at one of their seasonal pop-ups or enjoying a festive coffee.

6. Sip festive drinks at Bar Hütte

Bringing the magic of the Alps straight to Manchester, Bar Hütte is the ultimate festive pop-up bar. Set in a beautiful, twinkling outdoor village, the main bar area is a fantastic place to grab a hot toddy or a spiced cider and mingle with the cheerful winter crowds.

The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, featuring rustic wooden decor, fairy lights and plenty of heaters to keep the winter chill at bay. It’s an idyllic setting to kick off a festive evening out in the city.

7. Explore the illuminated gardens at RHS Bridgewater

Just a 30 minute drive from the city centre, RHS Glow Bridgewater offers one of the most serene and beautiful winter experiences in the region. During the festive season, the world-class gardens host a magical illuminated trail that highlights the natural beauty of the landscape after dark.

Wandering through the glowing archways and beautifully lit botanical displays provides a peaceful contrast to the bustling city centre. It’s a spectacular, romantic and deeply relaxing way to celebrate the season in nature.

8. Get competitive at Roxy Ball Room

If you’re looking for a bit of friendly competition, head to Roxy Ball Room for their brilliant ice-free curling lanes. You don’t need to worry about slipping on the ice or wearing layers of winter gear; it’s all the fun and strategy of traditional curling in a buzzing, indoor setting.

Alongside the curling lanes, Roxy offers a massive playground of other activities, including crazy pool, tech shuffleboard and ten-pin bowling. With great music, an extensive drink menu and an unbeatable party atmosphere, it is the perfect spot for a lively festive night out with friends or colleagues.

9. Dine and watch Home Alone at Taste Film

Take your festive movie night to the next level at Taste Film’s special screening of Home Alone. This isn’t just a cinema trip; it’s an immersive dining experience where you are served a unique five-course menu that perfectly matches the iconic scenes happening on screen.

From eating your very own ‘no sharing necessary’ pizza to indulging in warm cookies meant for Santa, every single course is designed to make you feel like you’ve stepped right into the movie. It is a deliciously nostalgic way to experience a beloved Christmas classic.

10. Belt out Christmas tunes in a karaoke hütte

While the main Bar Hütte is great, booking one of their private, alpine-themed karaoke hüttes is where the real party starts. You and your friends get your own cosy wooden cabin, complete with festive drink service and your very own karaoke machine.

Belt out all the classic Christmas hits like Mariah Carey and Wham! at the top of your lungs without a care in the world. It’s perfect for office parties or lively friend get-togethers, offering private party vibes right in the heart of the city.

11. Glide across the ice at Skate Manchester

• 
  6th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

Lace up your skates and take to the ice at Skate Manchester, the beautiful seasonal ice rink located in Cathedral Gardens. Covered by a festive canopy, it ensures you can glide away regardless of the unpredictable Manchester winter weather.

It welcomes skaters of all skill levels, making it a perfect activity for families, couples, or friends. After your session, you can easily warm up with a hot drink from one of the nearby market stalls to cap off a wonderfully traditional winter experience.

12. Get cosy in The Oast House Christmas Teepee

A true staple of a Manchester Christmas is ducking into The Oast House’s legendary Christmas Teepee in Spinningfields. The enormous canvas tent is erected each winter, complete with roaring fire pits, rustic wooden benches, lively music and twinkling fairy lights draped from the ceiling.

Snuggle up with a blanket, order a hearty winter dish and sip on mulled wine while listening to live acoustic music in this magical, cabin-like retreat.

13. Indulge in a sweet Christmas treat tour

Manchester’s independent bakery scene is undisputed, and a DIY festive sweet treat tour is a brilliant way to spend an afternoon. Get started and map out a route hitting up the city’s absolute best spots. We’d recommend Gooey, Bisous Bisous, Siop Shop, Pollen, Half Dozen Other, and La Chouquette.

At each stop, pick up their seasonal specials, from gingerbread doughnuts and mince pie croissants to rich hot chocolates and spiced delights. It’s a sugary, joyous adventure that supports local businesses while satisfying your holiday sweet tooth.

14. Enjoy live music at Katie O'Brien's Manchester

For a brilliantly raucous and joyful festive night out, get yourself down to Katie O’Brien’s. This lively Irish tavern offers an electric atmosphere with brilliant live music that will have you up on your feet dancing all night long.

Throughout Christmas, the energy is dialled up even higher, with crowds singing along to both Irish classics and festive anthems. Grab a pint of Guinness, enjoy the craic and let the incredible live bands provide the soundtrack to your night.

15. Snap a photo with the Giant Santa in St Peter’s Square

Finish off your festive itinerary by paying a visit to Manchester’s beloved Giant Santa! This massive, glowing Father Christmas sculpture takes up residence in St Peter’s Square, casting a festive glow over the tram tracks and the beautiful Central Library.

Taking a selfie with the giant Santa has become a beloved modern Manchester tradition. It’s wonderfully cheerful and the perfect final touch to a magical Christmas trip to Manchester.