Christmas seems to start creeping up earlier every year! So, you may be looking for ways to get into – and sustain – the festive spirit between now and 2 January.
Get the party started with this fun selection of events happening in and around Manchester and get ready to make the most of every minute.
Turn shopping into a treat
Visit Manchester’s Christmas markets
Manchester’s Christmas markets offer a perfect outing for the whole family. Running from Friday 8 November to 22 December, start your gift shopping on the right foot as you soak in the festive atmosphere.
With more than 200 stalls spread across nine beautifully decorated locations, including St Ann’s Square, Piccadilly Gardens, and Cathedral Gardens, you’ll get through your gift list in no time.
Stands serving mulled wine and delicious treats galore will mean you’ll have no trouble staying fully fuelled and able to complete your mission with a smile.
Don’t miss the Christmas Lights Trail. Open daily, expect giant walk-through baubles, the iconic Manchester bee, and Santa Claus himself, who will be perched high above St Peter’s Square, keeping a close watch on who’s been naughty or nice.
Browse 50 hand-picked stalls at the Festive Winter Fair
On Sunday 1 December, 50 Manchester makers will be selling high-quality, handcrafted goods at Victoria Baths.
Treat your senses while you shop for your favourite people. Enjoy browsing all the stalls selling everything from jewellery, prints, candles, and Christmas decor to delicious treats and more besides.
Whether you’re after a unique stocking filler or something sweet for a special secret-Santa treat, you’re bound to find just the thing.
Let someone else cook for you
Start with breakfast
Join Santa for breakfast at the Hard Rock Café and enjoy some festive fun and games. Santa will be paying a visit – so be sure to be on your best breakfast behaviour.
Santa breakfasts are designed with children front of mind, so make sure you have at least one child to bring along with you, and book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Treat yourself to afternoon tea at Lyme
Festive afternoon tea will be served in the servant’s hall at Lyme every weekday throughout December.
The afternoon tea includes a welcome drink, a bowl of heart-warming winter soup, served with a selection of sandwiches, followed by essential sweet treats, including scones, and mince pies.
Save space for an indulgent dinner
All aboard the decorated and beautifully restored pullman-style carriages!
Leave your worries behind as you travel through the picturesque Irwell Valley by steam train, and tuck into a traditional Christmas meal on the way.
There’s no better way to get into the spirit of the season without lifting a finger. Ensconced in decadent polished-panel carriages with luxurious furnishings, and crisp linen, you’ll be waited on by dedicated staff.
Boarding commences at 7.15 pm with a prompt departure of 7.30 pm. The journey lasts just under three hours, returning to the station at 10.15 pm. Dress code: smart/casual.
Trains run on select dates throughout December. Find out more on the East Lancashire Railway website.
Watch your favourite festive movies, with a musical twist
You won’t regret leaving your sofa to watch your favourite Christmas movie presented in concert, with a full orchestra playing live to film.
Here are just a few of the movies you could see presented live to music at the Bridgewater Hall:
- The Holiday – Friday 6 December, 7.30pm
- The Muppet Christmas Carol – Sunday 8 December, 2.30 pm and 7pm
- Love Actually – Wednesday 18 December, 7.30 pm
- The Snowman – Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December, various times.
Book your tickets and discover more fantastic festive entertainment on The Bridgewater Hall website today.
Hear all your favourite carols at the Hallé Christmas family concert
Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a seat at the Hallé’s fantastic annual carol concert.
Choose from three performances on Saturday 14 December and Sunday 15 December.
Enjoy a wide selection of traditional and much-loved Christmas carols performed live on stage by the Hallé Orchestra, Choir, Youth Choir, and Children’s Choir – who will almost certainly steal the show when they perform I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas.
Book your tickets today.
