8 reasons to visit Salford Quays over the festive season

Written by I Love MCR
Last updated 6 years ago
City of Salford, Culture, Shopping, Theatre, Travel & Hotels

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the perfect opportunity to take a trip to Salford Quays to enjoy some festive food and drink, take in a show and do a bit of Christmas shopping. Everything is within easy walking distance, making it a no-brainer for a day out or weekend break. Here’s our rundown of the best of Salford Quay’s Christmas offerings:

Lightwaves 2017

The lights have been ceremonially switched on, marking the beginning of another seasonal celebration of digital art and innovation from Quays Culture. Featuring new and exclusively commissioned digital art displays alongside emerging talent and light workshops, Lightwaves 2017 brings light to those dark winter nights, as 12 free light experiences span Salford Quays from the Plaza between The Lowry and the Lowry Outlet to MediaCityUK. The festival is also hosting free toddler moves sessions from Baby Moves. It’s a fun way to encourage children’s physical and social development through sensory and creative play. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. Until Sunday 17th.

The Lowry Christmas Extravaganza

Forget pantomimes this year and be part of The Lowry’s Christmas performance extravaganza the family at performances of Elf The Musical (Friday 24 November to Sunday 14 January), Around the World in 80 Days (Tuesday 5 December – Sunday 7 January), The Gruffalo (Wednesday 6 December to Sunday 7 January) and The Extraordinary Tale of Holly Christmas (Wednesday 20 to Sunday 31 December).

Shopping

If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift or stocking filler, Salford Quays’ independent and high street shops, attractions, and array of artisan market stalls have you covered. Lowry Outlet has an extensive collection of high street and designer labels at up to 70% off plus festive crafts, artisan foods and music at its Magical Makers Markets every weekend throughout December. The extensive range of Framed L.S Lowry Prints at The Lowry Gift Shop make an ideal gift and, for a gift with a difference, what about a gift voucher for The Helly Hansen Watersports Centre. Activities range from wakeboarding and kayaking to climbing and powerboating.

Ordsall Hall

Visit the wonderful Tudor Manor House, Ordsall Hall for some festive-filled adventures. On Monday 11 December be part of the Christmas Concert and enjoy music from the BBC Philharmonic string quartet. Families will love Sleepy Stories and Christmas Cheer on Thursday 21 December. Grab your favourite teddy and join Sleepy Steph to hear winter tales with a cup of hot chocolate in the Great Hall. On Sunday 17 December why not visit Father Christmas in his festive grotto or get creative at Christmas Wreath Making. Learn how to make a festive wreath to take home, using natural materials such as chillies, oranges and pine cones. Great to keep or use as a gift. Everyone gets a mince pie too.

Christmas Lunch or Dinner at Marco’s

There’s only one place where you’re guaranteed a Marco Pierre White Christmas. Marco’s New York Italian at MediaCity. For just £25 per person for a three-course dinner or lunch, or £18 for a two-course festive lunch between 12:30pm – 3pm, you can take your pick from from five starters, five mains and five desserts. And they’re open on Christmas Day too. For more information and to book click here.

Festive Afternoon Tea

Copthorne Hotel Manchester is spreading the Christmas cheer this year with its Festive Afternoon Tea and Sunday Lunches with Santa. It’s worth gathering the family for this as you never know what special guest might make an appearance.

Ship Canal Cruises

Set sail and take a boat ride along Manchester’s historic ship canal to see the ultra-modern skyline from the water with Manchester River Cruises. They offer a range of cruises including seasonal Afternoon Tea on Wednesday 13 December and the Historical Cruise, complete with mulled wine and mince pies, on Saturday 16 December.

Hotel Football

With so much to see in just one day, take the opportunity to rest your head at Hotel Football, the world’s first football hotel over the water opposite Old Trafford. It’s the go-to destination for fans and families, whether you’re going to a game or not.

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