Five alternative ways to spend Christmas Day

Christmas is well and truly on its way. Contrary to popular belief, eating your weight in turkey and all the trimmings before falling asleep on the sofa in front of some rubbish Christmas TV special isn’t compulsory.

Although bickering over the last mince pie might seem like most people’s Christmas reality, it doesn’t have to be this way.

So if you’ve had enough of the festive feelings or just want to get away from your Uncle Wilf from Wigan, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s our pick of alternative ways to mark the season, in no particular order.

The Albert Square Chop House

For some of us the mere thought of picky eaters and washing up stacks the size of Beetham Tower is enough to turning your hair as white as Santa’s. Dining out on Christmas Day isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but if you do fancy it, or you don’t have family to celebrate/ argue with, The Albert Square Chop House has got you covered. Relax with a glass of English festive fizz on arrival and then tuck into a menu that’s bound to warm even the coldest of hearts – a heartwarming soup or trio of Scottish smoked salmon, goose and duck pate and then a traditional roast free range turkey dinner followed by sticky toffee Christmas pudding and festive cheeseboard delights.

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Go for a Christmas walk

Heading out on a winter stroll to walk off the roasties and extra potatoes is always a good idea. Otherwise the whole experience can start to feel a bit like a long-haul flight, what with the films, food and the worrying pains in your legs. Your local park will do. Why not try Alexander Park or Platt Fields? It’s more than likely to be full of hungry birds so remember to bring plenty of leftovers from your Christmas meal.

Volunteer

Charities need volunteers all year round, but especially so at Christmas, so why not offer to lend a hand. The Old Nag’s Head in Spinningfield’s is giving homeless free food and drink on Christmas Day and there are plenty more charities that need your help. Click here to read more about how you can help.

Head to the bar

There are a number of reasons you might find yourself at a bar on December 25th. Maybe you don’t celebrate Christmas, you ran out of booze at home, or you desperately need to get away from that family member who took the game of charades a little too seriously. Cloud 23 is open on Christmas and it’s the perfect place to get merry or drown your sorrows. Try something completely different, opt for the five-course festive cocktail progression menu at Cloud 23, with Perrier Jouët champagne cocktails and bespoke tapas style taster dishes – in the surroundings of the sky bar’s chic Zeus Lounge that’ll be decked out in a festive, winter theme.

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Stay somewhere remote

Many hotels in the city offer a Christmas Day package so check out The Lowry or King Street Townhouse if you fancy a little staycation. If you’re looking further afield, and looking for something a little quirkier, why not stay somewhere like Warren Farm? It’s a cosy little glamping site, close to the beach and it comes with your own camp fire, off grid piping hot shower and solar candle lanterns and chandeliers.

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