Festive teepees and igloo bars to find in Manchester this Christmas

With the festive season now in full swing here in Manchester, the city’s bars and venues are once again making the best use of their outdoor space with pop-up tipis, igloos and even snow globe bars.

That means an array of quirky places to escape the cold and snuggle up with a festive tipple.

Here’s our guide to some of the best festive pop-up bars in the city this Christmas.

Impossible’s Alpine Village

An alpine village with mini-chalets, children’s entertainment and a makers’ market selling original, locally made artisanal gifts can be found at Impossible Manchester at the Great Northern.

The all-new winter destination for all ages is located in the Great Northern Amphitheatre, behind the Impossible bar and theatre on Peter Street.

Whilst grown-ups are relaxing with some alpine-themed cocktails and decadent hot chocolates with a range of theatrical toppings at the full-service bar inside the luxury tipi, there’s a play area for younger guests to enjoy.

The Impossible Alpine Village is open now until the New Year. Mondays to Fridays 12 noon until late (open from 10am on Wednesdays) and Saturdays and Sundays from 11am until 11pm.

Igloos at Refinery

The pop-up igloos have returned outside The Refinery on Spinningfields, and how gorgeous do they look?

Each igloo accommodates up to eight people for dining or up to 10 for drinks and nibbles and all bookings include full table service from the Refinery team. Igloos of four or less can be shared on the day.

Due to their incredible popularity, the igloos must be booked on a first-paid basis and can’t be held without deposit.

Open now – for more information, including prices and available sittings, please email the team for more details.

Snow globes at 20 Stories

Boasting panoramic views of Manchester, the terrace up at 20 Stories has become a winter wonderland with the addition of snow globes and sumptuous furry furnishings.

Manchester’s highest restaurant opened its Winter Terrace this week in partnership with Talisker, the award-winning single malt Scotch Whisky from the Isle of Skye. The terrace holds two giant snow globes to ensure you’re warm and cosy to enjoy of views of the city throughout the winter season.

Open from now until March 2019 – you can book your exclusive area within the Snow Globe (for 8 guests or more): Monday-Wednesday, £35 per person minimum spend; Thursday-Sunday £50 per person minimum spend, fully redeemable on food and beverage.

Tib Street Tipi at Dive

The Northern Quarter is getting into the festive spirit this year with the new Tib Street Tipi transforming the beer garden area at Dive bar into an alpine retreat.

Once inside you’ll find twinkling lights and Christmas cheer in abundance.  You can also feast on wholesome winter fodder and delicious platters all washed down with hot chocolate and marshmallows, spiced plum cider, mulled wine and other festive tipples.

Open now until Thursday December 20th

The Curious Teepee at Oast House

The Oast House’s Curious Teepee rather started off this whole trend for festive outdoor bars.  And it has returned again for more festive fun on Spinningfields.

With fire pits, fur throws, festive fairy lights and warming drinks, the teepee is one of Manchester’s most atmospheric winter venues and the perfect spot to huddle up with friends for a hearty lunch or after work drinks.

Open now until end of January 2019. 

Bar Hutte, Spinningfields

For all those who fancy channelling their inner Mariah Carey this Christmas, the Bar Hutte pop-up is the place for you.   As well as the quirky alpine lodges to huddle up in and enjoy the wealth of festive food and drink, you can also book your own private lodge with karaoke machines inside where you can belt out a festive classic.

Open now until December 22nd

Alpine Village at intu Trafford Centre

There’s a new Alpine Village attraction bringing all the fun of a festive ski retreat at the intu Trafford Centre.

Entry is free and you can expect a giant luxury tipi at the heart with a bar, firepit and a host of love music.  There’s also an instagram photo wall, alpine photo booth and a range of hot food stalls offering Yorkshire pudding wraps, foot-long pigs in blanket, and a Nutella House with crepes, donuts and all manner of chocolatey-drenched delights.

It’s open now just outside the Great Hall.

The Alpine Village is open Monday to Saturday from 10am until late and on Sundays from 12noon until 6pm, until January 6.