From world famous Christmas Markets to ice villages and festive light trails, Manchester is the UK’s capital of Christmas and no mistake. We’re more than ready to celebrate in style for 2024.
Manchester’s Christmas Markets have been attracting visitors to the city centre since the late ‘90s. They’ve been voted the best in Europe, and with over 300 stalls offering everything from homemade crafts and toys to gifts and garments, not to mention the obligatory whopping bratwurst sausages and mugs of steaming mulled wine, it’s easy to see why. Millions of visitors have enjoyed the markets over the last two decades and they have become one of the UK’s most popular festive events, attracting fans from around the globe.
Festive food and drink plays a big part in the city’s celebrations, of course. From special seasonal menus in the city’s restaurants to street food stalls lining the streets, local businesses go the extra mile to make Christmas special. No wonder Manchester is so popular for Christmas parties.
After an unforgettable debut in 2022, Manchester’s Christmas Parade will be back bigger and better than ever on Sunday 3 December at 1pm. See spectacular characters, magical performances, extraordinary acts, and more as the parade weaves through our streets.
The Christmas Parade is part of a Festive Sunday programme that will bring free entertainment to the city centre every Sunday throughout the November and December: a series of magical takeovers that promise to capture the imaginations of youngsters and delight the whole family.
And in the true spirit of Christmas, the season also brings out the charitable side of big-hearted Mancs. From local restaurants feeding the homeless to charity appeals meaning disadvantaged children in Greater Manchester are able to wake to presents on Christmas Day, Mancunians know that Christmas is all about giving.
If all that’s not enough, the city was voted one of the best Christmas destinations for 2021 in top international magazine, Forbes – the only UK destination to make the list. We can’t say we’re surprised.
Happy Christmas, Manchester!
The annual Christmas Light Switch-on event is usually one of the biggest events of the year attracting thousands of people into the city centre to start the festive season with a bang.
The pandemic has meant that the usual event could not go ahead this year, but three NHS workers will have the honour of pushing the button on this year’s lights, who will be joined by some of Manchester’s front-line health and social care workers.
The small, socially distanced event will take place at Manchester Cathedral on Wednesday, 2 December at 6.45pm and will be live on BBC Radio Manchester, BBC North West Tonight and live streamed on social media for people to enjoy safely from home.
Interviews with the NHS staff chosen to switch on this year’s lights will also appear on BBC Breakfast and on social media.
It’s official! Manchester’s Christmas Markets are the best in the UK. Manchester was the first city in the UK to host dedicated Christmas markets. 20 years later, we’re still the UK’s number one.
The markets will officially be open to the public from 13th November to 20th December 2024, with certain areas reopening after Christmas into the New Year.
Manchester’s Christmas Markets are located in Winter Gardens at Piccadilly Gardens, King Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens and the Corn Exchange.
Father Christmas will take up residence in St Peter’s Square after Remembrance Sunday.
The Ice Rink in Cathedral Gardens will be open for Christmas skaters from 2 November – 2 January 2024
The food and drink stalls in Cathedral Gardens alongside the skate rink will remain open until 31 December
*All details subject to change, reflected on 2023 dates and times.
Comedy Superstar Jason Manford is BACK for a 3rd year of panto at the Opera House as Prince Charming! Jason is joined by Manchester panto favourite Ben Nickless, who returns for another year of fun as the hilarious Buttons, alongside star of stage and screen Myra DuBois back by popular demand, this year as Cinderella’s Wicked Stepmother.
Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients Manchester audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.
Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her Prince Charming.
Live at Opera House Manchester from 14th December 2024 to 5th January 2025
This smash hit show shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invited these ‘come from aways’ into their lives with open hearts.
Experience this joyous story and soaring music as spirited locals and global passengers come together to forge friendships that will stay with them forever. The first female American Airlines captain, the quick-thinking town mayor, the mother of a New York firefighter and the eager local news reporter are among the many real characters caught at the start of the moment that changed the course of history and whose stories became a true celebration of hope, humanity and unity.
Live at The Lowry from 3rd December 2024 to 5th January 2025
The festive magic returns to Manchester with Silcock’s Winter Wonderland Manchester from 4th December 2021 to 2nd January 2022, the UK’s largest indoor Christmas theme park sponsored by Boohoo and BoohooMAN, returns to EventCity next to the Trafford Centre.
We’ve chosen a diverse selection of venues, all of which are taking Christmas bookings now. So whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner, a large company affair, or something in between, keep reading because we’ve got you covered.
Experience the ultimate festive gathering at Hyatt Manchester.
Secure your spot for your festive celebration on exclusive Private Events Floor. Revel in the festive atmosphere whilst enjoying great food and service.
Start the party with a festive arrival drink, then enjoy a three-course festive banquet with coffee and mince pies in a private room complete with festive decorations.
Elevate your festivities with all the perks of the Star Package, plus a DJ and Dancefloor.
Looking for something different? Explore private party options on the 18th floor, with packages starting at £50 per person.
Early Christmas bookings are now open at Fenix Restaurant & Bar
Escape Manchester’s winter and be transported to the mystical Grecian isles, through a Greek-Mediterranean dining experience like no other. Become immersed in ancient culture and mythical tales of old.
Explore Christmas sharing-concept menus, curated by the talented Greek duo, Executive Chef Ippokratis and Head Chef Zisis. They will guide you on a journey of Greek culinary discovery with dishes inspired by their own past Christmas celebrations, featuring the flavours and traditions they cherish.
To book contact the team directly on 0161 646 0321 or email [email protected] including group dining of 8 and above, large parties or full venue fire enquiries during the Christmas period.
Celebrate Christmas at the best party in town thanks to The Lowry!
Start the night with a sparkling reception drink before making your way into our beautifully dressed party spaces.
Our fantastic magicians will perform some spectacular magic tricks at your table before a delicious three course meal is served. After dinner, dance the night away into the early hours with our live singer and DJ.
PARTY INCLUDES
Christmas at Heaton Park has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family.
Discover colour-changing orbs of light stretching out into the distance, larger-than-life flowers and neon strings that reach high into the sky. Wander through a laser garden filled with thousands of tiny beams of light and into a giant twinkling tunnel that surrounds you with sparkle. Immerse yourself in the tantalising world of thrills, spills and the sweetest of treats at the fairground village.
Grab a seasonal snack from one of the hand-picked street food vendors who bring an indulgent twist to the menu on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a perfectly festive *spiced winter warmer, *hot chocolate or *toasted marshmallow and share it with someone special.
Enchanting festive light show Glow returns to RHS Bridgewater, Wednesday to Saturday evenings from 15 November to 30 December and tickets are selling fast.
Lighting experts SLX have created a glittering new trail, illuminating the garden’s best-loved features on a magical winter walk.
There are also two exciting new interactive commissions for 2023.
Kaleider’s Twist and Shine is a playful installation of giant, interactive light sculptures. Made out of interconnected triangular prisms, visitors can twist each glowing sculpture into thousands of different shapes and create their own shining work of art.
The world-renowned shopping and leisure destination where you’ll always find must-have brands, high street favourites, delicious food, and exciting leisure all under one spectacular roof.
Home to a mouthwatering mix of restaurants and activity in the heart of the city centre.
Offering an eclectic selection of restaurants, with a menu for every taste and an exciting array of leisure activities to keep you captivated from brunch to cocktails.
We’re here to help when it comes to Christmas, Be Inspired to try something different.
Whether you’re looking for gifts for the whole family, fabulous food to serve at home, or something to keep the kids happy on your shopping trip – you’ll find all the information you need on the website.
The number one spot in the heart of Manchester for days out with the kids, nights out with your mates and everything in between.
With 14 bars and restaurants, leisure activities for every age and one of the largest IMAX screens in Europe, Printworks has it all.
Discover an enticing and distinctive shopping experience, right at the heart of the city. Within one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings, you’ll find some of the world’s favourite high-street brands, chic independent stores and luxury boutiques.
Great Northern is perfectly positioned in the heart of the city centre as the perfect place to eat, drink, meet and play.
Our Grade II listed warehouse, public square and the longest Victorian terrace in Europe all fit together to create a must-visit destination in the city centre.
The Lowry is a world-class arts centre in the heart of Salford Quays. With a range of shows throughout the year from musicals and stand-up comedy to heartwarming stories and children’s books come to life, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Give the gift of tickets this Christmas and make somebody’s year.
Manchester’s Palace Theatre has been one of the city’s premier venues since 1981 and continues to deliver groundbreaking and record-breaking performances year after year. The gift of award-winning and exclusive performances is something that will never be forgotten.
Be part of the action as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up mayhem on a plate alongside a 3-course meal and two hours of non-stop laughter at the Hotel Brooklyn.
Give 12 months of entertainment at The Lowry with a membership. Get exclusive priority ticket access, 2-4-1 tickets and additional discounts online. The gift that gives all year round for just £35.
Use code ILMLOWRY30 to get £5 off memberships in November 2023
Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin.
A wild & wonderful adventure for Christmas 2024
Winner of four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical in London and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway
Join HOME for a festive musical this Christmas!
Hope Mill Theatre is to stage a new production of the magical musical version of A Christmas Carol at The Lowry, Salford for the 2024/25 festive season
Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol will be presented live in concert this winter across the UK, featuring its musical score performed live to the film.
You shall go to the ball next Christmas with the spectacular family pantomime Cinderella.
Celebrate the festive season in style with the vocalists and instrumentalists of Down for the Count Concert Orchestra
Presented live in concert, with a full orchestra playing the score live-to-film.
Unveiling the mystery behind Manchester’s cryptic billboards reveals Lifeshare’s heartfelt campaign, featuring ‘celebrity endorsements’ that are real stories of those impacted by homelessness, aiming to draw attention to their crucial breakfast program.
Why book gifting to struggling children and families is so important this Christmas…
Albert’s Schloss is giving away £15,000 worth of Christmas drinks in a postcard campaign this month and would love for you to share the news and link to sign up
The Christmas parade blew our minds this Sunday, with a dazzling display of over 400 participants, including dancing snowmen, nutcracker characters, and a special appearance by Richard Parker from the hit play Life of Pi.
As the most magical time of the year approaches a comprehensive study has been revealed ranking Europe’s top ten Christmas markets.
The countdown to Christmas is officially on in Santa’s favourite city as Manchester gets ready for the opening of its world-famous Christmas Markets on Friday 10 November.
Love Manchester? Prove it. Have your visit to the website make a difference in Greater Manchester…
The I Love MCR Foundation raises vital funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester – and we can’t do it without your help.
The official I Love MCR Shop not only spreads Manchester love across the world, but it also helps keeps the lights on so we can support the city region.
Taking on a challenge? Why not fundraise for our Foundation. We’ll even throw in some merchandise to wear, too. Raising funds for great causes is priceless.
Advertise online to reach millions of inspired people who are subscribed, engaged and use our channels on a daily basis.
Regional out-of-home media makes advertising on digital billboard screens across Greater Manchester affordable.
Copyright © 2009 – 2024 I Love MCR® All Rights Reserved. C/o I Love Media Limited
