All you need to know about Manchester’s Christmas Parade 2024

Get ready for an unforgettable holiday experience as Manchester’s magical Christmas Parade returns for 2024!

This heartwarming event promises festive cheer and excitement for everyone—from children to the young at heart—on Sunday, December 8th.

Manchester Christmas Parade 2024

The now annual parade has become a festive favourite with families in the city since first taking place two Christmases ago in December 2022.

This year’s unmissable parade promises even more festive flair and fun than previous years with over 400 participants taking part in a joyous promenade through the city centre sprinkling pure festive magic along the way, guaranteed to melt even the hardest of hearts.

All you need to know about Manchester’s Christmas Parade 2024

On Sunday, 8th December, at 1pm sharp, the city will transform into a winter wonderland as over 400 performers fill the streets with the magic of Christmas. Sponsored by Rosgal Ltd, this free, family-friendly extravaganza is your golden ticket to festive fun—and it all kicks off at Manchester Cathedral.

The Elf Express

If you’re craving a holiday spectacle, you’re in for a treat. This year’s showstopper? The Elf Express, a dazzling train chugging its way through the city centre on its journey to the North Pole. Packed with elves galore, this festive locomotive promises to sprinkle holiday joy along the route, which winds through Deansgate, St Ann Street, Cross Street, Corporation Street, and Fennel Street.

But that’s not all! Be prepared for a parade packed with quirky and enchanting characters:

• Mistletoe-dancing mice pirouetting to festive tunes.
• Horse-riding elves on stilts who’ll tower above the crowds.
• A giant polar bear lumbering through the streets like a friendly arctic visitor.
• Robot drummers bringing mechanical beats to your Christmas heart.
• A hip-hop elf who knows how to groove in Santa’s sleigh.
• Airborne puppetry soaring through the air, making sure all eyes stay glued skyward.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the man in red himself—Santa Claus will be making his rounds, ensuring everyone is on the nice list!

Santa Sunday

Why wait until 1pm? Make a day of it! Santa Sunday kicks off the merriment from 10:30am to 12:30pm, with a pop-up grotto at the Royal Exchange. The first 1,500 visitors donning Santa hats or full Santa suits will receive free hot chocolate vouchers to use at the Manchester Christmas Markets—because nothing warms your hands and heart quite like a steamy cup of cocoa.

And as the big event draws near, Santa’s mischievous elves will be spreading holiday cheer along the parade route with giveaways and goodies at 12:30pm, ramping up the excitement for the main event.

Don’t miss out on the festive fun

Manchester’s Christmas Parade is a highlight of the season, promising all the sights, sounds, and sparkle that make this time of year so magical. So bundle up, grab your loved ones, and join us for an unforgettable celebration of the most wonderful time of the year.

Let’s make Sunday, 8th December, a day to remember—see you there, Manchester!

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “Everyone knows that Manchester is the place to be at Christmas and our unmissable, fabulous Christmas Parade promises even more this year of all the festive flair and fun you’d expect from Santa’s favourite city.

“Santa’s been spoken to – and is definitely coming – the reindeer are on standby, and we can’t wait for everyone to join us for what promises to be the Manchester Christmas Parade of the century.  It’ll be a cracker!”

What will be the route of the Manchester Christmas Parade 2024?

This year’s Manchester Christmas Parade will start at 1 pm and follow a longer route that starts and ends at Manchester Cathedral.

Manchester Cathedral – Victoria Street – Deansgate – John Dalton Street – Cross Street – Market Street – St Mary’s Gate – Deansgate – Victoria Street – Manchester Cathedral

For the full guide to a Manchester Christmas, click here