The best things to do in Manchester this Christmas

The Manchester Christmas Parade, now an annual favourite since starting in December 2022, is set to captivate families with an even grander spectacle this year featuring over 400 participants. Highlights include the Elf Express, a magical train of elves, and an array of whimsical acts like stilt-walking elves, dancing mice, giant polar bears, and Segway skiers, all bringing festive cheer to the city centre. The Christmas parade starts and ends at Manchester Cathedral.

Skate Manchester, located in Cathedral Gardens, is a popular seasonal ice-skating rink open from late October to early January, welcoming skaters of all ages and skill levels with 45-minute sessions. Skate hire is included in the ticket price, and beginners can book helmets and skating aids for extra support. Alongside the rink, Cathedral Gardens hosts a Christmas market, perfect for enjoying festive treats and warm drinks after skating.

The Dome is a unique event venue perched atop the ABC Building in Spinningfields. Usually you have to host an event there to be granted access, but during the festive season, you can book various weekend events there. What's more, the already striking venue is getting a Christmas makeover of its own in 2025, with the transparent dome turning into a winter oasis.

The Midland is a historic Manchester hotel that has hosted movie stars, royalty, and other famous faces through the year. It also boasts Manchester's only setting dedicated to afternoon tea, the opulent Tea Room. During the festive season, this indulgent British tradition makes for an ideal break while out shopping for gifts, to catch up with friends, or treat someone special to an unforgettable experience.

Browsing festive knickknacks with a hot drink in one hand and some dangerously drippy street-food snack in the other is a time-honoured Christmas tradition, and there's no shortage of Christmas markets to explore in Manchester. Our guide to the best Christmas markets in Manchester highlights which one to head to depending on what you're after – food, shopping, family-friendly fun, and the like – though to be honest, the holidays are long enough to let you check out all of them.

There are plenty of sparkly festive displays to take in as you stroll around Manchester, as well as dedicated light trails in beautiful locations a bit further out of the city. The big one in Manchester is the giant Santa Claus in front of the Central Library, but our personal favourites are the illuminated Christmas worker bees, adding a bit of local pride to the holidays.

This Christmas, Manchester's Bridgewater Hall is hosting a diverse line-up of shows perfect for the whole family throughout the season. Highlights include orchestral tributes to film composers like Hans Zimmer and John Williams, lively carol sing-alongs, a festive version of Horrible Histories, and screenings of classic Christmas films accompanied by live music courtesy of The Hallé orchestra.

Diecast, the food court and nightlife spot near Piccadilly, is again transforming into Winterhood, a festive winter wonderland offering a variety of holiday-themed activities and events. Visitors can enjoy drag queen and sing-along cabaret performances, seasonal food and drinks like s'mores hot chocolate and cinnamon dough balls, and socialise in the Winter Beer Hall or dance in the Berlin-style club space. Outdoor attractions include the Tinsel Town Trailer Park with warming drinks, while special events like a Christmas night market will run throughout the season.

Part of the St. John's redevelopment, Courts Club is turning into Winter Assembly from November, offering festive fun with Christmas decor and activities. The outdoor basketball and tennis court will be converted into a family-friendly ice rink, and karaoke chalets are available for indoor entertainment. Visitors can enjoy seasonal treats like boozy hot chocolate and festive grilled cheese, alongside special events such as holiday film screenings.

Freight Island, the massive food and leisure venue next to Mayfield Park, hosts the largest heated outdoor and indoor winter festival in the North each year. The annual Winter Island features a wide range of street food and drinks, along with loads of festive fun, Christmas attractions including Santa's Grotto for children, and other holiday mainstays.

This Christmas season, the RHS Bridgewater gardens invite visitors to experience Glow, a vibrant trail of lights through their woodlands and gardens, featuring interactive displays like giant petunias, twinkling yew domes, and glittering tunnels. Highlights include the return of the Moonlight Gardener with a new mind-blowing show, seasonal sounds, and plenty of festive treats.

Manchester's premier shopping destination, the Trafford Centre, naturally goes all-in on Christmas. In addition to the various special offers and seasonal treats offered by the on-site retailers, the mall hosts a range of family-friendly things to do at Christmas. You can pay a visit to Santa in his Grotto, skate around Tinsel Town, or wander the outdoor Christmas Trail in the Wilderspool Woods.

Comedy star Jason Manford returns to the Opera House as the titular hero in “Robin Hood”. Joined by panto favourite Ben Nickless, Landi Oshinowo, Adam Strong, and Sarah Vaughan, they're promising a show filled with talent. Audiences can expect all the classic pantomime elements, including laugh-out-loud humour, impressive scenery, dazzling costumes, and interactive fun with boos and hisses.