See all Manchester Christmas happenings this year!
Manchester kicks off Christmas 2025 near Piccadilly Gardens and Deansgate, with city streets humming under joyful lights and seasonal installations. The calendar fills with seasonal festivals, Santa experiences, and winter entertainment from open-air markets to musical performances and festive pop-ups for all ages.
Find the best Manchester Christmas happenings this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around Manchester
- Disney On Ice Presents Road Trip Adventures
- West End Events Christmas Party at Mercure Manchester Piccadilly
- Skate Manchester
- Sarnie Party: The UK's Ultimate Sandwich Festival
- Swing Into Christmas with the Down for the Count Orchestra
- Christmas Bhangra with the Jolly Bolly Elf (Hulme)
- The Twilight Trail
- Viennese Christmas Spectacular
- Christmas Baroque by Candlelight
- Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas by Candlelight
See even MORE Christmas events below!
Manchester Christmas Events
Manchester Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment
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Get into the holiday spirit with the sensational Down for the Count Swing Orchestra at Stoller Hall. This unique 30-piece ensemble with strings delivers an unforgettable Christmas celebration, recreating the timeless music of jazz legends. Expect exuberant renditions of swing era classics and festive favorites, promising a warm and joyful start to the season.
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Get ready for a festive adventure with the Jolly Bolly Elf! This interactive session invites families to help wrap presents, dive into the vibrant world of Bhangra Jingles and Bollywood Glitz, and spread holiday cheer. Prepare to sing, dance, and get involved in a celebration packed with audience participation.
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Transport yourself to Tsarist Russia and the heart of Vienna with a spectacular Christmas concert. This enchanting evening features Tchaikovsky's elegant Nutcracker Suite and the regal waltz from Sleeping Beauty, alongside Johann Strauss II's lively Trisch-Trasch Polka and the iconic Blue Danube Waltz. A truly magical celebration of Christmas through classical music.
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Experience a magical evening of classical music at Manchester Cathedral with 'Christmas Baroque by Candlelight.' This enchanting event features the acclaimed London Concertante performing timeless Baroque gems, including Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons' and Corelli's 'Christmas Concerto.' Perfect for those seeking a romantic, festive, or simply beautiful classical music experience, it's an ideal introduction for newcomers to classical concerts.
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Immerse yourself in a magical post-Christmas evening with Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons' and Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto, performed by the acclaimed Piccadilly Sinfonietta and renowned pianist Warren Mailley-Smith. Experience these timeless classics illuminated by the breathtaking candlelight of Manchester Cathedral.
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Experience the magic of 'A Christmas Carol' brought to life by Gerald Charles Dickens, the direct descendant of the author. This fully acted performance vividly portrays the timeless story and its unforgettable characters, offering a unique theatrical event that promises to be a highlight of the holiday season.
Manchester Christmas Food, Drink and Parties
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Get ready for an unforgettable Christmas celebration at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel! They are hosting a spectacular Motown-themed party featuring a live six-piece band playing the greatest hits. Indulge in a delicious three-course feast, try your luck at casino tables, and dance the night away in the elegant International Suite. This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the festive season in style.
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Prepare your taste buds for Sarnie Party, the UK's ultimate sandwich festival, making its debut in Manchester. This event is a celebration of all things between bread, featuring a weekend stacked with once-in-a-lifetime sangers, brilliant brews, and thrilling culinary experiences. Sample exclusive creations from top sandwich makers and enjoy a vibrant festival atmosphere.
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Celebrate the holiday season with a festive bottomless brunch at Crafty Pig Manchester. Indulge in exclusive Christmas dishes and sip on seasonal cocktails for two hours of pure festive cheer. It's the perfect way to kick off your celebrations with friends or colleagues.
Manchester Christmas Markets and Shopping
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Step into Winter Island, Manchester's ultimate festive destination. This magical winter wonderland offers cozy covered seating, crackling fire pits, and twinkling lights. Enjoy live music, festive drinks, and indulgent food from 12 kitchens, making it the perfect spot for Christmas nights out, work parties, or family fun.
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Manchester's legendary Christmas Markets return for their 26th year, transforming the city centre into a festive wonderland. With over 200 stalls across nine iconic locations, visitors can discover unique handmade gifts, artisanal crafts, and indulge in delicious festive food and drinks. Don't miss the magical Christmas Parade and the chance to skate under twinkling lights at the covered ice rink.
Manchester Christmas Light Displays
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Step into a world of enchantment at The Twilight Trail, a captivating after-dark experience set within the natural beauty of Mayfield Park. Wander through a magical woodland transformed by thousands of dazzling light installations, where immersive displays react to sound and movement. This unique sensory journey offers an unforgettable evening stroll through a beautifully lit natural setting, perfect for creating magical holiday memories.
Manchester Other Christmas Activities
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Get ready for an unforgettable journey with Disney On Ice Presents Road Trip Adventures! Join Mickey Mouse and his friends as they travel through beloved Disney stories, from the adventurous tales of Moana and the Lion King to the magical worlds of Frozen and Toy Story. Experience the wonder of Disney magic brought to life through incredible ice skating performances, dazzling costumes, and breathtaking choreography.
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Get ready for Manchester's ultimate winter experience at Skate Manchester! This premier ice rink transforms Cathedral Gardens into a magical wonderland from October 25, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Enjoy skating sessions on a fully covered and weatherproof rink, perfect for all forecasts. Dive into themed nights, contests, and live programming for an unforgettable seasonal escapade.
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Step into a festive wonderland at the Christmas Cracker Weekend, a holiday celebration at the Museum of Transport – Greater Manchester. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with traditional music, delightful festive food, and charming decorations. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience holiday cheer while exploring a fantastic collection of buses and commercial vehicles, with connections to the renowned Manchester Christmas Markets.
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Our goal is complete coverage—from major festivals to small community celebrations, ensuring you never miss anything happening in your area.
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