The Christmas period brings a wide selection of music that’s sure to have you tapping your feet and jingling all the way. Here to get you into the spirit this December are a number of concerts in Manchester featuring classic Christmas carols, music from your favourite festive films and multiple genres aiming to make your month merry. We’ve rounded up some of the best concerts taking place in Manchester to ensure you have a holly, jolly Christmas. After all, it’s the best time of the year.
1. The Big Christmas Party – The Bridgewater Hall
‘The Big Christmas Party… Live!’ boasts a spectacular blend of festive pop hits and traditional favourites, featuring a dazzling live ensemble band, four headline singers and incredible live music featuring hit after hit after hit. No matter what Christmas means to you The Big Christmas Party has it all. Unwrap the sound of Christmas with this unforgettable gift that will stay with you forever.
📆 Tuesday 17 December.
🎟️ Book tickets here.
2. Love Actually in Concert – The Bridgewater Hall
This Christmas, the star studded Love Actually, perhaps one of the most quotable and adored Christmas films around, will be presented live in concert, with a full orchestra playing the score live-to-film. Love Actually In Concert has become an annual festive tradition for many, gathering numerous sold out audiences in previous years.
The score for Love Actually was written by Golden Globe, BAFTA and Emmy-winning Scottish composer Craig Armstrong OBE, known for his work on films such as Me Before You, Moulin Rouge, Far From The Madding Crowd and Elizabeth: The Golden Age. The score and music for Love Actually is considered some of the most recognisable across the modern romcom genre, featuring covers of Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You and the Troggs’ Love Is all Around.
📆 Wednesday 18 December.
🎟️ Book here.
3. Candlelight: Christmas Classics concerts
Experience the most warming, nostalgic Christmas tunes by Candlelight this festive season, in the incredible surroundings of the Concorde Conference Centre. This unique venue will host a wonderful string quarter, playing the likes of Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker, Greensleeves and Carol of the Bells, alongside more modern classics from Wet Wet Wet, Wham and Mariah Carey. What a treat.
📆 Various dates.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
4. Bury Parish Church Choir Christmas Concert
Who doesn’t love a good old choir concert, especially at Christmas? Everyone’s welcome to this community event on Friday 20 December, no doubt including all the classics from Silent Night to Away In A Manger – this isn’t your average school production, the choir is made up of all ages, all trained in the best way.
📆 Friday 20 December.
🎟️ No ticket required.
5. Rick Astley’s Swinging Christmas
Get ready to swing into Christmas with Rick Astley! This tour follows Rick’s lifelong passion for the golden age of big band and swing, as he performs swing and festive classics, capturing the magic of the season. In 2022, Rick’s first ‘Swinging Christmas’ shows made his dream of performing these classics a reality. Rick said: “These classic songs have been a part of me for so long. Singing them with a big band was a dream come true. I can’t wait to share this special experience with you again this Christmas.”
📆 Friday 20 December.
🎟️ Find any remaining tickets here.
6. Manchester at the Musicals: A Festive Celebration
Co-op Live will be hosting Manchester at the Musicals: A Festive Celebration on Friday 20 December 2024, showcasing West End theatre favourites with a seasonal twist. The all-star lineup features double Olivier Award winner Sheridan Smith performing songs from The Greatest Showman and Cilla, and acclaimed stage and screen star Samantha Barks (Disney’s Frozen, Les Misérables), along with a lineup of surprise guests. All will be accompanied by Manchester Camerata, for a truly special evening.
📆 Friday 20 December.
🎟️ Tickets available here.
7. The Sunday Boys: A Very Queer Christmas
Now a much-anticipated tradition in the queer holiday calendar, this special concert at Manchester Cathedral invites you to explore and enjoy the festive period, all through a uniquely queer lens. This concert sees exciting arrangements such as In the Bleak Midwinter, The Rose, Wonders in the Sky, Solstice Carol, and White Christmas, alongside hits from the likes of Kate Bush. The evening will be framed by original texts by Mark Croasdale.
📆 Saturday 21 December.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
8. The Hallé – The Snowman with Mimi and the Mountain Dragon
Experience the captivating blend of music and storytelling on the Hallé’s big screen at The Bridgewater Hall, perfect for audiences of all ages. Under the guidance of Olivia Clarke, prepare to be transported to a world of fantasy and adventure. In the first half, join Mimi on a perilous journey to return a baby dragon to its mother in Mimi and the Mountain Dragon. Watch the story unfold on the Hallé big screen accompanied by members of the Hallé Choir and Hallé Youth Training Choir. The second half will have you Walking in the Air as Raymond Briggs’ timeless tale, The Snowman is brought to life with Howard Blake’s wonderful score.
📆 Sunday 22 December.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
9. Christmas Carol Singalong
Sing your way into Christmas as Jonathan Cohen leads you through the very best Christmas songs and seasonal classics in one irresistibly family friendly extravaganza at The Bridgewater Hall! Hear all the classics, including; White Christmas, Jingle Bells, Merry Christmas Everyone, Sleigh Ride, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Frosty the Snowman.
There’ll also be Carols for all, including; Good King Wenceslas, O come, all ye Faithful, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Once in Royal David’s City and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
📆 Tuesday 24 December.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
10. Viennese Christmas Spectacular by Candlelight
Brought to you by Candlelight Concerts, this special evening at Manchester Cathedral celebrates the magic of Christmas with a selection of beloved pieces. Tchaikovsky’s elegant Nutcracker Suite and regal waltz from his ballet Sleeping Beauty will transport you to the magical halls of snowy Tsarist Russia, whilst Johann Strauss II brings the ultimate Viennese touch to the evening with his Trisch-Trasch Polka and Blue Danube Waltz. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a true Christmas spectacular.
📆 Sunday 29 December.
🎟️ Find tickets here.