We’re sure you’ll agree that one of the best parts of the festive season—alongside sparkling concerts and markets—is Christmas films, and Manchester isn’t short of places to screen them for our viewing pleasure. From underground cinemas to those out in nature, there’s a huge variety of experiences to be had whilst sitting back and watching classics from It’s A Wonderful Life to Love Actually, more memorable than just sitting in your front room. Make a day of it at one of the best and cosiest spots to watch Christmas films in Manchester.
1. King Street Townhouse
The most prestigious spa, hotel and restaurant in Manchester, King Street Townhouse, also happens to have a secret screening room in the basement, and it’s not as dingy as it sounds. The luxury 20-seat cinema feels positively royal with plush surroundings and art deco touches, and it’ll be showing some of the best Christmas films for the people of Manchester this festive season.
Christmas classics such as It’s A Wonderful Life and, perhaps controversially, Die Hard will be shown alongside modern classics like Home Alone and How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and festive romcoms like Love Actually and The Holiday. Find your fave and book here – but be quick, this small room sells out lightning-fast and with entire meals and cocktails available whilst you watch, it’s a truly luxurious experience.
📍King Street Townhouse Hotel, 10 Booth St, Manchester M2 4AW.
2. Christmas Drive-In at Haigh Hall
Fancy an old school throwback? Well, the beautiful Haigh Hall and Woodland Park in Wigan is opening up for two Christmas film drive-in events this festive season. On Sunday 22 and Monday 23 December, Elf and The Polar Express will be hitting the Haigh big screen, surrounded by gorgeous woodland and enviable views over the North West.
Far from just sticking a film on, guests can expect the Kitchen Courtyard shops to open for last minute Christmas gifts and film food and drink, Christmas song and dance live in the Courtyard with Helen Minshall, a special late night opening of Santa’s Grotto (£7.50 additional charge per child), a walkabout visit from Santa on the car park (prior to main feature film), ‘in car’ games and giveaways, street food traders on the car park throughout the film, plus food and drink car delivery service.
What’s more, there’ll be a short Christmas film before the main feature, with Merry Madagascar and The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol. Choose your preferred night and book in here.
📍 Haigh Woodland Park, School Lane Wigan WN2 1PE.
3. Family Christmas Favourites at VUE Manchester
If you’re just looking to sit back and switch off for a couple of hours with one of your favourite Christmas classics, nothing fancy, look no further than VUE Manchester. VUE Printworks will be screening some of our favourites this festive season, including Elf, Home Alone (1 and 2), The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Polar Express and so many more – if you want to catch a cosy Christmas classic on the big screen at VUE, choose your favourite here.
📍 VUE, The Printworks, Manchester M4 2BS.
4. Winter Assembly at Courts Club
Winter Assembly has arrived at Courts Club Manchester, and alongside its brand new Christmas ice rink, cosy firepit and seasonal cocktails, you can also sit back and take in any number of wholesome Christmas films throughout the season. Usually, Courts Club is true to its nature, screening basketball and tennis games on their huge outdoor and indoor screens for all to enjoy, but this time of year, the channel is turned to something a bit more festive.
Enjoy the likes of How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Love Actually and Home Alone as you sip on a honeycomb hot chocolate or something stronger, wrapped up in the outdoor space or nestled inside for a cosy experience. Get the whole family down, or bring along some friends for a festive tipple and enjoy a film on the big screen(s).
📍 Courts Club, Goods Yard St, Manchester M3 3BG.
5. Into The Wild at Bollin Wood
Into The Wild, a forest experience tucked away deep inside the ancient woodland of Bollin Wood near Ashley, Altrincham, swaps modern-day technology for Mother Nature, allowing visitors to take the time to reconnect with their surroundings. The experience is also home to a teepee which will be showing Elf for families on December 8, 15 and 22 at 5pm, offering a unique Christmas film experience out in nature. If you fancy watching the story of Buddy the elf with leaves and branches crunching under foot, you can book here.
📍Ashley Hall Showground, Ashley Road, Ashley WA14 3QA (Access only from entry nearest Hale).
6. HOME Family Film Christmas Series
This Christmas, HOME is catering for families and festive fans alike with a whole series of wholesome winter warmers. Screening from 7th−15th December, HOME MCR will be showing Christmas films that have stood the test of time including Wallace and Gromit: A Close Shave and A Matter of Loaf and Death, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Elf. HOME Bar and Kitchen will also be open if you fancy a tipple or steaming meal for all the family, making this a wonderful day out.
📍HOME MCR, 2 Tony Wilson Pl, Manchester M15 4FN.