There are two types of people in this world: those who love winter, and those who don’t. We think Manchester is pretty good at catering to both demographics, with lots of things to do this winter whether you want to avoid Christmas at all costs, or embrace it now it’s finally time. From dressing up for Christmas parties and merry festivities, to hunkering down at the theatre and getting into games and activities far away from the outside world, Manchester is ready for winter, even if you’re not.
1. Browse quirky Christmas gifts at the annual markets
It might be a novelty, but that’s kind of the point. Here once a year only, Manchester’s wonderful market traders have some lovely, quaint gifts to explore – even if it’s just to have a look. From cute, festive ornaments to locally made crafts, there’s tons to explore.
What’s more, you can grab some festive grub in the form of Porky Pig Yorkshire pudding wraps, German Bratwurst or something sweet like crepes or chocolate, and a winter warmer like boozy hot chocolate, mulled wine or a good beer.
🕒 On until December 22.
2. Get lost in a trail of Christmas lights
Manchester’s Christmas lights are making a return, and just like recent years, people enjoying the city can enjoy a huge trail of them spanning across some of the most popular areas in town. It’s free to do, and perfect for festive strolls in the evening. However, for more added magic this Christmas, Mancs can venture to beautifully-curated, twinkling light trails in and around the region such as Christmas at Dunham Massey and Glow at RHS Bridgewater plus so many more underway for the 2024 season.
🕒 Many continue until New Year.
3. Cosy up in one of the city’s wintery terraces, tipis or huts with a mulled wine
Nothing beats kicking back in a cosy spot on a cold day, and luckily for us, Manchester is absolutely full of ’em. From the alpine-themed huts at Bar Hütte to the wintery terrace at The Refuge, the Teepee at The Oast House to The Black Friar’s Winter Tavern, there’s plenty to choose from – with many of which serving up proper hearty grub and warming glasses of mulled wine. And how can you not have a least one mulled wine this festive season?
4. Catch a Christmas show or pantomime
Nothing says Christmas quite like a show or pantomime, and thankfully, there are a wide selection of performances to enjoy in Manchester this festive season, including the award-wining musical, Wicked. From family favourites to beautiful ballet performances, playful pantos to amazing adaptations, Christmas in Manchester is sure to be show-stopping.
5. Book in for some interactive activities with the kids, or big kids
We’ve seen a resurgence in interactive activities and gaming in Manchester over the past few years, with gaming bars like NQ64 expanding and the likes of King Pins and Black Cat Club setting up shop in the city. There’s even more fun to be had right now with more popping up both in the city centre and further out, where there’s even more space for fun, and a great option for the inevitable rainy (and possibly snowy) days we’ll have this winter.
6. Jingle all the way with a Christmas-themed Candlelight concert
The festive season is gradually on the horizon, and set to bring joy to even the Grinchiest of grumps, are a number of Candlelight Christmas concerts set to fill Halle St Peter’s and the Concorde Conference Centre with the sounds of festive music. From some of the world’s favourite Christmas films, including Love Actually, Home Alone and Home Alone 2 to quintessential Christmas songs that let us know ’tis the season like Jingle Bells, Feliz Navidad and Last Christmas. A classically-trained string quartet will take to the candlelit stage to take audiences on a memorable journey through some of the most heartwarming songs of the season.
🕒 You can find times and tickets here.
7. Hunker down with some good old Manchester pub grub
The opportunity for warming pub grub has us feeling all the cosy feels even before winter sets in. Which is exactly why we’re fully prepared and ready, stretchy pants on hand, for a season of pub grubbin’ in the North, from sausage and mash to fish and chips, and of course the classic Sunday roast. Manchester pubs with incredible grub of course include The Edinburgh Castle, Bay Horse Tavern and The Wharf, with special mentions going to The Oast House and Worsley Old Hall – yum.
8. Get some fresh winter air on a gorgeous walk
We’re all for a crunchy walk in our neck of the woods (literally), whether it be summer or winter, and with such an abundance of beautiful countryside at our disposal, how could we not love it? Get an injection of nature whether it be one of our reservoirs, woods or hills, all of which can be even more beautiful in winter – and we have so many to choose from.
9. Try your hand at a bit of ice skating
Popping up all over the city for the festive season, guests can glide their way towards December 25th to the tune of Wizzard’s I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday while enjoying a hot mug of mulled wine, with plenty of new and wintery scenes to skate around. From the annual Skate event in Cathedral Gardens, to brand new offerings like Winter Assembly, you’re covered whether you’re an amateur, or want to show off your prowess… plus many have food and drink to keep you skating!
10. Celebrate Chinese New Year with a browse at the Lunar New Year Market
With the new year fast approaching, Hong Kong Cultural Community and co-organisers have announced that a Lunar New Year Market will be making a return to Manchester in 2025. Featuring more than 110 diverse vendors, the market is set to double in scale, offering a mix of cultural festivities, mouthwatering cuisine, and vibrant performances.
Expect live music performances such as Cantonese New Year songs, Hong Kong Cantopop, and English pop covers, an array of authentic Asian dishes to indulge in, including ramen, siumai dumplings and thousand-layer cakes, plus traditional Lunar New Year snacks alongside creative fusion foods and plenty of crafts.
🕒 The event, which will mark the arrival of the Year of the Snake, will take place on February 1 and 2, 2025 at Market Street, Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street.
11. Check out this incredible immersive David Hockney exhibition
A landmark immersive exhibition allows Manchester art-lovers to marvel at the iconic David Hockney and his back catalogue of incredible work, with Factory International hosting Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away). From December 10, 2024 − January 25, 2025, David Hockney is using the extraordinary capabilities of the vast warehouse space of Aviva Studios, to take audiences on a personal journey through 60 years of his art.
The artist’s process is revealed in a cycle of six themed chapters, featuring his most iconic images alongside lesser-seen pieces and newly-created work. A unique and deeply personal running commentary by the artist is paired with an original score by Nico Muhly. From LA to Yorkshire, and up to the present day in Normandy, the show is an unprecedented opportunity to spend time in the presence of one of the great popular geniuses of the art world still innovating – see it before it’s gone this winter in Manchester.
🕒 The exhibition runs at Aviva Studios until January 25, 2025.
12. Feast your way through your favourite movies at Taste Film
Taste Film, located in Manchester, believes that a film should be more than just watched – it should be lived. And ever since founder Amy Fernando had an epiphany while watching Goodfellas, that’s exactly what she has been trying to achieve. Pairing brilliant food with iconic on-screen moments, Taste Film is truly a feast for all the senses.
Taste Film has partnered with The Anthologist on St Peter’s Square to screen some brilliant blockbusters. But don’t expect popcorn and extra-large Cokes. See, what The Anthologist has that your standard cinema doesn’t is a proper working kitchen – the perfect spot for dishing you up a three-course meal themed to the film, as well as a couple of drinks (alcoholic or otherwise). If you’re after indoor activities this winter in Manchester, this one’s for you.
🕒 See times and films here.
13. Unwind at Manchester’s utterly relaxing candlelit sound bath experience
At the Mindful Glow candlelit sound bath experience, you and your inner peace take centre stage. Following a successful debut, the tranquil, meditation-style sessions have returned by popular demand bringing hundreds of candles and a whole lot of zen to Manchester – and it’s one way to escape the stress of Christmas shopping. This candlelit sound bath will illuminate The Life Centre on Deansgate to let natural elements encourage a state of relaxation within you get ready to find true bliss – which is just what you’ll need after so much Christmas shopping in Manchester this winter.
🕒 Sessions are available in January and February, 2025.
14. Tuck into Christmas lunch on ‘Britain’s most luxurious train’ leaving from Manchester
Why not travel in luxury this holiday season by boarding the Northern Belle alongside a Christmas lunch? Described as Britain’s most luxurious train, the Northern Belle will be departing from Manchester Victoria on December 5 and 19. Probably the poshest train journey you’ll likely ever experience, the round-trip will include a seven-course festive lunch, flowing Champagne, and the stunning sights of the English countryside. It’s not cheap, but it’s one of the most magical winter experiences you could have in the Manchester area.
🕒 You can get the Northern Belle treatment until December 19.
15. Plan your New Year’s Eve celebration in Manchester
Ready to wave goodbye to 2024? Well, all we can look forward to once Christmas is over is the New Year celebrations, and Manchester’s full of them. From black tie gala dinners to day parties that’ll get you home in time for Jools Holland’s Hootenanny, there’s truly something for everyone. The likes of Freight Island and Warehouse Project are hosting their very own parties, pulling out all the stops for the biggest do in the city, with plenty of smaller bars and venues throwing their hats in the ring too. There’s really something for everyone to round off party season this winter in Manchester.