Tier 3 ain’t stopping us getting into the festive spirit!
Feeling like a bit of a Grinch this Christmas? While landing ourselves in tier three definitely sucks, it doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the most wonderful time of the year – with a number of events still taking place that are sure to get our spirits up. From classic movie screenings to seriously festive foodie spots, here’s our guide to some of the most Christmassy things to do while living under tier three rules.
1. Get into the Christmas spirit at a Christmas Drive-In Cinema
ChristmasCity has officially arrived in Manchester – and we are so ready to get into the festive spirit. The drive-in cinema at EventCity has a number of festive classics lined up for us to enjoy from the safety of our own cars, with actors, elves, a magical wonderland and Santa in store for guests. Watch faves such as Love Actually and How The Grinch Stole Christmas, or opt for newer family-friendly movies such as Arthur Christmas and Mary Poppins Returns. Tickets are on sale now and selling fast.
2. Get some Christmas shopping done
Now non-essential stores have re-opened, we can finally get on with our Christmas shopping (without leaving it til December 24th and ending up with ten boxes of Lynx for all the men in the family)…
3. Enjoy a Christmas Comedy Drive-In
Enjoy a drive-in show featuring performances from four fabulous local comedians, with live DJs playing to get everyone ready for the big show. The entire event will take place at a socially distanced venue, with all guests able to enjoy the event from the safety of their own cars. Rock up in your PJs, scoff all the snacks from the comfort of your car and swap the ho ho ho’s for the ha ha ha’s. Tickets are on sale now.
4. Pick up a Yorkie pudding wrap and head out on a winter stroll
Missing the Christmas Markets? Porky Pig – the market’s famous Yorkshire Pudding wrap stall – actually has their own restaurant in the city centre, where you can indulge in their gorgeous Yorkshire Pudding wraps all year round. Not only that, but they’ve introduced a special giant battered pig in a blanket Yorkie Pud wrap especially for the festive season, which is perfect for enjoying while having a stroll through the city.
5. Get a new festive look with M.I.B.A
Been missing the salons while they’ve been closed? Save a little bit of cash ahead of Christmas with a number of great offers at M.I.B.A – including packages for manicures, eyelash tints, and facials. Packages start at just £25, and can be purchased via Fever here.
6. Pick up some skiing skills at Chill Factore
Feeling a little unfulfilled this year? Aren’t we all. Make the most of December’s ‘loosened’ restrictions and pick up a new skill – with both skiing and snowboarding opportunities at Chill Factore. The activity space has re-opened until tier 3 restrictions, with social distancing measures in place to keep guests as safe as possible.
7. Take part in a gin cocktail and Christmas cracker-making workshop
If you fancy staying inside while we remain in tier three, there’s a number of great home activities to try that’ll keep you occupied in the comfort of your own home. And Monkey 47 has provided the perfect Christmas activity for anyone looking to get into the festive mood in the run-up to the Big Man squeezing down the chimney. Hosting two sessions this month, guests can enjoy gin cocktails, while also learning how to create your very own Christmas crackers from scratch. All ingredients, gin and crafts are supplied as part of the workshop, with tickets available to book here.
8. Learn how to make Portuguese Christmas sweets
Been working on your cooking craft? Widen your net with a little bit of culture, and learn how to make some classic Portuguese Christmas treats in your very own kitchen. The two-hour live online experience will guide you through each of the steps – with all the expert guidance from Pastelaria Batalha on how to create perfect Rabanadas, Sonhos and Coscorões/Filhós. Book your place here.
9. Try one of Manchester’s best hot chocolates
Missing the lovely sweet and warming stalls at the markets? There’s plenty of places to pick up a hot drink to takeaway – particularly under tier three measures, with a number of amazing spots in town for super indulgent hot chocolates. From those stacked high with so many treats they’re practically puddings, to the establishments that absolutely nail the classic-style hot choccy, our city has it all. Check out our guide here.
10. Make your own mulled wine
Another great alternative to the Christmas Markets, mulled wine is an incredibly tasty festive treat – and it’s super easy to make, too. All you need is a pan and a hob, and the ingredients which can be picked up from any local supermarket. Most recipes just require you to warm up red wine, oranges, cinnamon, cloves, star anise and a touch of sugar or honey to taste – and it’s as easy as popping it all in a saucepan together and simmering on low (with a pan cover) for just 15 minutes.
11. Check out Manchester’s Christmas light trail
While Christmas will look a little different this year in Manchester, the council hasn’t scrimped on the festive lights this year, with a whole light sculpture trail taking place in the city centre. The trail consists of the new Giant Santa, who can be found in St. Peter’s Square, with a number of other sculptures being lit up this week across Piccadilly Gardens, St Peter’s Square and New Cathedral Street, along with the traditional crib in St Ann’s Square and a Christmas tree by the Cathedral.
12. Become a cocktail pro and enjoy live music with Martell
Make yourself a cocktail pro ahead of the festive season and show off your skills to your Christmas bubble with Martell’s upcoming cocktail class, which not only features an expert masterclass with chef chef Max La Manna, but also features a live musical performance to enjoy at the end while you knock back your freshly made drinks. Tickets include a 20cl bottle of Martell as well as everything you’ll need to make the cocktails, as well as access to the live workshop and performance. Martell’s live classes have been super popular since the first lockdown, so you’ll want to snap up your tickets fast for December’s date.