51 Things To Do in Manchester this Christmas

1. Steam into Christmas on the East Lancashire Railway’s famously festive Santa Specials. Your family will make enchanted memories to share as they take a trip through the magical Irwell Valley alongside colourful characters and surprises. 

2. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without settling down in front of Raymond Brigg’s classic animated film, The Snowman. Bring everyone to watch whilst the Hallé performs Howard Blake’s magical score live, including a chorister singing ‘Walking in the Air’. 

3. The Snowstorm, Manchester’s favourite ice show, returns with a sensational new show. Experience the magic of Firebird in a captivating winter show that combines the elegance of ice skating with the excitement of circus performances. 

4. Hop on a Churnet Valley Railway's Polar Express Train and immerse yourself in a captivating winter wonderland as you embark on a journey through Staffordshire's hidden valley and into the Staffordshire Moorlands, on the outskirts of the stunning Peak District. 

5. The smash-hit theatre show Wicked is flying back to Manchester this December! With music and lyrics by multi-Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy Award winner Stephen Schwartz and a book by Tony Award-nominee Winnie Holzman, Wicked is currently the 11th longest-running show in West End history.

6. Meet up with friends and family in Tatton Park’s Stableyard for the much-loved Christmas Carols and sing-along to Christmas classics with the King Edward Musical Society Band and choir. 

7. Step into the magic of Christmas at Tinsel Town the festive fairground, where twinkling lights and joyful rides await, as well as seasonal delights such as mulled wine and bratwurst.

8. The classic Dickens story comes to life with true Broadway spectacle in this Musical version brought to you by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens and breathes fantastic new life into the classic tale of A Christmas Carol. 

9. Have yourself a LEGO-tastic Christmas this year and join in with the festive fun at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester. There are so many festive-themed activities, plus access to two rides, LEGO build & play zones and a 4D cinema experience at the ultimate indoor LEGO playground.

10. Join in for a Chanukah-themed workshop to get you in the festive spirit! Decorate and make chocolate gelt, with a range of glitter, sprinkles and fruits! Take your coins home in your very own origami box, to enjoy with family or friends or give as a beautiful gift.

11. Step into Yuletide: A Glittering Winter Garden Adventure at Tatton Park Gardens this Christmas. Fall into a world of folklore, festive tradition and rituals as the characters and creatures from winter myths and stories come to life! 

12. Head to the family favourite The Lanterns at Chester Zoo and watch the little ones’ eyes light up and their imaginations run wild on a magical night-time journey. 

13. Discover new immersive installations as the magical Christmas Light Trail at Dunham Massey returns for 2024. Enjoy time together with friends and family as you discover sparkling tunnels of light and dancing lakeside reflections, then walk under giant baubles and beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour. 

14. Let it Glow! Enjoy an unmissable after-dark spectacle of lights at RHS Garden Bridgewater this festive season. See the garden in breathtaking beauty and follow amazing displays lighting a wonderful new route. 

15. The Land of Lights Festival returns to Gulliver's World Warrington with all-new lanterns. This winter it's time to explore WonderWild; the magical new theme for 2024 is based on nature and animals reimagined. 

16. Step into a magical outdoor experience with dazzling lighting and supreme sound in the depths of Cheshire woodland. 

17. Embark on a Journey to Oz this Christmas with Tatton Park. Be swept away on a wonderful adventure through iconic scenes from the Wizard of Oz, transformed and brought to life within the grandeur of Tatton Park's historic mansion.  

18. Nestled deep within Arley Hall Estate (Famous for Peaky Blinders and a Harry Potter trail in the same woodland) awaits a spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses. 

19. MediaCity’s winter season highlight, Lightwaves Salford, is set to return from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th December, with a special extended run of the showstopping water-based ‘Monad’ artwork until 22nd December. This year, Lightwaves Salford will feature 14 illuminated artworks along a 2km fully accessible trail around MediaCity and Salford Quays.

20. Take part in the GM Ringway Walking Trail this winter! Delve into this 300-km walking trail that connects Greater Manchester's residents and visitors with the city-region's fantastic countryside and heritage.   

There are 20 linear and 10 shorter circular walks to choose from and the trail is split into 20 stages, exploring the landscapes of all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester. The trail is also linked by public transport, as each linear stage is designed to start and finish at a tram, train or bus stop, making it easy to access from anywhere in the city-region.  

21. Breathe in some fresh air as you circle Hollingworth Lake, which is set against the dramatic but stunning backdrop of Blackstone Edge. This award-winning tourist destination is a tranquil beauty spot for you to escape to this festive season.   

22. Visit Castlefield Viaduct situated in the heart of Manchester City Centre where you'll find a Victorian-era steel viaduct transformed into a green (hopefully snowy) ‘sky garden’ this winter season. You can also find them on Stages 1 & 20 of the GM Ringway Walking Trail.  

23. The Etherow Goyt Valley Way is a 15-mile footpath linking Vernon Park in Stockport with the Longdendale Trail in the Peak District near Hadfield. It passes through riverside meadow and many areas of fine woodland. It has constantly changing and extensive views, especially in the middle section where the Way runs high above the valley.  

24. Make a day of it and explore Peel Tower, Holcombe Moor and Ramsbottom. Across in Bury, explore the two-mile circular route that gives you magnificent views for miles around. When you reach Peel Tower, take a minute to catch your breath and admire the changing scenes from across Greater Manchester, the Derbyshire Pennines and over to North Wales this wintery season.   

25. Situated on the edge of Oldham and the Peak District National Park, Dove Stone Reservoir is a spectacular area popular with visitors and for family days out. A picturesque spot with an easy access path makes it simple for the whole family to take a stroll round the reservoir, stopping on the way at Chew Brook to explore the rocks and paddle in the stream. 

26. Visit Father Christmas and his elf helpers in a festive grotto at the Tatton Park Farm. Don't forget to take your photo in Santa’s sleigh and make your magical reindeer food in the Mill to take home and sprinkle around on Christmas Eve! 

27. Wish lists at the ready! Join in for a special half-hour session of festive songs and crafts, including a private family visit to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift at Quarry Bank this Christmas. 

28. For a Christmas experience like no other, Manchester River Cruises invite you to board their Santa Cruise and enjoy the views while the children get to interact with Santa and his elves. 

29. Step into the enchanting world of Cockfield's Farm Park this Christmas and embark on a magical journey like no other. Whether young or young at heart, the elf shows promises to captivate and entertain, adding an extra sprinkle of magic to your Christmas experience. 

30. Journey through the magical Christmas Grotto and join Mrs Claus for a Christmas story, meet Santa, snap a family photo or take a seat in Santa’s sleigh at Lancaster Park and Animal Farm. 

31. Join the elves at the Hayloft for some fun workshops, take a ride on the miniature railway and end the day with a gift and story from Santa himself. 

32. The family favourite Christmas event is back! Come along and enjoy a buffet-style breakfast and get to meet Santa himself at the Hard Rock Cafe. 

33. Get your festive shopping fix at The Trafford Centre, with everyone's favourite brands including Selfridges, Michael Kors and Goldsmiths. 

34. Or, you can of course find a vast selection of exciting shops from the leading high street names such as Beaverbrooks, Waterstones and Pandora to lots of smaller, stylish specialists at Manchester Arndale.  

35. Find your favourite local traders at Manchester Christmas Markets. You can expect mouth-watering international food, drinks and delicately crafted Yuletide gifts in the heart of the buzzing city.  

36. Get ready to kick off the holiday season with the ultimate Christmas shopping experience at Tatton Park Christmas Gift Fair. You'll be greeted by a festive atmosphere, twinkling lights, and a variety of local suppliers selling everything from jewellery to candles and crafts to gin. 

37. Join Co-op Live for the ultimate festive celebration, with a twist! Sheridan Smith invites you to get up and party to festive and theatre favourites as a stellar line-up of famous friends joins her for a Christmas concert like no other.

38. Escape to Winter Island to indulge in delicious festive food and drinks – with a build-your-own hot chocolate pop-up! The former railway station will transform its outdoor area into a market-style eatery, whilst the adjacent Mayfield Park brings its first ever Twilight Trail to the 6.5-acre site. 

39. Be a guest in your city and embark on a gastronomic adventure with Scranchester Tours. The tour will reveal fascinating facts about Manchester's food history, touch on food science and take in some magnificent local food along the way. 

40. Swan Lake is arguably the world’s most popular ballet and a timeless tale. Prince Siegfried falls in love with Odette, Queen of the Swans, only to be tricked into betraying her by the wicked von Rothbart and his daughter Odile. The thrilling sight of a company of swans dancing in perfect harmony is one of the true delights of classical ballet.

41. Get ready for a festive night out at The Oast House, where you will find live music, a delightful festive menu and their fairytale-like Teepee, decorated to make your evening feel magical. 

42. Join in this festive season at the Winter Village at Cheshire Oaks and book one of the magical Christmas huts. Enjoy traditional German bratwurst from the swing grill, warm up with mulled wine at the bar and relax and marvel at the UK's tallest Christmas tree in Northern England.

43. The former head Gardener’s Cottage at Tatton Park is the perfect location for a festive celebratory Afternoon Tea. Enjoy the special Christmas menu with handmade cakes and pastries, festive favourite finger sandwiches and savoury tarts. 

44. The magic returns to Cathedral Gardens this winter with a stunning real ice rink at Skate Manchester. Enjoy skating by starlight under the cover of the rink’s roof, meaning you can skate in any weather and enjoy the festive atmosphere. 

45. Steam into Christmas with a Christmas Dinner and enjoy a steam train journey through Lancashire's very own winter wonderland. 

46. Get into the Christmas spirit at a special Festive Supper Club. Whether you book with friends or come by yourself, you'll enjoy a relaxing, social atmosphere as you unwind, chat and eat great food.  

47. Looking for a gift for a beer lover? Then look no further and book some gift vouchers for an unforgettable Craft Beer journey through Manchester, where you will visit both craft beer bars and breweries, sampling a variety of locally produced beers. 

48. This Christmas, join HOME for a festive musical as Miracle on 34th Street takes the stage between Fri 6 Dec – Tue 31 Dec. Based on the classic tale, this brand-new production set in New York City is a story of hope, joy, and a sprinkle of festive magic. 

49. Join for a delightfully festive workshop at Bar Hütte and create your very own Christmas wreath by hand. Your ticket includes everything you need to craft your masterpiece as well as a glass of fizz or mulled wine to start your evening. 

50. Lose yourself in the magic of classical ballet this new year with The Nutcracker. When Clara is gifted a Nutcracker doll who magically comes to life, an enchanting adventure unfolds; a dramatic battle with the Mouse King ensues, and dancing snowflakes fill the stage.

51. The carnivalesque musical comedy Spend Spend Spend at Royal Exchange Theatre is the big-hearted experience everyone needs this festive season.