It’s the most wonderful time of the year but celebrating it doesn’t have to cost the earth. From sparkling lights to awe-inspiring markets that capture the senses, Christmas is a time of joy and happiness which should be enjoyed by everyone who celebrates.  

Across Greater Manchester, we’ve been busy decking the halls and planning plenty of free events to help ensure the whole family is feeling festive. There’s no need to be a grinch, with this selection of events little elves and big kids are sure to be entertained and ready to celebrate.  

Festive Sundays

Here is our round-up of free events across the city-region to make sure you have a magical Christmas period:  

Manchester Christmas Markets  

You know the festive season is in full swing when the Manchester Christmas Markets return. The city looks more sparkly with lights filling the city and there’s a hive of festive fun from Piccadilly Gardens through to Exchange Square. Of course, the activities and treats at the Christmas market aren’t free but visiting is and so whatever your budget there’s nothing to stop you from walking around and soaking up the festive spirit!   

This year Piccadilly Gardens will be transformed into a Winter Garden serving up the best food and drink and entertainment throughout the week. Cathedral Gardens will once again be home to Skate Manchester’s family-friendly ice rink and market stalls selling unique gifts, delicious food and winter warmers will be spread across the city centre, you can view a map of the Manchester Christmas markets here.  

Festive Sundays  

Alongside Manchester’s world-famous Christmas markets, the city centre will be pulling out all of the stops this year to get into the Christmas spirit. For four consecutive Sundays in the run-up to Christmas Manchester city centre will be filled with sparkling street performances and entertainers to make your Christmas shopping even more magical. Expect roaming puppets, super street performers, illuminated bands and so much more. Festive Sundays begin on Sunday, November 26 and will run on Sunday afternoons up until Sunday 17th December, with new surprises each week across Manchester Arndale, Exchange Square, Market Street, King Street, St Ann’s Square and Deansgate. Learn more about Festive Sundays here.  

Brass Monkeys Festival Oldham  

Get into the seasonal spirit with the sounds of Christmas classics and festive favourites played across Oldham as the Brass Monkeys Festival returns. On Saturday 9 December 2023 from 11 am to 3 pm, seven brass bands will be playing across three locations in Oldham, High Street, Tommyfield Market and Oldham Parish Church. The festival will bring together the best local and national brass bands and will be completely free for Oldham visitors to enjoy so get ready to hear your favourite seasonal songs. Learn more. 

Christmas Carols in the Stable yard Tatton Park  

What’s Christmas without carols? This year, head to Tatton Park for a free sing-along to Christmas Classics with the help of the King Edward Musical Society Band and Choir. On Sunday 17 December, from 3 pm to 4 pm, you’re invited to get into the festive spirit with a truly beautiful Christmas concert. No booking is required and the event is free to attend although the park’s vehicle entry fee applies. Find out more. 

Browse some Artisan Markets  

While we can’t guarantee you won’t be tempted to buy gifts for someone special, or yourself, while you’re there, Greater Manchester is hosting many artisan markets this Christmas which are completely free to check out. It’s a great way to get gift inspiration and start to feel festive without spending a fortune. Browse hand-crafted gifts, delicious food and drink as well as make the most of live entertainment. If you aren’t quite in the festive spirit yet, these festive markets could just help you to get there.  

  • Stockport Christmas Markets, Stockport Town Hall Thursday 7th December  
  • Artisan Markets, The Stroller Hall, from 2nd December until 28th January 
  • Levenshume Markets, Levenshulme, 3rd December 
  • Makers Markets, various locations throughout December  

To find out what else is happening across Greater Manchester this Christmas, visit our What’s On This Christmas page.  

For more ideas and inspiration about how to get into the festive spirit this Christmas in Greater Manchester, we have ideas that can suit the whole family.  

To discover more generic events around the city-region, visit our What’s On page.