Christmas in Manchester

Christmas is a magical time in Greater Manchester and the perfect occasion to combine a short festive break with a spot of Christmas shopping. With hundreds of high street and independent boutique shops to choose from, Greater Manchester attracts visitors from far and wide, particularly during this period – and rightly so! 

With over 200 stalls spread across nine locations, the Manchester Christmas Markets are a must-visit for locals and tourists, offering six weeks of festive fun and shopping.

Manchester's bars and restaurants offer a welcome respite after a day's shopping. With new restaurants, bars, gastropubs, microbreweries, and cafes opening weekly, the city is establishing itself as one of the UK’s most exciting foodie destinations.

If you're planning a longer trip, Manchester offers a wide range of accommodation, from unique boutique hotels and luxury pads to beautiful countryside settings and cosy family hideaways.

Christmas Highlights

Toys and gifts on a Christmas Market stall

Manchester Christmas Markets

With over 220 stalls across nine sites throughout the city centre, this year's Christmas Markets are set to bring some much-needed festive cheer to the city's streets and squares in the run-up to Christmas.

Ideas & Inspiration

Head over to our blog for hand-picked festive round-ups

Explore our festive round-ups
Seasonal guide
The Palace Theatre and Opera House announce an exciting year of musicals

The Palace Theatre and Opera House announce an exciting year of musicals

  • 1 minute read

Enjoy the magic of musicals at Manchester’s iconic theatres that define the city's rich…

31 Jan 2025 -
Seasonal guide
What's on at Quayside this Christmas

What's on at Quayside this Christmas

  • 5 minute read

Quayside, based in MediaCity, is celebrating the countdown to Christmas with an array of festive…

16 Dec 2024 -
Seasonal guide
Ice Skating this Christmas in Greater Manchester

Ice Skating this Christmas in Greater Manchester

  • 1 minute read

It's time to get your skates on! Whether you're channeling your inner Torvill and Dean, or…

20 Nov 2024 -
Seasonal guide
The Most Magical Santa’s Grottos in Greater Manchester

The Most Magical Santa’s Grottos in Greater Manchester

  • 1 minute read

It isn’t Christmas without paying a visit to Santa. Part of the magic of the festive season…

20 Nov 2024 -
Seasonal guide
Christmas Feasting in Greater Manchester

Christmas Feasting in Greater Manchester

  • 8 minute read

The season of Christmas Feasting has finally arrived. Indulge with your loved ones in an array of…

18 Nov 2024 -
Seasonal guide
What's on at the Trafford Centre this Christmas 2024

What's on at the Trafford Centre this Christmas 2024

  • 3 minute read

Step into an immersive wonderland of fun at the Trafford Centre this Christmas. Wander through…

06 Nov 2024 -
Seasonal guide
The Best Experiences and Gifts in Greater Manchester

The Best Experiences and Gifts in Greater Manchester

  • 10 minute read

Whenever Christmas, birthdays or big occasions come around, some people are just impossible to buy…

04 Nov 2024 -
Seasonal guide
What’s on at the Theatre in Manchester this Christmas 2024

What’s on at the Theatre in Manchester this Christmas 2024

  • 3 minute read

Get into the Christmas spirit through the world of theatre and visit one of Greater…

04 Nov 2024 -
Seasonal guide
10 Christmas Lights displays around Manchester this winter

10 Christmas Lights displays around Manchester this winter

  • 4 minute read

It wouldn’t feel like Christmas without the shimmering of Christmas lights. While there…

04 Nov 2024 -
Guide
14 things to do with kids in Greater Manchester this Christmas

14 things to do with kids in Greater Manchester this Christmas

  • 7 minute read

Christmas is such a magical time for little ones. From Santa to snowflakes, it’s a time of…

04 Nov 2024 -
Seasonal guide
51 Things To Do in Manchester this Christmas

51 Things To Do in Manchester this Christmas

  • 12 minute read

1. Steam into Christmas on the East Lancashire Railway’s famously festive Santa Specials…

01 Oct 2024 -
News
Manchester's biggest ice rink to return to Cathedral Gardens this November

Manchester's biggest ice rink to return to Cathedral Gardens this November

  • 2 minute read

Get ready for Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink for a flurry of frozen fun and…

13 Sep 2024 -
Seasonal guide
Christmas Activities for Grown Ups

Christmas Activities for Grown Ups

  • 3 minute read

Escape to Winter Island, Freight Island and Mayfield Park Freight Island has transformed into a…

30 Nov 2023 -
Seasonal guide
Free things to do in Greater Manchester this Christmas

Free things to do in Greater Manchester this Christmas

  • 4 minute read

It’s the most wonderful time of the year but celebrating it doesn’t have to cost the…

29 Nov 2023 -
News
MediaCity Presents Winter Fest 2023

MediaCity Presents Winter Fest 2023

  • 9 minute read

MediaCity’s festive season has now officially kicked off and on Thursday 7th December its…

28 Nov 2023 -

Festive Favourites

From dazzling light displays to Santa's grottos, Manchester's Christmas events promise to create cherished memories and spread the joy of the season throughout the city.

Explore all festive events
The Polar Express™ 2025 Train Ride

The Polar Express™ 2025 Train Ride

Discover the magic of the Churnet Valley Railway's The Polar Express™ Train Ride, a…

08 Nov 2025 - 23 Dec 2025

Food and Drink

Manchester’s food and drink culture is thriving. Whether raising a toast to the festive season, or treating loved ones to an early Christmas present, you'll be spoilt for choice with the city's food and drink offering.

Explore all food and drink
Fenix

Fenix

Inspired by exotic lands and legends Fenix served escapism through elevated modern Greek…

Sexy Fish

Sexy Fish

In the heart of Manchester, Sexy Fish is an Asian restaurant and bar specializing in…

Printworks

Printworks

Printworks is a buzzing, entertainment and leisure complex located in the heart of Manchester City…

Christmas Shopping

Manchester is the perfect destination to tick off those Christmas shopping lists. From shopping centres such as The Trafford Centre and Manchester Arndale to small independent stores, Manchester has it all.

Explore all shopping in Manchester
The Sculpts

The Sculpts

If you want to buy a beautiful gift for someone who loves Manchester, you can’t go wrong with…

Where to Stay

Extend your visit to Manchester with a stay in one of our fabulous hotels. From luxury hotels to more budget options, the city's diverse range of accommodation will ensure a memorable stay in the city.

Explore all accommodation in Manchester

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