Experience the holidays in Manchester from a new perspective. Our guide covers all the essential festive activities. From Manchester old-timers to fresh faces, our guide illuminates the path to holiday cheer.
One of the highlights of the season is the Manchester Christmas Markets, where visitors can explore a delightful array of artisan stalls and festive foods set against the backdrop of the city’s historic architecture. Also featuring enchanting winter landscapes and seasonal attractions is Christmas at Dunham Massey, a unique event that transforms the estate into a glowing winter wonderland. And the ice-skating experience at Skate Manchester is something you definitely don't want to miss, inviting everyone to glide in a lively atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Manchester
- Manchester Christmas Markets
- Christmas at Dunham Massey (Altrincham)
- Skate Manchester
- The Twilight Trail, Mayfield Park
- Gandey’s Firebird
- Winter Island at Freight Island
- Christmas at Cockfields (Ashton-under-Lyne)
- Christmas on the Farm, Lancaster Park & Animal Farm (Oldham)
- Festive Bottomless Brunch
- Christmas Street Food
See these and even more events listed below!
Manchester Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Dunham Massey
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and installations amidst historic parkland.
Description:
Christmas at Dunham Massey features a stunning light trail with twinkling lights, magnificent installations, and seasonal music set against the beautiful backdrop of Dunham Massey gardens and moat park. The event includes beautiful installations along winding paths, ancient trees, and dancing lights in the moat.
Where: Altrincham | More Info: Christmas at Dunham Massey
The Twilight Trail, Mayfield Park
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show amidst historical industrial architecture.
Description:
The Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park features stunning light displays, lantern installations, and captivating soundscapes, creating a vibrant winter atmosphere.
Where: Manchester | More Info: The Twilight Trail, Mayfield Park
Manchester Holiday Markets and Shopping
Manchester Christmas Markets
What to Expect:
Extensive seasonal shopping and dining options in a festive city center setting.
Description:
Manchester Christmas Markets feature over 200 stalls across nine city center locations, offering a variety of seasonal goods, food, and drinks. Iconic wooden ski chalet stalls are set up in King Street West, St Ann's Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, Market Street, and Piccadilly Gardens. Craft stalls are open from 10 am to 8 pm, while food and drink stalls operate from 11 am to 9 pm. The markets conclude on December 22, except for food and drink stalls in Cathedral Gardens which stay open until December 31.
Where: Manchester | More Info: Manchester Christmas Markets
LED Light Performers and Magicians
What to Expect:
Interactive LED light performances and street theatre.
Description:
LED Light Performers and Magicians add vibrant, dynamic elements to the Manchester Christmas Markets, featuring mesmerizing displays and interactive street theatre.
Where: Manchester | More Info: LED Light Performers and Magicians
Manchester Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Gandey’s Firebird
What to Expect:
World-class ice skating and circus performances.
Description:
Gandey's Firebird is a spectacular ice show featuring 16 top international ice skaters and special guest circus stars in a visually stunning production celebrating light, unity, and the triumph of good over evil.
Where: Manchester | More Info: Gandey’s Firebird
Winter Island at Freight Island
What to Expect:
Interactive Father Christmas experience with Christmas gifts.
Description:
Winter Island at Freight Island transforms into a vibrant winter festival with interactive experiences, festive street food, and immersive light and sound shows.
Where: Manchester | More Info: Winter Island at Freight Island
Christmas Street Food
What to Expect:
Live entertainment and a DJ keep the party going with a mix of latest hits and all-time favorites.
Description:
Savor a delectable selection of seasonal street food delights, featuring a variety of dishes to please every palate.
Where: Manchester | More Info: Christmas Street Food
Manchester Other Holiday Activities
Skate Manchester
What to Expect:
Covered ice rink supporting environmental initiatives.
Description:
Skate Manchester offers a covered ice rink at Cathedral Gardens, open from November 8 to January 1. The event supports environmental initiatives through a partnership with Everclime, with 25p from each ticket going towards sustainability. Tickets include skate hire, and sessions last 45 minutes.
Where: Manchester | More Info: Skate Manchester
Christmas at Cockfields
What to Expect:
Interactive elf show and farm animal encounters.
Description:
At Christmas at Cockfields, embark on a festive journey through Northern Lights, meet Santa, and explore a Quality Street village with friendly elves, a sweet shop, and a teddy building workshop. Enjoy farm animal encounters, hot chocolate, and a lively elf show.
Where: Ashton-under-Lyne | More Info: Christmas at Cockfields
Christmas on the Farm, Lancaster Park & Animal Farm
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at Lancaster Park & Animal Farm with farm entry, grotto visits, and small animal petting. Enjoy a fun day with family and friends.
Where: Oldham | More Info: Christmas on the Farm, Lancaster Park & Animal Farm
Festive Bottomless Brunch
What to Expect:
Santa-approved festive dishes and exclusive seasonal cocktails.
Description:
Crafty Pig Manchester offers a Festive Bottomless Brunch featuring new Santa-approved dishes and exclusive seasonal cocktails.
Where: Manchester | More Info: Festive Bottomless Brunch
Cathedral Gardens Family Site
What to Expect:
Covered ice rink supporting environmental initiatives.
Description:
Cathedral Gardens offers an outdoor ice rink experience with covered facilities, ensuring a smooth skating experience regardless of the weather. The rink is located in the heart of Manchester, Greater Manchester, and supports environmental initiatives through a partnership with Everclime.
Where: Manchester | More Info: Cathedral Gardens Family Site
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Salford (2 miles)
- Failsworth (3 miles)
- Droylsden (4 miles)
- Stretford (4 miles)
- Eccles (4 miles)
- Prestwich (4 miles)
- Middleton (5 miles)
- Denton (5 miles)
- Sale (5 miles)
- Urmston (5 miles)
- Whitefield (5 miles)
- Ashton-under-Lyne (6 miles)
- Stockport (6 miles)
- Oldham (6 miles)
- Radcliffe (7 miles)
- Hyde (7 miles)
- Walkden (7 miles)
- Stalybridge (7 miles)
- Royton (7 miles)
- Cheadle Hulme (8 miles)
- Heywood (8 miles)
- Altrincham (8 miles)
- Farnworth (8 miles)
- Bury (9 miles)
- Bramhall (9 miles)
- Tyldesley (10 miles)
- Rochdale (10 miles)
- Wilmslow (11 miles)
- Bolton (11 miles)
- Atherton (11 miles)
- Leigh (12 miles)
- Glossop (12 miles)
- Westhoughton (13 miles)
- Rossendale (14 miles)
- Hindley (15 miles)
- Golborne (15 miles)
- Newton-le-Willows (15 miles)
- Rawtenstall (15 miles)
- Warrington (15 miles)
- Macclesfield (16 miles)
- Ashton in Makerfield (17 miles)
- Wigan (17 miles)
- Great Sankey (18 miles)
- Darwen (18 miles)
- High Peak (18 miles)
- Northwich (19 miles)
- Chorley (19 miles)
- Accrington (19 miles)
- St Helens (21 miles)
- Buxton (21 miles)
- Blackburn (21 miles)
- Huddersfield (22 miles)
- Congleton (22 miles)
- Widnes (22 miles)
- Burnley (22 miles)
- Runcorn (22 miles)
- Skelmersdale (23 miles)
- Halifax (23 miles)
- Winsford (23 miles)
- Prescot (23 miles)
- Leyland (24 miles)
- Brighouse (24 miles)
- Nelson (24 miles)
- Huyton (25 miles)
- Colne (26 miles)
- Kirkby (27 miles)
- Ormskirk (27 miles)
- Kidsgrove (27 miles)
- Cleckheaton (27 miles)
- Preston (27 miles)
- Crewe (28 miles)
- Dewsbury (29 miles)
- Maghull (29 miles)
- Batley (29 miles)
- Bradford (29 miles)
- Keighley (30 miles)
- Bingley (30 miles)
- Ossett (30 miles)
- Ellesmere Port Town (31 miles)
- Liverpool (31 miles)
- Shipley (31 miles)
- Litherland (31 miles)
- Barnsley (31 miles)
- Chapeltown (31 miles)
- Morley (32 miles)
- Bootle (32 miles)
- Pudsey (32 miles)
- Sheffield (32 miles)
- Birkenhead (33 miles)
- Burngreave (33 miles)
- Crosby (33 miles)
- Stoke-on-Trent (33 miles)
- Newcastle under Lyme (33 miles)
- Wakefield (33 miles)
- Chester (34 miles)
- Southport (34 miles)
- Dronfield (34 miles)
- Wallasey (34 miles)
- Formby (35 miles)
- Guiseley (35 miles)
- Yeadon (35 miles)
- Lofthouse (35 miles)
- Leeds (36 miles)
- Lytham St Annes (36 miles)
- Rotherham (36 miles)
- Heswall (37 miles)
- Fylde (37 miles)
- Chesterfield (37 miles)
- Deeside (38 miles)
- Hawarden (38 miles)
- Staveley (39 miles)
- Castleford (40 miles)
- Flint (40 miles)
- Blackpool (41 miles)
- Pontefract (41 miles)
- Buckley (41 miles)
- Thornton-Cleveleys (42 miles)
- Wrexham (43 miles)
- Fleetwood (44 miles)
- Alfreton (44 miles)
- Belper (44 miles)
- Bentley (45 miles)