Ice rinks, light trails, German markets and more

Christmas in Manchester is a BIG deal and Christmas 2024 is no different. From hosting one of the UK's biggest Christmas markets, to the giant Santa perched over Central Library, Manchester has everything you need to get into the spirit of the season.

Look, we get it - cough *Scrooge*. It's not Christmas, yet. But, if you're looking to stay ahead of the crowd (and the Christmas bookings), read on. 


20241111 Manchester December
Get your skates on this December Winter Assembly

Winter Assembly

St. John’s Court Club

Until 24 December

With an ice rink, cosy chalets serving boozy hot chocolate, seasonal street food, festive films, and marshmallow roasting pits, Courts Club in the newly-named St John's neighbourhood will be spreading the festive joy this December. Even if you're not into the festivities, there's nowhere cosier for you to mutter 'bah humbug'

2024 Xmas Markets
Manchester's award-winning Christmas market is back for 2024 Manchester City Council: Christmas Markets

Manchester Christmas Markets

Across the city

13 November - 20 December

Manchester's award-winning Christmas markets will be popping up across the city centre from 13 November. Head here to shop, snack and sip to your heart's content. And of course, Father Christmas will be returning to his lookout post in St Peter's Square. 

Looking to avoid the crowds? Discover the best Indie Christmas markets near Manchester.


Skate Manchester Cathedral Gardens Manchester
Skate Manchester is back for 2024 Skate Manchester

Skate Manchester

Cathedral Gardens

8 November 2024 - 1 January 2025

Tickets from £10

Cathedral Gardens will once again be hosting Skate Manchester's covered ice rink, meaning you can have a Christmas skate, whatever the weather. With a central location and plenty of Christmas tunes, it's the perfect place to brush up on your turns.        


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Welcome to Bar Hütte, your cosy winter hideout Bar Hütte

Bar Hütte

Great Northern and KAMPUS

13 November - 31 December 

Cosy up in Bar Hütte, Manchester's Alpine hangout - now in two locations in the city centre. With karaoke hüttes, Christmas movie nights, festive photo booths, and apres-ski themed food and drink, there's plenty to enjoy. And, if you want to bring a bit of the German Alps home with you, they're hosting a series of yuletide wreath-making workshops. 


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Snuggle up in the Winter teepee at The Oast House The Oast House Manchester

Snuggle Up At The Oast House

Oast House

From October 2024

Nothing signals the start of the festive season like the arrival of The Oast House teepee. Decked out with fire pits, faux fur throws, and festive fairy lights, it's your place for live music and mulled wine this winter. 'Tis the season, after all. 


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The Twilight Trail The Twilight Trail​

The Twilight Trail

Mayfield Park

17 November - 31 December 

Looking for something a bit different? The Twilight Trail is an enchanting winter light show packed with immersive installations and soundscapes. It takes around half an hour to complete and you can pop into Freight Island for a drink and a bite to eat afterwards. 


20241909 Yuletide
Discover the magic of Yuletide Yuletide: Tatton Park Gardens

Yuletide: Tatton Park Gardens

Tatton Park Gardens

24 November - 23 December

Bring the family to the wild, magical world of Tatton Park Gardens this Christmas for their traditional Yuletide celebrations. Explore an incredible illuminated trail where winter witch goddesses have captured the moon and sun, and shapeshifting snow hares play tricks on us all. And visit the heart of Yuletide, keeping warm as you dance to wild folk bands, crown your family’s ‘Lord of Misrule’, and gather around the fire for wondrous tales.


Christmas Wreath Making Workshop Leo And Roobs Annie Spratt Wopeg Md15 Wy Unsplash
Make your own Christmas wreath at Leo and Roobs Image: Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Christmas Wreath-making workshop

Leo and Roobs, Blackfriars, Salford

28 November, 4 December, 6 December

Get cosy at Leo and Roobs with this Christmas wreath-making workshop led by award-winning florist David Wayman. All equipment and wreaths are provided and you'll be greeted with a welcome drink on arrival. It's the perfect event if you want to get creative, unwind, and put yourself in the mood for the festive season.


2024 Bridgewater Hall Christmas
Christmas at Bridgewater Hall Last year's The Snowman Bridgewater Hall

Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film

Bridgewater Hall

8 December 

Fan of classic Xmas movie The Muppet Christmas Carol? Then head to Bridgewater Hall for a screening with a full orchestra performing the score live on stage. Sign us up. 


20242409 Monastery Manchester Christmas
Your favourite Christmas Hits, as you have never heard them before The Monastery Manchester

Christmas by Candlelight

The Monastery Manchester

10 December 

What's Christmas without a song or two? Head to Manchester Monastery for a candle-lit Christmas concert. Packed with sing-along classics, led by a West End cast and a live band, it's the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit. 


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Discover your new favourite Christmas tradition Festive Happening

Festive Happening

Albert Hall

15 December

Discover your new favourite Christmas tradition. Head to Albert Hall to celebrate Christmas with the AMC Gospel Choir. Whether you've got the kids in tow or you're attending with friends, this feast of gospel Christmas classics is the perfect festive night out. 


Want to loop us in on the best things happening this Christmas? Email Charleym@confidentials.com


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Read next: What’s on in Manchester for kids: Christmas 2024

Read again: Manchester Indie Christmas Markets 2024: What's On