Best Things To Do In Manchester For Christmas 2024

Last year, we put together a list of the best things to do in Manchester for Christmas. It proved so popular that we have brought this back and updated our list for 2024. It seems that Manchester somehow manages to better itself each year as the UK’s go-to destination for Christmas fun. There are plenty of new and fun activities going on in Manchester this Christmas, and it can be difficult to know where to start. Our guide will help you plan your festive activities in Manchester, perfect for family, friends and loved ones.

As the festive season draws closer, there is nowhere better to spend Christmas in 2024 than Manchester. Commonly referred to as the capital of the North, Manchester is renowned for its vibrant culture and is also one of the best cities to visit in the UK during Christmas. Whether you are seeking an enchanting Christmas-themed night with a loved one, or want to enjoy a festive family outing, there are plenty of delightful things to do in Manchester for Christmas.

Fancy a trip to the Christmas markets? Want to immerse yourself in a night in the theatre? We’ve got you covered. Today, we will guide you through our favourite things to do in Manchester for Christmas this year.

Get Lost At The Christmas Markets

Christmas markets are becoming more and more popular across Europe. So, why not visit one of the best Christmas markets that the UK has to offer? Running from the 8th of November to the 22nd of December, there are nine sites to explore as part of Manchester’s Christmas markets in 2024. Here is a quick rundown of the different Christmas market sites:

• Cathedral Gardens
• Corn Exchange
• Exchange Square
• Exchange Street
• King Street West
• Market Street
• New Cathedral Street
• Piccadilly Gardens
• St Ann's Square

Every area offers a completely unique experience, with well over 200 stalls for you to explore throughout Manchester’s Christmas markets. While each location offers a delightful atmosphere, our personal favourite is Piccadilly Gardens - or Winter Gardens as it is affectionately known over the Christmas period. This year Winter Gardens is bigger and better than ever before, with two festive-themed marquees adorned with lights and illuminations. These marquees will help to keep the winter chill away so you can meander around the stalls in comfort.

Open daily between 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, you can enjoy live music and entertainment in Manchester’s most idyllic Christmas market. With an array of craft and gift stalls to discover, Winter Gardens makes the perfect day out for locals and visitors alike, which are open between 10:00 am to 8:00 pm each day. The craft stall opening times are the same across all of Manchester’s Christmas markets.

Although the food stalls close at 9:00 pm, Zouk is only a short 20-minute walk away meaning you can enjoy festive fun long into the evening. As Manchester’s best late-night restaurant, the fun doesn’t have to stop when the markets close! Browse our holiday menus for the perfect way to round off your day at Piccadilly Gardens this Christmas.

Explore Enchanting Light Displays

Over the Christmas period, Manchester truly is a beautiful sight to behold by night. Although it might not sound like one of the most eventful things to do, taking a stroll across Manchester City Centre and witnessing the fantastic festive illuminations is enough to put a smile on anybody's face who is seeking an enchanting Christmas atmosphere. There are plenty of wonderful Christmas light displays for you to explore and enjoy in and around Manchester City Centre, but here are some of our favourites:

• Piccadilly Gardens - As one of Manchester’s most popular Christmas markets, you can also expect to find a plethora of stunning illuminations here. The marquees and ski chalets will be adorned with beautiful illuminations, and are expected to be a highlight for 2024!
• St Peters Square - Whilst the area is decorated with many other delightful illuminations, the real showstopper is the Giant Santa. Stood at 12 metres tall, Giant Santa is a much-loved attraction in the heart of Manchester City Centre. The big man appears to have confirmed his return for 2024, so why not grab a selfie with him?
• Cathedral Gardens - Away from the busy Christmas market, this park offers a serene escape amidst the city's bustling energy. During Christmas, the park transforms into a magical winter wonderland, with twinkling lights outlining the trees and pathways.
• Mayfield Park - As one of Manchester’s newest light shows, the illuminations at Mayfield Park aren’t to be missed, making a highly anticipated return for 2024. Brighter, bigger and better than ever before, we would recommend checking out The Twilight Trail for a unique and enchanting experience that features over 50,000 Christmas lights!

There are many other locations to enjoy Christmas illuminations in and around Manchester City Centre - none more so than at Zouk with our own festive decor. Our giant Zouk Christmas Bear is always a popular attraction for kids and adults alike.

Get Your Skates On

If you fancy more action from your Christmas activities, why not give ice skating a try? Glide (or wobble!) your way around Skate Manchester in Cathedral Gardens. Situated in Cathedral Gardens, Skate Manchester is the perfect place to enjoy some festive fun. Open from the 8th of November 2024 until the 1st of January 2025, this is the perfect location to soak up the atmosphere from the Christmas markets before you lace up your skates - the ideal activity for couples and families alike. Pro tip: visit after dark when the rink lights up for an extra magical atmosphere.

Enjoy The Manchester Christmas Parade

Would you like to see Santa cruising around the streets of Manchester? The Manchester Christmas Parade is just the ticket! Returning for 2024, the Manchester Christmas Parade is fast becoming a tradition, having first started in 2022. There is nothing better to get you in the Christmas spirit! The parade is packed full of festive-themed acts, including bands, floats, dancers and the show-stopping Elf Express! Make sure you keep an eye out for this train, with carriages packed full of elves which is fun for all the family.

The Manchester Christmas Parade has been confirmed for Sunday the 8th of December in 2024, starting at 1:00 pm. There is an extended route planned for this year that will start and end at Manchester Cathedral. Just remember to wrap up warm and get there early to bag a good spot - it can get pretty busy!

Immerse Yourself In Theatre At Christmas

Going to the theatre is a special occasion no matter the time of year, but it is even more magical during the festive season. Why not grab your family or friends for a night out at the theatre this Christmas? It's a great way to get into the festive spirit and enjoy some top-notch entertainment right in the heart of Manchester City Centre. One of our favourite locations is the Manchester Palace Theatre, located just a 5-minute walk from Zouk.

Between the 12th - 17th of November, the highly anticipated Elf The Musical will be hitting the stage. As one of the world’s most adored Christmas movies, Elf The Musical is guaranteed to be a hit in the theatres this Christmas, and there is no better place to enjoy it than at Manchester Palace Theatre - a true modern classic.

Wicked will be taking centre stage after this, showing between December 3rd 2024 to January 12th 2025. There is a reason why Wicked is the tenth longest-running show in West End history, so get yourself down to Manchester Palace Theatre for an unforgettable night at the theatre.

Aside from this, the Manchester Opera House is another great location to enjoy live theatre performances during the festive period. Starring Jason Manford, Cinderella takes centre stage in December which is the perfect viewing for families - both adults and children are sure to love it! Make sure to book your tickets for the perfect night of pantomime over the festive period. Theatres in Manchester City Centre all offer a stellar lineup of shows, providing the perfect opportunity for a cultural and entertaining evening during the holiday season.

Before the big show, why not indulge in our delicious pre-theatre menu? We have a menu dedicated to show-goers, featuring a delicious two-course meal from only £20 per person. Find out more about our pre-theatre dining menu.

Discover Winter Wonderland

Winter Funland is another great festive attraction to enjoy in Manchester this year. Located at the BEC Arena, there are a whole host of activities to enjoy including circus shows, funfair rides, and many other festive-themed attractions. Fancy stepping into a real-life winter wonderland? This is your chance! The event runs from the 15th of December to the 26th of December, with tickets allowing you to enjoy the event for 3.5 hours. If you are planning a day with a little one, you will be pleased to hear that children under 3 years old are allowed free entry.

Situated only a short 15-minute drive away, you can enjoy a delicious festive dinner at Zouk after you have finished at Winter Funland. Book now with Zouk.

Enjoying Christmas In Manchester

Spending Christmas in Manchester promises an array of fun experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you're strolling through the festive markets, admiring the mesmerising light displays, or checking out the other Christmas attractions around town, Manchester really knows how to do the holidays right.

If you are looking for the perfect way to start your festive-inspired day, why not enjoy the best halal brunch in Manchester at Zouk? Or, if you want to indulge at our restaurant for lunch or dinner after you are finished at the Christmas markets, please see our festive menus. See you soon!

*The featured image at the top of this post is courtesy of Marketing Manchester.