Best Things To Do In Manchester For Christmas 2025

Last year, we shared our top picks for the best things to do in Manchester at Christmas, and it proved so popular that we’ve brought it back—updated for 2025.

Each year, Christmas in Manchester gets bigger and better, with dazzling lights, festive attractions, and magical experiences that make it the UK’s top destination for holiday fun.

With so many things to do in Manchester this Christmas, from ice skating and theatre shows to festive dining and markets, it can be hard to know where to start.

That’s why we’ve created this updated Christmas in Manchester 2025 guide, perfect for families, couples, and friends looking to make the most of the season.

As the holidays draw near, there’s truly no better place to celebrate Christmas 2025 than Manchester.

Known as the capital of the North, the city’s festive atmosphere, cultural highlights, and famous Manchester Christmas marketsmake it one of the best Christmas destinations in the UK.

Whether you’re searching for romantic date ideas, family-friendly activities, or festive nights out, we’ve got you covered with the very best things to do in Manchester at Christmas 2025.

Immerse Yourself in the Festive Spirit

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 7th of November to the 04th of January 2026, there are nine sites to explore as part of Manchester’s Christmas markets in 2025.

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

Comfortable Christmas Shopping

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 2025!
• 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 2025, 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 2025. 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.

Located in Cathedral Gardens, Skate Manchester is one of the best spots to enjoy festive fun in Manchester this Christmas.

Open from November 8th, 2025, to January 1st, 2026, it’s the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of th  Manchester Christmas markets before you lace up your skates.

Ideal for couples and families, this popular Manchester Christmas attraction offers a magical experience — especially after dark, when the rink lights up and the festive spirit truly comes alive.

Enjoy The Manchester Christmas Parade

Would you like to see Santa cruising through the streets of Manchester? 

The Manchester Christmas Parade is just the ticket! Returning in 2025, the parade has quickly become a festive tradition since it started in 2022.

The parade features Christmas-themed acts, including bands, floats, dancers, and the show-stopping Elf Express—a train with carriages full of elves that delights the whole family.

The parade takes place on Sunday, December 8th, 2025, starting at 1:00 pm, with an extended route that begins and ends at Manchester Cathedral.

Wrap up warm and arrive early to secure a good spot, as crowds always flock to this festive event!

Immerse Yourself In Theatre At Christmas

No matter the time of year, going to the theatre is always a special occasion, but during the festive season, it becomes truly magical.

 So, why not gather your family or friends for a night out at the theatre this Christmas? It’s a wonderful way to embrace the festive spirit and enjoy top-notch entertainment right in the heart of Manchester City Centre.

Conveniently, one of the best spots to visit is the Manchester Palace Theatre, located just a five-minute walk from Zouk Tea Bar & Grill.

Before the festive season is in full swing, from November 22nd & 23rd, the highly anticipated Elf The Musical will hit the stage. 

Based on one of the world’s most beloved Christmas films, this heartwarming production is sure to be a crowd favourite, and there’s no better place to experience it than at the Manchester Palace Theatre—a true modern classic.

Following the festive pantomime season, Wicked will take centre stage at the Manchester's Opera House from December 6th, 2025, to January 04th, 2026.

 Renowned worldwide, it’s no surprise that Wicked is the tenth longest-running show in West End history—so don’t miss the chance to experience this unforgettable theatrical masterpiece in Manchester.

Furthermore, the Manchester Opera House offers another fantastic way to celebrate the festive season with live theatre performances.

 This December, Cinderella starring Jason Manford takes centre stage, providing perfect family entertainment that both adults and children will love. 

Be sure to book early for a magical night of pantomime, and for those seeking more festive fun, Manchester’s city-centre theatres present a stellar lineup of shows—ideal for a cultural and entertaining evening during the holidays.

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 at the BEC Arena offers festive fun with circus shows, funfair rides, and other holiday attractions.

Running from November 07th to 22nd December, tickets grant 3.5 hours of enjoyment, and children under 3 enter free. Step into a real-life winter wonderland and make magical memories this Christmas!

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 offers an array of fun experiences for all tastes and preferences.

Whether you stroll through the festive markets, admire the mesmerising light displays, or explore other Christmas attractions around town, Manchester truly knows how to celebrate the holidays.

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.