Christmas in Manchester – Festive Events and Activities
It’s officially the time to step into Christmas and get involved with the various events around your area. What’s better than gathering together with your family or a festive outing that gets everyone in the mood for the most wonderful time of the year? Manchester has quickly become one of the best UK cities for unmissable Christmas events. Whether you live in the city centre or the outskirts, there are great activities and events you can attend. Which one will you choose?
The Heatons
We all know how much of a pain it is to rush to get the last train home from Manchester’s city centre when you want to stay out for a little longer. The Heaton Christmas Festival is a fantastic event right on your doorstep. Our Philip James Wilson branch will completely transform into a beautiful grotto where children can meet Santa. They’ll be plenty to do when you explore the event, too. With food markets, craft stalls, treasure hunts and more, it’s packed full of fun for everyone. If you want to escape from the cold for a few hours, the newly re-opened Savoy Cinema will be showing Polar Express. Better yet, the event is completely free!
When: Saturday 12th December 2015, 11:00am-16:00pm
Where: Heaton Moor Road, Stockport, SK4 4NZ
Price: Free
Parking: Very limited, so make sure you travel by foot or public transport
Manchester City Centre
If you enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with the added hustle and bustle, Manchester City Centre is the place to park your sleigh. With more events and activities than you can shake a stick at, you’re spoilt rotten for choice. The Christmas Markets have extended and are now at ten different locations dotted around the centre. You’ll be able to keep warm with all the walking and mooching round the stalls. Whether you want to do some last minute stocking filler shopping or stuff your face with delicious food, you’ll have a magical time. If you don’t quite find something in the markets, the city is full to the brim with high street and designer stores where you can find the perfect gifts for the people you love.
When: Now until Tuesday 22nd December 2015.
Where: 10 locations across Manchester City Centre.
Price: Free (but bring cash for gifts and tasty treats).
Parking: There are different locations all around the City Centre yet will be very busy during this time of year.
If you wanted to do something a little out of the ordinary, the East Lancashire Railway’s Christmas event would make you feel like you’re travelling back in time. All aboard of their traditional steam train and enjoy being surrounded by antique style carriages. This is an excellent event for people who want to experience old-fashioned luxury. The onboard three-course meals are something you shouldn’t miss out on. Not the mention, they go merrily together with their fantastic selection of chic beverages. If you’re a vegetarian, there is an alternative menu so you don’t have the miss out on any tasty goodness.
When: Multiple dates across December
Where: The journey will depart from Bury Bolton Street Station and will also return to that station.
Price: £42-45 per adult, £30 per child.
Parking: There are many places to park around the station but during December it will be limited.
Didsbury
Do you fancy doing something amazing for charity this Christmas? The British Red Cross are hosting their yearly Santa Dash in Didsbury to raise money. This event is definitely a fun one to take part in because you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of other Santas that will swap their sleigh for a good old jog. We can’t imagine Santa would get very far if he had to deliver all the Christmas presents by foot! Anyone can take part, which means this could be a grand family day out that you’ll remember. Don’t worry, buggies and prams are perfectly fine to bring if you have a young child attending (just in case they need a snooze). It might be a little chilly, which is why Santa himself is bringing heaps of hot food and entertainment to get your energy going. You’ll even get to rub shoulders with him when he gives you your shiny medal at the end of the race. Yes, that’s right, you get to meet the ultimate Christmas legend! If that doesn’t already tick all your boxes, you can even enjoy a swanky meal in Gusto’s with an incredible 20% off all food. All money raised will go straight to the British Red Cross. What more could you possibly want?
When: Sunday 6th December 2015.
Where: Fog Lane Park, Didsbury, M20 4UP.
Price: Entry costs £10 for adults and £5 for children. People attending are asked to raise £50 in sponsorships or £100 between a family.
Parking: There are many places available to park around Fog Lane Park.
Salford Quays
If you live near the Salford Quays area, you’ll be happy to know that there are different events you can take part in. If you don’t, you could always hop on the Metrolink instead. Media City UK is now becoming extremely popular, since the broadcasting industry has moved up North. It’s no surprise that they’ve stepped it up a notch with their Christmas events. ITV is hosting an incredible Text Santa event that will be surrounded by festive markets. You can buy all sorts, such as vintage goods, craft fairs, food and drink that the whole family can enjoy. If you’re bringing along your children, they’ll definitely get into the Christmas spirit. CBeebies have a special Christmas Igloo where they can enjoy listening to some crafts and storytelling activities. It’s the event you need to add in your calendar!
When: Thursday 3rd December 2015- Sunday 6th December 2015
Where: Media City UK, Salford Quays, M50 2EQ
Price: Free
Parking: There are different locations are Salford Quays for parking during Christmas events.