CONTACT USWhen it comes to festive activities, Manchester has plenty to offer. This northern powerhouse is one of the most vibrant cities to visit during winter, home to a market, an ice rink and mesmerising light displays.
Some of the best Christmas things to do in Manchester are:
- Ice skating at Cathedral Gardens
- See the illuminated trail at Dunham Massey
- Manchester Christmas Market
- Festive drinks at Miracle on Cross Street
- Christmas at Tatton Park
- Snowstorm 2 Ice Kingdom at The Trafford Centre
- Winter Island at Escape to Freight Island
- Lightopia at Heaton Park
Keep reading as we help you plan the perfect schedule for a trip to Manchester this season.
Ice skating at Cathedral Gardens
Ice skating is one of the most enjoyable activities at Christmastime, and Manchester offers a great setting! Returning for 2022, the ice rink at Cathedral Gardens is the ideal place to try out your skating skills, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. What’s more, the rink is completely covered, so you can skate to your heart’s content, whatever the weather. This year, there will also be a spectacular ice path, allowing visitors to skate around the glistening tree.
The ice rink at Cathedral Gardens will be open until the 2nd of January 2023, and skate sessions run at various times.
See the illuminated trail at Dunham Massey
This December, come and see the beautiful light trail at Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester. Walk through dazzling tunnels of light and beneath trees illuminated with bright colours. You’ll be able to spot Santa Claus along the way, and there will also be food stalls where you can purchase warming festive treats. This is the ideal event if you’re looking for things to do as a family.
Christmas at Dunham Massey will run from the 18th of November 2022 until the 2nd of January 2023—don’t miss out!
Manchester Christmas Market
Manchester’s famous Christmas market is one of the favourites across the UK. It dates back to 1998 and has attracted thousands of visitors every year since. Featuring more than 300 wooden chalets, this year’s market is the perfect place to shop for gifts. There are lots of places to indulge in mouth-watering food, too, whether that’s mini pancakes or Yorkshire pudding wraps.
The markets will be spread across different locations in the city, including Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street and Exchange Square. They will be open from the 10th of November until the 22nd of December 2022.
Festive drinks at Miracle on Cross Street
Located just across from Manchester King Street’s Christmas market, Miracle on Cross Street is a brilliant pop-up bar perfect for festive tipples. Initially operating in Liverpool, the bar opened in Manchester for the first time in 2021, and after huge success is returning to the city again this year. Step inside and choose from a selection of cocktails, beers, spirits, wines and soft drinks. The bar also does its very own mulled wine and Irish cream.
Miracle on Cross Street will open its doors on the 14th of November 2022. It will, of course, be decorated with all things Christmassy, providing a lovely backdrop for that Instagram-worthy photo.
Christmas at Tatton Park
If you’re wondering what to do in Manchester at Christmas with the kids, plan a trip to Tatton Park. There are all kinds of festive events happening here, from Carols in the Stableyard to its Christmas Shopping Extravaganza.
And if you visit between the 26th of November and the 20th of December 2022, there will be the opportunity to meet Father Christmas. Kids will have so much fun at this festive grotto, where they can also make their own reindeer food to take home. Plus, there will be live music and treats to enjoy in the Café. Tickets for this event must be booked in advance.
Snowstorm 2 Ice Kingdom at The Trafford Centre
Looking for fun Christmas activities in Manchester? Don’t miss the ice show at The Trafford Centre! This is a brilliant event featuring professional skating, music, comedy, acrobatics and fun, festive characters. The show lasts for around one and a half hours and guarantees plenty of entertainment for the whole family.
This event will run from the 25th of November 2022 until the 2nd of January 2023. Ticket prices start at £11.99.
Winter Island at Escape to Freight Island
If you want to get into the festive spirit, head to Manchester’s Freight Island to enjoy its winter event. Kicking off on the 12th of November 2022, Winter Island will see Freight Island transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with everything from an outdoor winter market to an ice rink dotted across the venue. Tuck into delicious food from a choice of eight fantastic restaurants, and enjoy cocktails, a hog roast, live music, karaoke, and much more!
This much-anticipated Manchester event will run until the 24th of December 2022—book your tickets today.
Lightopia at Heaton Park
Come and see Heaton Park lit up big and bright with the award-winning Lightopia event. With a focus on new beginnings and hope, this one-of-a-kind light trail will take you on a magical adventure through the park, featuring glowing installations and plenty of surprises along the way.
This event will run from the 24th of November 2022 until the 2nd of January 2023. Ticket prices begin at £17.50 for adults and £11.00 for children.
Christmas breaks at The Midland
If you’re searching for somewhere luxurious to stay in Manchester, look no further than The Midland Hotel. A truly iconic venue in the city, this hotel has everything you need for a relaxing Christmas stay, from stylish rooms to outstanding dining facilities. Plus, there’s lots to enjoy here at Christmastime, such as Festive Afternoon Tea with mulled wine and freshly baked scones.
The Midland Hotel also benefits from a central location next to St Peter’s Square, so you’ll have Manchester’s attractions on your doorstep.