Wind, rain, or shine, Manchester is a great city all year round and attracts visitors from far and wide. At Christmas time, Manchester becomes a magical haven for festive events, perfect for those looking to celebrate the festive season. Whether you’re visiting Manchester for a spot of Christmas shopping or to experience the plethora of festive-fueled activities, check out our tips on the best things to do in Manchester this Christmas:
Christmas Markets
Manchester is synonymous with Christmas markets. If you mention ‘Christmas’ and ‘Manchester’ to anyone within the North West, the first thing they will think about is Manchester’s Christmas Markets, and it’s easy to see why. What once started as a small market in Albert Square twenty years ago has now engulfed the city with 300 stalls in multiple locations across Manchester City Centre.
The award-winning European Style Christmas Markets offer a huge variety of mouth-watering food, festive drinks and handmade Yuletide gifts, crafts and jewellery. Centred around Albert Square, shoppers are looked upon by a giant inflatable Santa, perched atop Manchester Town Hall. Offering a range of European delights such as the German Bratwurst, Hungarian Goulash, Spanish Paella, and the famous hog roast, it’s easy to see why the Markets are reputed to be the best in England.
Ice Village
Manchester’s Ice Village is perfect for family fun. Located in Cathedral Gardens, the attraction features a -10° Ice Tiki Bar, perfect for ‘chilled’ drink after a day of Christmas shopping, an ice cavern inhabited by mythical creature ice sculptures, an ice-skating rink, and a Santa’s grotto.
The bustling village also offers live music, traditional Christmas stalls with a wide range of food, drinks and snacks, resulting in an enchanting atmosphere perfect for people of all ages. As 250 tonnes of ice has been used in the making of the Ice village, you may want to wrap up warm before visiting.
Lightopia Light Festival
Lightopia is a brand-new light and lantern festival that takes people of all ages on a journey through light, imagination, and festivity. Taking place in Manchester’s Heaton Park, Lightopia is the first of its kind in Europe. Visitors are led on a breathtaking journey through Heaton Park with a range of immersive and visually-dramatic art installations that symbolise different experiences throughout life.
Manchester can get very busy during the build-up to Christmas. If you’re looking to escape the City Centre’s hustle and bustle, why not explore the values behind spirituality and positive energy at Lightopia this Christmas? It also features live entertainment, family rides, and aerobatic performances making it perfect for people of all ages.
If Manchester is your chosen city for a short festive break this year, be sure to check out Manchester Hall’s Hotel. We have a choice of 8 luxury hotel rooms on offer, perfect for relaxing and unwinding after a long day of festive-fueled activities.
Category: Blog