It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The winter season is well and truly upon us, so that means it’s time to pull out the cosiest clothes you own and hit the streets for a little festive sightseeing.
From the massive displays across the city centre that complement the sprawling Christmas markets to amazing trails across Greater Manchester, here are the best places to see Christmas lights in Manchester - alongside recommendations for where to refuel nearby before or after.
Where To See Manchester Christmas Lights
1. Manchester City Centre Christmas Light Display
- Switch-on date: Saturday 29 November
- Location: Printworks and across the city
- Price: free
The 2025 Manchester Christmas lights stretch across Piccadilly Gardens, St Peter’s Square, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square and more, plus Printworks' new 2025 immersive show has taken over the city this year too.
There’s plenty of places to stop for dinner and a drink after you're finished exploring them all throughout the festive period. Just some of our top picks to carry on the Christmas lights festivities include Michelin-recommended El Gato Negro on King Street, the oh-so charming Old Wellington near Cathedral Gardens, and Courts Club in Spinningfields with its very own winter village theme - complete with karaoke huts, fire pits, and festive film screenings.
These Christmas lights in Manchester city centre are close to plenty of the best places to eat.
2. Lightwaves Festival
- Dates: 5th - 8th December 2025
- Location: Salford Quays, home to MediaCity
- Price: free
MediaCityUK is home to a favourite Manchester Christmas light trail, with some pretty darn gorgeous displays taking place here for over 10 years. Salford's Lightwaves Festival from Light Up The North is a free event featuring 14 installations from established and emerging artists.
Once you’re done snapping pictures of twinkling set-ups and
glowing trees, pay a visit to the area's many restaurants and bars,
such as The Alchemist if you're after molecular
cocktails, 11 Central for local craft beer and gin,
and Nell's for their famous 22" NYC-style
pizzas.
As far as Christmas light festivals go, this one's a doozy.
3. Christmas At Dunham Massey
- Dates: 14th November 2025 - 3rd January 2026
- Location: Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham WA14 4SJ
- Price: starting at £19 for adults or £12.50 for children, with family tickets from £40
The 2025 Dunham Massey Christmas lights see a firm local favourite return, drawing in crowds from across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Found near Altrincham, this after-dark illuminations experience at the National Trust site will have you gazing in awe over festive gardens and photogenic locations, including fields of stars, a glowing crocus lawn and more.
Once you’re all finished? Head back into Altrincham to dine at locations like all-you-can-eat steak restaurant Jardim or go for drinks at one of the taprooms, bars and pubs that make up King's Court, which you'll find tucked away behind Cheshire Tap.
After you're done at Dunham Massey, head to nearby Altrincham for bites to eat.
4. Twilight Tales
- Dates: 13th November - 31st December 2025
- Location: Freight Island, 11 Baring Street M1 2PZ
- Price: starting at £8 for adults or £5 for children, with family tickets from £24
Winter Island is the festive pop-up that takes over Freight Island every single year, promising seasonal market stalls, delicious eats and plenty of mulled wine. As the North's largest heated indoor and outdoor winter festival, you can expect plenty of Christmas lights here as well.
Twilight Tales is one of the most exciting parts of this festival - taking over with an interactive experience featuring glowing waterfalls, twinkling caves, and a Twilight Express and North Pole playground. Plus, the main venue is right there for all your food and drink needs.
Don't miss one of the largest displays in the city.
5. Glow 2025 At RHS Garden Bridgewater
- Dates: 26th November - 30th December 2025
- Location: RHS Garden Bridgewater, Occupation Road, Worsley M28 2LJ
- Price: starting at £13.50 for adults or £7.25 for children (non-member price), with under 5s free
After outdoor Christmas lights in Manchester? Then you must've heard of Glow 2025 at RHS Garden Bridgewater.
The space will feature an unmissable after-dark spectacle, including trails, halo juggling shows, festive shopping and warming drinks from the cafe.
There'll be plenty of festive snapping and scoffing here.
Looking for more fun things to do this winter? Explore our guide to the best events.
