Best Christmas Events In Manchester 2026

• Location: 235 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN
• When: 4th November - 31st December 2026
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: we think this is a great shout if you're looking to organise a group outing and fancy some themed cocktails, singing and plenty of Santa sightings 

Bar Hütte is back for Christmas in Manchester 2026, providing a festive escape for all your party needs. Expect a quirky après ski theme throughout, thanks to private chalets coming decked out with festive lights, heat lamps, hot cocktails and even a 'carol-oke' machine that offers more than 1,000 songs.

This fun pop-up can be found at Great Northern Warehouse and Kampus, and you can even book your own private hut for larger groups. Plus, there'll be pizza from their neighbours at Nell's.

• Location: 11 Baring Street, Mayfield Park, M1 2PY
• When: throughout December 2026
• Price: £9.90 per adult, £6.60 per child 
• Why we recommend: this festive takeover features twinkling lights, live music, immersive storytelling, and plenty of indulgent food options

This Christmas, Freight Island transforms into Winter Island, Manchester's ultimate festive destination, buzzing with atmosphere, glittering with lights and packed with seasonal celebrations for every kind of party-goer. The space becomes a Christmas playground complete with live music from house band Tanner & The Tones, festive cocktails, and indulgent dishes from twelve diverse kitchens. 

Families and story lovers will be drawn to Twilight Tales, an enchanting immersive world of light installations and interactive storytelling - perfect for little adventurers and anyone craving some Christmas wonder. Those looking for a proper celebration can book tailored Christmas party packages, spanning private hire areas, group dining and lively party tables, all surrounded by dazzling décor and a buzzing atmosphere.

• Locations: various locations from Manchester city centre to Dunham Massey
• When: November and December 2026
• Price: from free
• Why we recommend: nothing gets us in the festive spirit quite like a pretty light display, and Manchester has plenty of dazzling installations to keep us truly mesmerised as we sip on hot chocolate 

Looking for the best places to see Christmas lights? Make a day of it with our guide to the city's top displays, plus nearby pubs or restaurants for seasonal food and drink after.

From Heaton Park to Dunham Massey, there are heaps of amazing places to explore, lit up with gorgeous, colourful scenes to celebrate the season.

• Location: The Avenue Courtyard, Spinngingfields, M3 3AY
• When: November and December 2026
• Price: free entry 
• Why we recommend: if you're looking for the ultimate festive night out, we can't suggest The Oast House enough, as the live music, twinkly TeePee vibes, and festive feasting make it the perfect spot to celebrate Christmas

Located in the heart of Spinningfields, The Oast House has git it all going on this winter. Their TeePee pop-up is returning, promising multiple fire pits, pretty fairy lights, festive themed cocktails and tasty comfort food - from turkey hanging kebabs to Christmas dinner pies. Expect twinkling lights, glasses that sparkle, and the soundtrack of live music filling the air seven nights a week.

What's more, The Oast House's Christmas dining menu is perfect for long-overdue get-togethers, from family celebrations to office parties, while the finger food one is ideal for more relaxed occasions with flowing drinks and nibbles.

• Location: Hardman Square, Spinningfields, M3 3HG
• When: November and December 2026
• Price: varies 
• Why we recommend: for a festive night that feels like a cosy winter escape right in the heart of Manchester, we think that The Lawn Club's iconic yurt is unbeatable

Situated in Spinningfields, The Lawn Club is a popular venue all year round. But it really comes alive in winter, thanks to their apres ski-themed yurt. The heated space is decked out in festive lighting, as well as a beautifully decorated tree.

You can enjoy a delicious winter menu here too, featuring everything from potted brisket and stuffing balls in cranberry sauce to honey mustard pigs in blankets.

• Location: RHS Garden Bridgewater, Salford, M28 2LJ
• When: 26th November - 30th December 2026
• Price: from £4.50 for children and £8.25 for adults (RHS member saver rates)
• Why we recommend: Glow at RHS Bridgewater is one of Greater Manchester's most enchanting winter traditions, calming, dazzling, and utterly unforgettable

RHS Glow is back for 2026, and this year, RHS Bridgewater is turning the magic dial up to full sparkle. With dazzling displays, live entertainment and specially commissioned artworks lighting up the night, it's no wonder this has become one of the most beloved festive experiences. 

This year brings 13 stunning new installations, with favourites returning to wow the crowds once again. To complete your evening, follow the scent of mulled wine, woodfired pizza and winter warmers drifting through the air. The Bridgewater Café serves steaming Bratwursts, jacket potatoes, pasties and hot comfort plates, while the Stables Café offers hot drinks, mulled wine, and sweet seasonal treats. Don't miss the marshmallow toasting station, a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

• Locations: Browns Brasserie & Bar, 20 Stories, Elnecot, and more
• When: November and December 2026
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: we look forward to a Christmas dinner every year, and eating out at top-class restaurants is part of the fun (though we could never forget about the joy of a home-cooked meal). From towering Yorkshire puddings to fabulous vegetarian options, our guide is full of tempting treats

Things to do in Manchester this Christmas 2026 are topped off by nabbing a piled-high plate of hearty dinner. Whether you're looking for a work night out, a seasonal meal with friends or even an alternative to cooking on the 25th, we've got just the place.

From festive feasts laden with meat, potatoes and all the trimmings, to seasonal twists on other dishes, this guide has it all.

• Locations: Castlefield Viaduct, Dunham Massey, Tatton Park, Quarry Bank, Lyme, Nether Alderley Mill, Hare Hill
• When: most open daily; check individual sites for seasonal hours
• Price: from free
• Why we recommend: perfect for a wholesome escape from the city, with historic houses, gardens, woodland walks, and heritage mills all within easy reach of Manchester

Looking for a calm, festive escape from the hustle and bustle of Manchester? National Trust properties in and around the city make for the ideal winter day trip. Within a 90-minute drive, you can explore everything from the free urban garden at Castlefield Viaduct to sprawling deer parks and historic houses at Dunham Massey and Tatton Park.

For a taste of industrial history, head to Quarry Bank Mill or Nether Alderley Mill, while Lyme and Hare Hill offer tranquil gardens and scenic walks perfect for a peaceful afternoon. With options to suit all budgets and easy public transport access to most sites, it's a simple way to enjoy a slice of history, nature, and festive charm without leaving the North West.

• Location: The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, M2 3WS
• When: throughout December 2026 
• Price: varies by concert
• Why we recommend: this is a magical mix of Christmas films with live orchestra, singalong carols, family classics and festive concerts

If you're heading into Manchester for the Christmas Markets this year, make your festive evening even more special with a Christmas concert at The Bridgewater Hall. The city's world-class music venue transforms into a hub of seasonal sparkle, offering a packed programme of shows ranging from traditional carol concerts and film favourites to uplifting orchestral spectaculars.

Expect everything from Love Actually in Concert and The Muppet Christmas Carol with full live orchestra, to the feel-good energy of The Big Christmas Party, where Christmas hits and timeless classics collide for the ultimate night out. And on Christmas Eve, the much-loved Christmas Carol Singalong brings the whole Hall together in a joyful chorus. For family Christmas events in Manchester, the Hallé's charming Christmas concerts and Raymond Briggs' animated masterpiece The Snowman enchant little ones and grown-ups alike.

• Locations: Manchester city centre and more 
• When: November and December 2026
• Price: from free entry
• Why we recommend: if there's one thing that gets us in the festive spirit, it's a wander through the Manchester Christmas Markets - mulled wine in hand, bratwurst on the go, and twinkly lights everywhere you look

What could be more festive than heading to a Christmas market? We certainly can't think of anything. There are all sorts of seasonal stalls to explore across Manchester, from the main Christmas markets across nine city centre locations to pop-ups in Altrincham and Stockport.

We've rounded up five of the very best locations to visit, to get your fix of mulled wine, hot chocolate and unique gifts.

• Location: Unit 1, 4 New Bailey, Stanley Street, Salford, Manchester, M35JL
• When: November and December 2026
• Price: from £36 per person
• Why we recommend: if you've ever wanted to bake and compete in the same breath, The Big Manchester Bake is your calling: a 90-minute showdown in a glamorous marquee where you'll decorate, compete, and maybe even go home crowned the ultimate baking duo

The Big Manchester Bake is the ultimate baking challenge for anyone who loves a bit of friendly competition and delicious treats this Christmas. Set in a vibrant and interactive environment, this fun and unique event invites participants to roll up their sleeves and get creative in the kitchen.

Teams of bakers will go head-to-head to create show-stopping bakes, following quirky themes and fun challenges that test their skills, speed, and imagination. Whether you're a baking pro or a novice, the event guarantees a memorable experience filled with laughter, camaraderie, and of course, plenty of mouth-watering creations to enjoy.

• Location: Good Yard Street, Spinningfields, M3 3BG
• When: November and December 2026
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: we think that Courts Club's Winter Assembly is unmissable - picture belting out tunes in cosy 'Chalaoke' huts, toasting marshmallows by the fire, and feasting on street food under giant Christmas trees

Head to Courts Club for Winter Assembly, a festive retreat offering an enchanting mix of activities. Book a Chalaoke hut for an intimate karaoke session, head to the Bavarian beer hut and catch a Christmas movie screening.

Warm up with delicious boozy hot chocolates and taste festive delights like German BBQ, Winter Gyros, and grilled cheese sandwiches, all while enjoying the atmosphere of Christmas trees and crackling fire pits for toasting marshmallows.

• Location: Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire, CH2 1LE
• When: 13th November 2026 - 3rd January 2027
• Price: from £12
• Why we recommend: here you can meet illuminated snow leopards, drift through ribbon tunnels and rainbow bubbles, and wave to Father Christmas - all in one night

When it comes to Christmas family events, Manchester has plenty, but it's a short drive to Chester, where you'll find family joy in the form of Lanterns & Light, returning to Chester Zoo for 2026. It's transforming the entire site into a glowing winter wonderland packed with immersive installations, playful puppets and dazzling moments that delight visitors of all ages. As darkness falls, you'll wander through shimmering tunnels of light, laser-lit gardens and suspended kaleido stars, encountering brand-new walk-through experiences like Airquarium, Bubble Walk and Submergence.

Along the trail, interactive animal puppets including snow leopards, zebras, penguins and peacocks bring the zoo to life in a whole new way, while festive food stalls, warming drinks, joyful fairground rides and surprise encounters (including a wave from Father Christmas) add even more cheer to the night. 

• Location: ABC Buildings, Quay Street, M3 4AE
• When: November and December 2026
• Price: TBC 
• Why we recommend: if you want your festive party to feel otherworldly, The Dome's Winter Oasis is the place to be. Celebrate under a rooftop snow globe, surrounded by shimmering seasonal décor, killer cocktails, and Manchester's skyline as your glittering backdrop

Elevate your festive celebrations at Manchester's stunning rooftop venue atop the Spinningfields ABC building. This December, The Dome transforms into a mesmerising Winter Oasis, evoking the enchantment of a snow globe.

Whether you're indulging in bottomless brunches or hosting unforgettable private events, this picturesque setting offers the ultimate seasonal escape. Join their Saturday Bottomless Spritz Brunch, where you'll enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited spritzes, cocktails, beers, and bratwursts - a perfect way to toast the holiday spirit.

• Locations: Hotel Gotham, Malmaison Manchester, The Lowry Hotel, and more
• When: throughout November and December 2026
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: it's Christmas cosiness at its finest with tiny sandwiches, indulgent pastries, twinkling views and festive fizz

There's nothing quite like a warm brew and a tower of dainty treats to ease you into the festive season, and Manchester's Christmas afternoon teas are stepping things up with sparkle, spice and a little help from Santa himself. Whether you prefer sky-high glamour or a cosy corner near the markets, the city's best spots are ready to pour, slice and sprinkle their way through December.

At Cloud 23, you can sip tea (or a boozy upgrade) while gazing over Deansgate from one of Manchester's most iconic viewpoints. Meanwhile, Slug & Lettuce serves up one of the city's most affordable festive teas, complete with scones, chocolate brownies and optional prosecco or cocktails.

• Locations: The Cathedral Gardens, Trafford Centre and more
• When: throughout November and December 2026
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: this is one of our favourite winter pastimes, and there are multiple locations to try across the city

Quite possibly the ultimate winter activity, ice skating is bound to get you in the festive mood. And luckily, there are several different places across Manchester where you can get your frosty fix.

Don your skates and glide round the rink at one of our top picks. From Planet Ice to Skate Manchester, check out these brilliant spots.

• Locations: 1 Peter Street, M2 5QR
• When: throughout November and December 2026
• Price: £40 - £45
• Why we recommend: as a big player in the Manchester brunch scene, Dirty Martini have proved themselves in this department – meaning you can trust them to deliver a fine festive spread that may just be the highlight of your November/December. 

Bottomless brunch fans need Dirty Martini's Festive Brunch to complete their winter calendar. From 23rd November, this iconic cocktail bar will be dazzling your taste buds with 90 minutes of endless cocktails, bubbles and beer – plus a few tasty mocktails for non-drinkers. 

As for the food, expect to receive an elegant birdcage to the table, with tiers of themed treats from brie and cranberry wontons to pigs in blankets sliders. Each cage feeds two people – so there's plenty of go around. 

• Location: Tenants Hall, Tatton Park, Knutsford, WA16 6SG 
• When: 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th December 2026
• Price: from £95.40 per person
• Why we recommend: it's one of the most exciting ways to celebrate the holidays in 2026, especially when you pair San Carlo's Italian street food with a live sax-and-DJ soundtrack

Après Ski Christmas at Tatton Park offers one of the best ways to kick off the festive season in style this year. Set within the iconic Tenants Hall at Tatton Park, the spectacular alpine venue features chalet-chic decor, reserved dining tables, a fully stocked bar serving festive cocktails and mulled wine, and an electrifying dance floor hosted by Six15's live DJs, saxophonists, and percussionists.

Head down for a sparkling evening welcome featuring arrival drinks and wine waiting at your table; if you prefer an all-out party, Après Ski Christmas at Tatton Park has live music with decadent Italian street food from San Carlo, while pre-booked return transport to Manchester City Centre ensures your night ends completely stress-free.

• Location: Tenants Hall, Tatton Park, Knutsford, WA16 6SG 
• When: 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th December 2026
• Price: from £70.20 per person
• Why we recommend: it's a highlight of the season is the high-production spectacle of live sax and drums bringing an alpine lodge to life in the afternoon

Apres Ski Bottomless Brunch at Tatton Park offers one of the best ways to experience a luxury daytime celebration this year. Taking over the historic Tenants Hall for select dates in December, it boasts a dazzling alpine setting, inclusive welcome beverages, two hours of free-flowing drinks, and an energetic crowd dressed in refined chalet-chic attire.

Head down early from 1pm for warm mulled wine, beer, or fizz. The event also features an open dance floor with live beats from Six15's famous performers, while specialised catering by restaurant giants San Carlo lets your group indulge in gourmet Italian-inspired street food.

• Location: The Brewers, Manchester, 4 Canal Street, M1 3HE
• When: throughout November and December
• Price: -
• Why we recommend: The Brewers is bringing your wildest festive party dreams to life with its decorative venue turning even more outlandish with the addition of tinsel, twinkly lights and special themed drinks

Funky, glamorous and fabulous LQBTQ+ nightlife hotspot The Brewers is filled with neon, wild patterns and plush booths for evenings that have no choice but to turn a little absurd. 

Guests always expect big things from this party palace, and you can expect even more come Christmas; from a range of Christmas drinks to dazzling decorations and festive music, this is the place to keep warm during winter. Their regular events are still running throughout the period, including a cabaret club night hosted by Shania Pain featuring special guests and 2-4-1 cocktails. 

• Location: Heron House, Albert Square, M2 5HD
• When: throughout November and December
• Price: around £40
• Why we recommend: this is a brunch that's all about choice, with a wide array of food and drink options letting you tailor your meal to exactly how you like 

Decked out in vibrant colours and patterned wallpaper, Slug and Lettuce is all about fun no matter the time of year, but when it comes to Christmas – they've been known to pull out all the stops. 

Their festive bottomless brunch lets you choose from prosecco, beer and a whole big list of cocktails as your free-flowing drink option, served with a plate of American-style pancakes, pigs in blankets croll, chicken and Belgian waffles, a brunch burger or something else from the extensive list of dishes. The sessions run in the daytime and during the evening, with the option to upgrade to iconic serves like their seasonal Gingerbread Dream. 

• Location: Impossible, Peter Street, M2 5GP
• When: 5th and 12th December 2026
• Price: from £19.80 per person
• Why we recommend: we always love Old Skool Bingo for its nostalgic hits and high-energy games, so we're extra excited for a festive twist on things

The legendary Old Skool Bingo are hosting two Christmas specials this year, taking place on the 5th and 12th December. There'll be seasonally inspired rounds of bingo, as well as a big festive atmosphere and singalong tunes.

DJs will be playing all the best of 90s and 00s RnB, and a live host will lead the entertainment. Think dance-off, party games, giveaways and prizes.

• Location: 94-98 Bloom Street, M13LY
• When: every Saturday in December
• Price: from £16.50 per person
• Why we recommend: this bustling event is packed full of drag and cabaret entertainment, guaranteed to keep you entertained and interacting throughout

FunnyBoyz Manchester are bringing you a buzzing Christmas special of Benidorm Bingo across December, taking place at New York New York. This is a raucous, drag queen-led event, promising a quirky twist on bingo.

There's plenty of crowd interaction, including twerk-offs, lip-syncing and even the chance to join them in a cabaret slot. There'll be comedy cabaret throughout and in between rounds, as well as an afterparty from 10pm until late.

• Location: 50 Sackville Street, M1 3WF
• When: 28th November and 12th December 2026
• Price: from £17.60 per person
• Why we recommend: this is the ultimate bottomless brunch for ABBA fans, bringing you a mix of live music and seasonal drag entertainment as you sip unlimited drinks

If you're looking for a lively festive party, then head to the ABBA Believe In Angels Christmas Bottomless Brunch at Area. This event features a live vocal show on stage from one of the UK's best ABBA tribute shows, complete with all your favourite hits, alongside Christmassy drag performances.

Tuck into a scrumptious seasonal brunch as you enjoy the entertainment, including crispy turkey burgers, falafel wraps and more. You can also opt for 90 minutes of bottomless booze - think prosecco, select cocktails, beer and soft drinks.