It may be the evening before the big day, but this city is set to be anything but quiet. Whether you're looking for a cosy pint in a winter yurt, a sumptuous supper to kick off the festivities or a late-night party to celebrate Santa's arrival, this guide has you covered. Check out our lowdown on things to do on Christmas Eve in Manchester right here...to all a Merry Christmas, and to all a good night.
From Crimbo cocktails to three-course set menus, The Anthologist (a.k.a The First Dates restaurant) has everything you need to make your chilled out proceedings festive on the 24th. Expect vegan Wellington, roasted goose breast, chocolate opera cake and more.
Salt Dogs in Manchester is an urban bar covered in graffiti and featuring pool tables and bookable spaces - perfect for big groups of friends this Christmas Eve. They pride themselves on their excellent selection of beer, with plenty of cocktails available too, as well as hotdogs if you get hungry.
The Oast House will be serving their usual hearty winter-warming grub on rustic platters - the best stomach-lining nosh before the main event. The selection of ales, wines and other beverages are sure to keep you warm too, as you venture out into the huge wintertime teepee.
Bringing out delish winter cocktails each year, The Alchemist New York Street, Spinningfields and MediaCity are great for when you want a last-minute bash before the big day itself. Think theatrical serves at the swish bar, or while accompanying a bite to eat.
Charmingly kitsch and full of heart, Yates is an energetic venue that thrives during seasonal holidays, especially Christmas.
Throughout December they're hosting festive live music nights, themed quizzes and DJ events fuelled by 2-4-1 cocktails, with the space open to locals on the 24th for gatherings involving catch-ups with friends and comfort food in the form of their dedicated winter buffet and set menu.
This chilled Northern Quarter cafe has a speakeasy-style bar downstairs, great for sipping on some Christmas Eve cocktails. If you're planning a feast on the 24th, the Foundry Project dishes out juicy burgers and hand-stretched pizzas, while also being a great place for a boogie.
Looking for Christmas Eve events in Manchester? Get ready for a holiday adventure at Courts Club, where it becomes Winter Assembly this season. Sing your heart out in one of their charming Chalaoke huts, skate around the ice rink, and enjoy festive film screenings.
Relish in boozy hot chocolates and feast on hearty street food, including German BBQ, Winter Gyros, and festive grilled cheese, all set against the backdrop of sparkling Christmas trees and glowing fire pits.
Pre-Theatre Menu | 2 course £23.95 | 3 course £27.95 and 2 other offers
Looking for a delicious Christmas Eve dinner in Manchester? Don Giovanni brings Italian cuisine and a festive menu with pastas, seafood and desserts. For drinks afterwards and during, the gorgeous spot features a choice of artisan cocktails or vintage wines.
Revolution Deansgate Locks is the perfect place for some early doors boozing, before heading home to leave Santa a mince pie (or wrap those last-minute presents). Thanks to a capacity of 1100, this place is set to be alive with festive cheer and merriment come the 24th of December.
The Brewers is an inclusive party venue in Manchester's iconic Gay Village, with enough neon and glitter to guarantee a great night out no matter what the week is. But they don't take special occasions lightly – so this Christmas Eve they're hosting a cabaret event with Shania Pain and her entourage of talented guests.
Drink exclusive winter cocktails designed by the bar staff as you laugh, dance and get thoroughly entertained by the dazzling performers – with 2-4-1 drinks available all night long until 2am.
Kick off the festive season with a Christmas Eve feast at ASK Italian Manchester. Begin with starters like bruschetta, burrata tricolore, or festive sprout and pancetta croquettes, then tuck into mains including festive Christmas carbonara, fettuccine bolognese, linguine con frutti di mare, or vegan-friendly fettuccine lentil ragu and risotto con funghi.
Finish with decadent desserts such as warm chocolate brownie, festive orange panettone pudding, or Biscoff cheesecake.
The Old Wellington is a traditional British boozer located just a stone's throw away from the city's two primary places of worship - the Cathedral and Printworks. Open from 11am till 10pm, this cosy spot is perfect for a hearty lunch or early eve mulled wine, great for a family Christmas Eve in Manchester.
Darts with a difference? It can only be Flight Club, the place where you can enjoy fun minigames and a high-tech take on automatically scoring your darts. Expect your very own oche for your group, complete with fun action replays of your best moments, as well as sharing platters and small plates to fill you up.
Head to the opulent interiors of Grand Pacific the day before the 25th December, where you'll be met with festive afternoon teas and set Christmas menus flaunting a pan-Asian twist. You'll also be able to wash all these down with signature cocktails.
2 or 3 Course Festive Set Menu - From £39 and 2 other offers
Enjoy Christmas Eve in style at Peter Street Kitchen, where every detail radiates warmth and festive charm. The Maison-inspired décor in bold red tones, velvet textures, and giant bows creates a cosy yet glamorous atmosphere, while you sip on exclusive limited-edition Brut Impérial Red and Rosé Impérial.
From the Champagne tower to a live pianist playing seasonal favourites, it's a night of celebratory elegance, a chic prelude to Christmas Day itself.
To make sure you get your fix of activities on Christmas Eve, check out Electric Shuffle. This is the perfect 24th December choice, as your group takes to a sole-use table to try their ramped-up version of traditional shuffleboard. Think high-tech scoring with cameras keeping track of every puck, alongside action replays and fun minigames.
