The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, home to some of the world’s best bands, and a city where a warm welcome always awaits, Manchester shines brightest at Christmas.
At this time of year, the city transforms into a magical wonderland, with festive cheer to be found around every corner. Twinkling lights and European-style stalls thread throughout the city centre providing visitors with the perfect combination of shopping, socialising and celebration.
Here at Bents Garden & Home, we are lucky to be located just a few miles from Manchester, one of the Country’s most popular, cultural and vibrant cities! With so many Christmas events, we thought we’d take a look at some of the city's most fantastically festive choices, so when you’re not celebrating at Bents you know where to go…
Manchester Christmas Markets
Many cities host Christmas Markets, but how many can boast that they are ‘world famous’?
Visiting the markets has got to be top of the list of things to do in Manchester at Christmas.
The many streets and squares of this historical city are filled with wooden huts, each adding its own little bit of charm. From festive food and drinks to glorious gifts and keepsakes, here's what you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets.
Opening times
There are different opening times for the food and non-food huts, so something to bear in mind when you are planning your Christmas events in Manchester this year.
Gift and craft stalls are open from 10am – 8pm, with food and drink open slightly later from 11am – 9pm. The markets are open 7th November until Sunday, 22nd December 2025.
Location
Manchester Christmas Markets snake throughout the city centre, with each area offering something slightly different. The largest area is located in Piccadilly Gardens, close to Piccadilly Station, making it a great starting point if you are traveling into the city by train.
Moving down Market Street, one of the city’s main shopping areas, now has more stalls than ever before, and with a focus on gifts. Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, St Ann's Square, and King Street complete the scene.
Tasty Treats
You'll find all the traditional foodie favourites from Bratwurst and Currywurst to Burritos and, new for this year, La Bavette steak and frittes with a magical melty raclette cheese! Drinks are also on the menu, with a selection that includes mulled wine and Bavarian beer, as well as prosecco and wine, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Don't Miss
Exchange Square is a must-visit thanks to the famous Porky Pig Yorkshire Pudding Stall and Dutch Mini Pancakes! Both delicious and not to me missed.
Souvenir Mug
Manchester’s mug deposit scheme is a great way to take a small souvenir of the day away with you. When buying a mulled wine, a percentage of your first purchase is put as a deposit on your mug.
You can choose to return your mug (which has a new design each year) and get your deposit back or keep it and take it home as a keepsake from your visit to one of the best Christmas events in Manchester.
Skate Manchester at Cathedral Gardens
Moving on from the Markets (or for an extra xmas activity before or after the markets) is Skate Manchester, a fully covered ice rink located in the beautiful Cathedral Gardens.
Set against the backdrop of one of the city’s oldest buildings and with a twinkling 7ft Christmas tree at its centre, this venue is the perfect choice for an activity with friends or a family Christmas event in Manchester this year.
Here's what you need to know:
Opening Times
Skate Manchester remains open throughout the Christmas period, from Saturday, 25 October, to Sunday, 4 January. Opening times are from 10.30am – 9.00pm, with the first session starting at 11am and the last session starting at 8pm.
Costs
Prices are dependent on time with peak periods costing more, but start at:
- Adults £14
- Children £10
- Family from £46
- Wheelchair users £10
Tickets can be booked online and at the box office next to the rink
What to bring
Whilst Skate Manchester is undercover, it is still a chilly environment, so don't forget to wrap up warm. Gloves and extra socks are highly recommended! Skates are provided with double blades, available for those who are less confident. The popular penguins are also on hand to help support the little ones.
Special sessions
This year a number of special quiet and sensory sessions have been allocated to provide a more relaxed environment and the rink is also accessible to wheelchair users.
Don't forget…
Skate Manchester is one of the best things to do in Manchester at Christmas but a few things to remember include age restrictions (children under 3 can’t access the rink) and children must be accompanied by an adult, all of whom will enjoy this festive experience.
Manchester Christmas Parade
Here at Bents, we're no strangers to Christmas parades, having already welcomed Father Christmas in-store following his magical arrival to kick off our festive season. It's one of our favourite traditions, and Manchester's own Christmas Parade is every bit as special, now firmly established as one of the UK's most spectacular festive celebrations.
Since first launching in 2022, the parade has become a must-see event for families and visitors alike, lighting up the city with dazzling costumes, music, and entertainment. This year's line-up promises to be bigger and brighter than ever, with the return of the Elf Express carrying Santa on his way to the North Pole, Toy Soldiers marching on segways, a mischievous roaming Christmas tree, giant reindeer, and the mesmerising Snow Queen gliding through the streets in her glittering snow globe.
New for 2025, look out for the enchanting Festive Fantasy Candyland Castle, a three-metre-tall, rotating fairytale castle surrounded by candy canes and sweet-themed décor that's sure to capture every child's imagination.
Timings
The Manchester Christmas Parade takes place on Sunday 7 December 2025.
The Route
The parade will start and finish at Manchester Cathedral, following this route: Victoria Street, Deansgate, John Dalton Street, Cross Street, Market Street, St Mary’s Gate, Deansgate, Victoria Street, and back to Manchester Cathedral.
Viewing
Road closures will be in place throughout the day, with accessible viewing areas available near Be at One on Deansgate and Boots on Cross Street, making it easy for everyone to enjoy this heartwarming Christmas spectacle.
Theatre and Musical Performances
Home to musical heroes from Oasis and New Order to the Bee Gees and Halle Orchestra, the city’s many theatres and venues are the perfect choice when looking for things to do in Manchester at Christmas.
The city centre itself has choices in abundance but when you add in the wider Greater Manchester region there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Here we take a look at five of our favourite venues and their 2025 Christmas events in Manchester.
The Bridgewater Hall
Home to the world-renowned Hallé Orchestra, The Bridgewater Hall is one of Manchester's most elegant and atmospheric venues. Located on Lower Mosley Street, it's just a short walk from Deansgate Station and the city's tram network, with Society Food Hall nearby for pre-show street food and drinks.
This December, the hall comes alive with festive music and heartfelt performances that capture the true spirit of Christmas:
Manchester & Districts Hospitals' Choir: Supporting Young Lives vs Cancer
Monday 1 December 2025, 7:30 pm
A cherished Manchester tradition, this annual charity concert unites local choirs and hospital staff for an evening of uplifting Christmas music in aid of a wonderful cause.
Connaught Brass: Manchester Midday Music
Tuesday 2 December 2025, 1:00 pm
Enjoy a festive lunchtime concert featuring Connaught Brass, one of the UK's brightest young brass ensembles, performing a selection of seasonal classics and joyful favourites.
Whether it's a grand orchestral performance or a festive sing-along, The Bridgewater Hall offers a magical musical escape from the winter bustle of the city.
The Opera House
The Opera House is one of two iconic venues in the city centre, full of history, and one of our favourite places for family Christmas events in Manchester. Its location on Quay Street is a short walking distance to the city's trendy Spinningfields area, with a choice of pre and post-performance venues including The Ivy, Alchemist and The Oust House with its magical Festive TeePee.
What to see: Watch a classic pantomime as Cinderella comes to The Opera House, starring Jason Manford as Prince Charming. Showing from 14th December to 5th January
The Palace Theatre
Manchester's Palace Theatre is one of the city's most historic and atmospheric venues, offering the perfect setting for a festive night out. Located on Oxford Street, it’s surrounded by great spots for pre-theatre dining, such as The Refuge, and is just a short stroll from Chinatown, ideal for rounding off the evening with something delicious.
This December, the Palace hosts two show-stopping productions guaranteed to get audiences on their feet:
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical
1 December 2025 – 10 January 2026
Celebrate the life and music of the Queen of Rock' n' Roll in this powerful stage musical packed with energy, emotion, and iconic hits. From "Simply the Best" to "What's
Love Got to Do with It?" is an unforgettable tribute that's perfect for a Christmas night out in Manchester.
Love Actually In Concert – The Film with Live Orchestra
3 December 2025, The Bridgewater Hall
While not at the Palace itself, this much-loved festive classic deserves a mention. Experience Love Actually on the big screen accompanied by a live orchestra — a truly heart-warming addition to Manchester's Christmas calendar.
Whether you're after soulful music, festive romance, or a touch of theatre magic, Manchester's stages are brimming with Christmas spirit this year.
The Co-op Live
Now fully established as the UK's largest indoor arena, Co-op Live has quickly become Manchester's go-to destination for world-class entertainment. Located next to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium, the venue has its own Metrolink stop and an impressive indoor "Street" featuring a 22-metre bar and food markets, perfect for pre-show drinks and festive bites.
This December, Co-op Live is turning up the volume with an incredible run of live music and arena-sized Christmas energy:
Jamiroquai – The Heels of Steel Tour
Saturday 6 December 2025
Expect funk, flair and floor-fillers as Jay Kay and the band bring their unmistakable style to Manchester for one electrifying night.
Ed Sheeran Live
Sunday 7 December 2025
One of the world's biggest artists performs hits old and new, making this a must-see finale to Manchester's December concert line-up.
With an atmosphere like no other and a calendar packed with global stars, Co-op Live is the place to be for unforgettable festive nights in Manchester this Christmas.
The Lowry Theatre
Across the other side of the city, close to Manchester United’s home ground, is MediaCityUK, where the iconic Lowry Theatre sits proudly on the waterfront. Just a short tram ride from the city centre, it’s surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and bars, making it the perfect spot for a full festive day out. The venue is also home to the world's largest collection of LS Lowry artwork, so there’s plenty to see before or after a show.
This year, The Lowry is bringing a spectacular line-up of festive productions for families and theatre-lovers alike:
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
3 December 2025 – 11 January 2026, Lyric Theatre
Step through the wardrobe into Narnia for a magical retelling of C. S. Lewis’s timeless classic — a spellbinding mix of theatre, music and adventure for all ages.
Unfortunate, The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch
5 December 2025 – 11 January 2026, Quays Theatre
A hilariously cheeky parody musical that dives under the sea to give Disney’s villain her side of the story. Perfect for adults and older teens looking for something a little different.
The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical
10 December 2025 – 4 January 2026, Lyric Theatre
Roald Dahl’s mischievous tale comes to life with songs, laughter, and plenty of audience participation — a brilliant family show full of festive fun.
Little Bear and the Christmas Lights
A gentle, heart-warming story perfect for younger children, combining puppetry and music to capture the wonder of the Christmas season.
With its mix of big-stage productions and charming family shows, The Lowry remains one of the best places to experience festive theatre in Greater Manchester.
Glow 2025 at RHS Bridgewater
Last on our list but by no means least is the magical Glow 2025 at RHS Bridgewater. As a garden and home centre with homegrown plants at our heart, we are delighted to have one of only five RHS Gardens located just a few miles down the road.
RHS Bridgewater Glow event is open from 26 November to 30 December 2025 and has quickly become a much-loved destination. Glow 2025 is one of the best things to do in Manchester at Christmas.
A combination of winter illuminations and spectacular light show performances, all set against Bridgewater's historic and beautiful woodlands and gardens. Tickets are priced at £12.95 for adults (£15.50 peak times) and £6.95 for children (£8.25 peak times), and visitors should bring their booking reference number to their visit.
RHS Bridgewater is located just off the M60 and has plenty of parking, making Glow 2025 a perfect Christmas event in Manchester.
Be Prepared
Manchester is known for its Northern charm; warm and welcoming, friendly and fun. If you’re looking for things to do in Manchester at Christmas, we hope we've given you just a flavour of what’s on in this incredible city.
As with any December events in Manchester, tickets will be booked quickly, so what are you waiting for…get those Christmas events booked.
Travel and Accommodation
Manchester has a number of train stations (Piccadilly and Victoria being the main locations) and, as well as Metrolink and Bee Bus Network throughout the city, making getting around on local transport an easy option.
There are plenty of hotels, ranging from the high-end and beautiful Midland Hotel and five-star Edwardian to the stylish and boutique Motel One, of which there are three located around the city centre.
Have A Cracker
If this blog has got you raring to go and pop on your winter jacket and hit the streets of Manchester, we'd recommend making your first stop at Bent's Garden & Home. We have plenty of Christmas events with crafts, Santa, and delicious Christmas treats to enjoy.