10 Things To Do For Christmas In Manchester 2021

Manchester is pretty cold and wet during the festive period, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be buzzing about Christmas.

Manchester has loads of amazing things to do over the next couple of weeks that will get you into the festive spirit. Here are ten things to check out this Christmas

1. Manchester Christmas Markets

Location: Manchester City Centre (You can’t miss them)

Manchester’s Christmas Markets are not like other cities, they are huge and winding taking of swathes of central Manchester. To be fair, you could easily describe it as a Christmas City.

Sip mulled wine in the chilled winter air underneath the iconic Town Hall and its larger than life Santa installation.

There’s much to experience including the true culinary icon that is the Yorkshire pudding wrap!

Manchester is a special place during the festive period, the lights all over town and the bustling markets make it feel like a Wes Anderson fairy tale.

Dates: 12 November 2021 – 31 December 2021

2. Skate Manchester

Location: Cathedral Gardens, Manchester City Centre

Fully embrace the alpine, après-ski vibe by getting your skates on in Cathedral Gardens.

After your wander through the Christmas markets, finish off in perfect style by having an ice skate sesh with your student mates.

The rink is indoors which means you can skate regardless of the weather – very useful given Manchester is notorious for rain.

Dates: 22nd October 2021 until 3rd January 2022

3. Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience

Location: Arley Hall & Gardens, Arley, Northwich CW9 6NA

Take an impish leaf out of your favourite characters book and explore Hogwarts’ forbidden forest.

This supercool night-time experience is located within the grounds of Arley Hall in Northwich.

The woodland trail is filled with magical beasts and special effects which bring the world of Harry Potter to life, this event is sure to delight everyone, not just the HP stans.

Dates: This is not specifically seasonal so will run into 2022

4. Warehouse Project

Location: Mayfield Depot, Manchester M1 2PY

Because of lockdown, everyone was housebound for too long last Christmas and the parties, as well as get together, were literally cancelled! This year is guaranteed to be the biggest and wildest vibe around.

Warehouse Project closing parties are THE club event of the season. With varied and star-studded line ups there’s always something for everyone from Deep Techno to Tropical House.

Tired of your fam? Get the student fam out on Boxing Day and rave rather than stuff yourself with day-old turkey. If NYE isn’t your thing, check out WHP’s New Year’s Day, all-day session.

Closing Party Dates: 18 December 2021, 31 December 2021 and 1 January 2022

5. Garage Brunch

Babycakes, you’ll be sure to be Bound 4 da Reload with the bottomless brunch bringing the hardest vibe in Manchester.

With garage music and eggs, we really are Closer than Close to perfection!

Finally, someone has taken our two favourite things and combined them to make a perfect dish.

We strongly encourage you all to embrace your inner Garage Girl(s), don your loudest Moschino and grab the nearest champagne bottle because this is one party that will have you going Piano Loco.

6. Ultimate Power Ballads – Christmas Edition

Location: O2 Ritz Manchester City Centre

Another one for the music lovers, specifically the big strong and powerful music lovers.

Sing at the top of your lungs with all your heart, all the greatest power ballads in one evening from Whitney to Bon Jovi with a Christmas twist of course.

Dates: 10 December 2021

7. Escape to Freight Island

Location: Mayfield Depot, Manchester M1 2PY

Mayfield Depot is certainly pushing itself to become the number one venue in Manchester. Already home to The Warehouse Project, the depot hosts a whole range of cool and independent plays, shows and gigs.

Escape to Freight Island is the number one favourite. Located in an abandoned freight depot, there are bars, live DJs and so so much more available for you to discover.

It’s currently selling tickets for Winter Island, an industrial winter wonderland where you can brunch with Father Christmas, skate on the ice rink, browse for boutique handcrafted gifts and so much more.

Dates: Until 31 December 2021

8. Lightopia Festival

Location: Heaton Park, Manchester

Lightopia Festival is a spectacular and dazzling lantern and light festival that is guaranteed to wow and charm you.

There are immersive exhibits, inspiring installations, and beautifully lit pathways.

There’s a Christmas themed trail which is a total delight and a certain festive spirit inducing good time. Enjoy this magical moment with the ones you hold dear.

Dates: 18 November 2021 – 3 January 2022

9. TinselTown: The Trafford Centre

Location: The Orient, The Trafford Centre

Greetings from Tinsel Town, no not Hollywood…Manchester! The Trafford Centre is host to all the glamour and style you need this Christmas with this new incredible open-air experience.

Make sure you bring your hats and scarves to discover an infinitely festive winter wonderland. Fly along with the toboggan slide, enjoy the view from the big wheel, and try to stay upright on the beautiful ice rink.

Featuring ice skating shows and a nostalgic show featuring all the festive favourites performed by professional circus entertainers, acrobats and superstars, you can also pop to the shops for some light shopping.

Dates: 19 November – 24 December

10. Sh!t Theatre’s Sing-a-long-a-Muppet Christmas Carol

Location: Home Theatre, First Street, Manchester City Centre

Do you even have Christmas if you don’t watch the Muppets Christmas Carol?

The provocatively named Sh!t Theatre is an award-winning duo who are quickly gaining a huge following for their offbeat and hilarious shows.

Sh!t Theatre’s spin on A Muppets Christmas Carol has been described as genius and side achingly funny. Featuring, free whiskey and free goody bags there is so much to love about this one and different festive activity.

Dates: 7 December 2021 – 9 December 2021

If you live in Manchester, you already know how awesome it is and Christmas just makes the city, well, more awesome. Fancy a dance? Check out our club picks or if you want a boozy daytime activity, choose from one of the many bottomless brunches available which will probs have a festive twist.