Things to do at Christmas in Manchester 2022
Manchester is a glorious city in winter – add in a sprinkling of festivities and it becomes a hub for Christmas cheer! Whether you live in Manchester, are thinking of moving here, or paying a visit – here’s the best things to do at Christmas in Manchester, in 2022.
What city is complete without festive markets? From traditional stalls to mulled drinks and festive food – wandering the wooden-clad huts is sure to bring your Christmas spirit bubbling to the surface.
This year, from 10th November until 22nd December, over 220 Christmas stalls will be found at nine sites across the city centre. There will be activities and shopping tailored to the whole family; including the ever-popular Christmas Lights trail, that culminates with a gloriously luminescent Santa, perched in front of Central Library on St Peter’s Square.
After proving incredibly popular with the crowds in previous years, Piccadilly Gardens is set to be transformed once again into the Winter Gardens, the market’s hub for festive fare and live entertainment. Grab your friends and head over on a December weekend – that will get you in the mood for Christmas!
What’s Christmas in Manchester without donning some skates and hitting the outdoor ice rink? From 2nd November until 2nd January, the ice rink will be open from 11am until 10pm each and every day.
The covered rink is accessible for all levels of skater, with helpful penguin skate aids on hand for little ones who are perhaps less sure on their skates! You can find the ice rink at Cathedral Gardens in the City Centre. Children’s tickets start at £12.50 whilst adult and teen passes start at £14.50.
One of the best events for Harry Potter fans – the Forbidden Forest Experience returns to nearby Arley Hall & Gardens, running until 2nd December 2022.
This magical experience promises to amaze kids both young and old – as magical beasts and creatures come to life in the forests around Arley Hall. The misty forest trail takes visitors into the great outdoors where iconic scenes from the beloved series of books unfold before your eyes.
Cast a Patronus using your very own wand, taste the wizarding tipple of choice with a glass of frosty butterbeer, and warm up at the wizarding village which awaits you at the end of the trail.
Prices for adults start at £31, while children’s tickets start at £24.
Enjoy a festive, bottomless brunch
One for the grown-ups only – an event that captured the hearts of 90s and 00s babies across Manchester returns for yet another year – the Christmas Bottomless Brunch at The Brunch Club.
Taking place at Manchester’s Printworks, the event will blast your favourite festive 90s tunes, while you’re served up a delicious brunch with bottomless tipple. Christmas themed cocktails accompanied by your favourite brunch classics – this is the perfect way to kick start the holidays.
If you prefer to save the party for later in the day, Manhatta on Deansgate is serving up bottomless ‘brunch’ until 4pm each day during the festive period. They also have some pretty spectacular festive packages if you’re in need of an evening of dining with friends or family!
You’ll find no shortage of ways to spend Christmas in Manchester – in fact, we think you’ll run out of weekends to fill with festive spirit. So, pick your favourites and make a plan!