03.10.24
Published: December 6, 2024
What's on for Christmas 2024 in Manchester
Author: abbie
Published: December 6, 2024
Author: abbie
Manchester is renowned for its vibrant Christmas markets that have been attracting visitors since the 1990s and even been voted the best in Europe. Millions of visitors each year come to enjoy Manchester’s festivities. Here are some of the Christmas attractions you can find in Manchester this year.
Manchester’s Christmas market is home to more than 300 stalls. There is everything from toys, homemade crafts, garments, gifts and—of course—mulled wine and bratwurst sausages. There’s also an ice rink, which opens until New Year’s Eve.
In 2024, the Christmas markets will be open from the 8th of November to the 22nd December—and some areas will continue trading again after Christmas. This year, the stalls will be located in:
For those with children keen to visit the big man himself, Father Christmas will be located in St Peter’s Square.
All of the craft stalls open at 10 am and close at 8 pm while the food stalls and bars are open between 11 am and 9 pm.
Each year, the Trafford Centre becomes home to an ice rink and festive fairground called Tinsel Town. The outdoor funfair has plenty of entertaining rides for all the family. You can see sculptures of Father Christmas, polar bears and reindeer for festive group photos. There are also plenty of food and drink stalls in the style of a Christmas market.
You can book online to access Tinsel Town. Tickets are £2.50 each. You’ll also need tokens to enjoy the rides, available to buy when booking your tickets. The attraction opens on Saturday 23rd November and runs until Sunday 5th January.
Christmas is complete with a visit to see a pantomime. Manchester has lots to see over the festive season, including:
Who doesn’t love the glint and sparkle of a festive light trail? Manchester has three popular trails in close range, including Dunham Massey, Mayfield Park and Glow at RHS Bridgewater.
This light trail is available from 15th November until New Year. The park and gardens are sprinkled with a vast amount of lights and displays, illuminating a path to follow and make festive memories. Besides the lights, there are plenty of fairground rides, food and drink. Tickets cost around £24 for an adult and £16 for a child (3-16).
Mayfield Park’s Twilight Trail returns for 2024 and is just a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station. There are new additions to the display this year with light tunnels, laser garden and a rainbow road. Tickets cost £10 per adult and £10 per child.
RHS Bridgewater’s Glow returns between 27th November and 30th December. The Salford attraction has an illuminated trail featuring light show performances and new light features. Tickets are available for £15.50 per adult and £8.25 for a child (5+). Under 5s are free.
Each year, Manchester hosts its Christmas parade, which is one of the best in the country. This year, there will be 400 participants. Expect to see horse-riding elves on stilts, a huge polar bear, dancing mice and much more. There will also be a train carrying elves—the Elf Express—as well as the Snow Queen.
The Christmas Parade is taking place on the 8th of December and is free to watch. This year, the route has been extended, starting and ending at Manchester Cathedral. The route follows:
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