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Christmas in Manchester and the North

Creative Tourist

Christmas in Manchester and the North comes but once a year, and it’s a great time make the most of what the region’s independent scene has to offer. From not-on-the-high-street Christmas Shopping to our top festive theatre and concert picks, we’ve pulled together our recommendations of things to do for maximum fun, minimum stress.

For those looking for an appropriately excessive Christmas gorge, our Christmas Food and Drink guide is for you, and if you’re looking to party on the biggest night of the year, check out our round-up of the best-looking events for New Year’s Eve.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Our top picks

Christmas Theatre and Concerts

With the big day approaching, theatres and concert halls across the North are pulling out all the festive stops. Here are our top picks.

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Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Leeds Grand Theatre
Image courtesy of Pamela Raith.

Christmas Shopping

We’ve compiled an alternative list of gift-central suggestions to keep you as far from the hellish throngs of Market Street as possible this Christmas.

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sunny bank mills

Christmas food and drink

Don’t worry about the calories, the holidays are here and that means it’s time to eat, drink, be merry and overdo things to a shocking degree.

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New Year’s Eve in Manchester and the North

From warehouse raves to funk and soul events, games nights to fine dining experiences, here’s our guide to New Year’s Eve in Manchester and the North.

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The Blues Kitchen by @SAMCORPHOTOS, courtesy of We Are Indigo.

Christmas Markets

We round-up the pop-up Christmas markets you should be heading to this festive season, if you’re looking for alternative gifts and an obligatory glug of gluhwein.

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Photo of the festive display outside the Corn Exchange
Manchester Christmas Markets. Photo: Mark Waugh.

Seasonal Guides

sunny bank mills
Christmas Shopping

Back away from the high street and support some of Manchester’s best independent makers, sellers and curators this Christmas.
Player Kings at Manchester Opera House
Cultural Calendar 2025

Our editors’ biannually updated list of some of the best-looking arts and cultural events in Manchester and the North in 2025.
Christmas food and drink

Don’t worry about the calories, the holidays are coming so that means it’s time to eat, drink, be merry for Christmas 2023.

Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Leeds Grand Theatre
Christmas Theatre and Concerts

As the big day approaches, you can count on theatres and concert halls across the North to pull out all the festive stops.
Creepy capers across Manchester and the North for little and big ghosts with the most.
Halloween in Manchester and the North

As Halloween approaches read our guide to the creepy capers happening for little and big ghosts with the most.
Timekeepers
Light Festivals in the North

From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.
Wicked at Palace Theatre Manchester
Things to do over October half-term

Looking for things to do with the family over the October half-term holiday? We’ve got you covered.

Destinations

Timekeepers
Spotlight on

Light Festivals in the North

From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.