8 Christmas Activities in Manchester for 2022

In case you didn’t know, we love Manchester and although we’re hosting our very own special Christmas golfing events, we couldn’t leave our neighbours out.

Check out some of the best Christmas activities in Manchester below, just don’t forget to book with us first 😉

THE BEST CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES IN MANCHESTER:

WINTER ISLAND – ESCAPE TO FREIGHT ISLAND

From late November onwards Escape to Freight Island are rivaling the traditional Christmas markets, with their very own festive destination of “food, drink, music and merriment”.

If you’ve visited Escape to Freight Island before, then chances are you were already planning a trip over the Christmas period, but this one is set to be a game changer for Manchester.

In addition to events like the Festival of Football and performances from the Hip Hop Karaoke, The AMC choir and loads more, there’ll also be outdoor winter markets, a rooftop ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, pop-up pantomimes and the Christmas tree forest, to name a few.

Also expect to see some of your favourite food joints, with well-known Manchester names such as Northern Soul Grilled Cheese and Burgerism joining the party.

Find out more here.

LIGHTOPIA AT HEATON PARK

Lanterns, lights and a truly magical Christmas experience – if you haven’t heard about it already, then you need to head down to Lightopia.

Just 15 minutes drive from the city center, you’ll find mesmerising installations including adventure light trails, immersive water shows, secret flower gardens and mythical forests. This one really isn’t to be missed. Find out more here.

WINTER VILLAGE AT RAMONA & THE FIREHOUSE

Catwalks. Performances. Fashion. Whenever you visit Firehouse you know you’re gonna have a great time, so the Winter Village is one to add to your calendar. Returning in November, the village includes runway parties. DJs and cosy campfires in the winter garden.

Find out more here.

BACKYARD CINEMA

Alternative cinemas have been growing in popularity, so it was only a matter of time before we added a new addition to Manchester City Centre, Backyard Cinema.

Based on the old railway platform at Mayfield Railway Station, now Mayfield Depot, you’ll find an experience like no other cinema trip you’ve had. Dubbed the “UK’s most magical cinema” the experience includes live performances, enchanted tunnels and giant beanbags to watch the film, surrounded by a magical, enchanted forest.

From late November onwards you can head there to watch all of the Christmas classics, just remember to book your tickets in advance, as this one will be a sell out.

Find out more and book here.

PARADISE SKATE WORLD

Fancy a Christmas outing that features cosmic cocktails and intergalactic rollerskating? Paradise Skate World have various Christmas packages, starting at as little as £21 for a skate session and 2 drinks.

Find out more here.

MAD HATTERS TEA PARTY – RICHMOND TEA ROOMS

The mad hatters are back with a Christmas special, in the weird and wacky world of wonderland. With a classic afternoon tea and an evening of entertainment, including performances from Manchester’s famous Drag Queens, this event is one to add to your Christmas party list.

Find out more here.

BOTTOMLESS CHICKEN WINGS

Ok so this might not be a strictly Christmas event, but the period is all about indulging, so how better than with chicken wings?!

Bunny Jackson’s have bottomless chicken wings, chips and all you can drink for an hour and half, need we say more? Get the deets here.

MANCHESTER’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Did we even need to include this one on the list? Is it really Christmas without a trip to the Christmas markets?

The traditional Christmas markets are pretty much the mark that Christmas is officially here and gets everyone in the spirit. With mulled wine, great food, cute stalls for unique Christmas gifts, it’s definitely worth stopping by – especially because they seem to get bigger every year and are now included in over 10 sites across the city centre!

–

Now you’ve got your Christmas activities sorted, its time to start booking! Check out our Manchester Christmas Packages here.

‍