Things To Do For Christmas In Manchester
Manchester is pretty cold and wet during the festive period, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be buzzing about Christmas and getting out and about from your student accommodation.
There’s loads of amazing things to do over the festive season, with something for everyone to check out from the Christmas Markets to Ice skating to cinema experiences to so much more.
Carry on reading to see what you can get up to over the next few weeks!
1. Manchester Christmas Markets
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 and view the larger than life Santa installation in front of Central Library on St Peter’s Square.
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.
This year, there’s over 220 stalls across the nine sites, with the main events happening at Piccadilly Gardens.
@mcrchristmasmarkets – Instagram
Location: Manchester City Centre (You can’t miss them)
2. Skate Manchester
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.
@skatemanchesterice – Instagram
Location: Cathedral Gardens, Manchester City Centre
3. Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
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.
Whilst it’s in Cheshire rather than Manchester, if you can get to it, deffo give this experience a try.
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.
After you’ve explored the Wizarding World, there’s various foods and drinks to try from butterbeer to Cornish pasties to fish and chips.
Sessions last for around 60-90 minutes, we suggest booking in advance as this one is certainly popular.
@hpforbiddenforestexperience – Instagram
Location: Arley Hall & Gardens, Arley, Northwich CW9 6NA
4. Warehouse Project
Warehouse Project closing parties are THE club event of the season.
Taking place at Mayfield Depot in Manchester City Centre, this is deffo an event you should consider.
With varied and star-studded line ups there’s always something for everyone from Deep Techno to Tropical House.
On New Years Eve they’re hosting a stellar line up of huge names like Annie Mac, LF System, DJ Ez and Eliza Rose at the Depot.
If NYE isn’t your thing, check out WHP’s all-day session on the 30th December with the likes of Joseph Capriati, Richy Ahmed and Rossi to name a few.
@whp_mcr – Instagram
Location: Mayfield Depot, Manchester M1 2PY
5. Backyard Cinema
If you’re someone who loves watching festive films like us, then you’re gonna love this one.
Backyard Cinema is located on the rooftop of Mayfield Depot and offers viewers with a magical experience.
You can sit and chill on giant bean bags in the forest themed surroundings and watch the likes of Elf, Die Hard, How The Grinch Stole Christmas and Love Actually to name a few.
With showings throughout November and December we’re sure you’ll find a film to suit your fancy.
They even do film-themed 12-inch pizza like their ‘The Green Mile’ pizza or ‘The Breakfast Club’ pizza.
If you fancy a few festive tipples, there’s a pint house offering a variety of bevvies.
Ticket prices vary depending on where you choose to sit, but we’ll be honest, it is on the pricier side of things to do for Christmas in Manchester.
But, if you’re after a night in front of the big screen it’s worth it!
@backyardcinema- Instagram
Location: Mayfield, Depot, Manchester M1 2PY
Dates: Various shows
6. Winter Island
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 at their Escape To Freight Island venue.
Located in an abandoned freight depot, there are bars, live DJs and so so much more available for you to discover.
Fancy some tasty food and drink? Enjoy a bratwurst, a festive cocktail or a hot chocolate.
There’s a range of bar areas including a huge main area, craft beer tap room, Neighbourhood cocktail bar and an intimate wine bar.
View this post on Instagram
Location: 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ
7. TinselTown: 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.
Brave the Rock Rage, enjoy the view from the Festive 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 restaurants for something to eat.
Get some Christmas shopping done and visit this festive experience!
@thetraffordcentre – Instagram
Location: The Orient, The Trafford Centre
There we have it, the top things to do for Christmas in Manchester – they’ll be no resting Grinch faces now.
We hope you enjoy whatever you get up to for the festive season, you can even make the most of the communal spaces in your accommodation and host your own Christmas party!
Read next: 7 Best Cafes In Manchester To Grab A Coffee & Study.