Christmas in Manchester

The heart of Manchester’s radiant Christmas spirit is the radiant Christmas markets it hosts in the city centre every year, famous around the country and among the biggest it has to offer. For the markets the town centre is rendered unrecognisable, transformed completely into a vibrant winter wonderland divided across ten different “zones”, each with its own unique feel. Some of the standouts include: 

• The Winter Gardens (known as Piccadilly Gardens the rest of the year) are the soul of the market, glowing with festive illuminations and serving up an international range of Christmas cuisine that reflects the diverse makeup of the city itself, from Korean hotdogs to foreign ales to vegan bratwurst to Amsterdam fries. For a cute festive photo, snap a pic in front of the famous Manchester windmill that is erected for the occasion every year, or warm yourself up in the Nordic tipi which hides within it cosy fires and a fully-functioning bar!
• St. Ann’s Square, the historic site of the Christmas markets which offers a more traditional Christmas feel, with large undercover bars vending German beers and art emporiums selling adorable Christmas bric-a-brac.
• For those unsure of what they’re seeking, Market Street has a bit of everything on display, specialising in craftspeoples selling their handmade artisan goods, everything from candles to truffles to jewellery to tweed hats!
• Located in the imposing shadow of gothic Manchester Cathedral (one of just 15 Grade I-listed buildings in the city!), Cathedral Gardens is the perennial family favourite at the Manchester markets, with its undercover ice rink, hot chocolate, and pancakes, this is the place to be for a little more wintry fun.

You could easily spend an hour or two just wandering around the enormous market complex that appears in the city each year as if by Christmas miracle and you’re bound to find a tasty winters’ treat or the perfect Christmas souvenir, so make sure you check out some of Britain’s best festive markets if you’re here during that special time of year.

If the Christmas markets weren’t enough shopping for you why not head to the Trafford Centre, the third largest shopping centre in the UK! Built in an eclectic fusion of Rococo, Baroque, Art Deco, and Egyptian Revival styles in the 1990s, the Trafford Centre undergoes a dramatic redesign in the winter months to fully embrace the Christmas spirit, resplendent in lights and illuminations. Most notably, the Great Hall (which houses the world’s largest chandelier!), is reborn as ‘Tinseltown’, complete with a fairground, ice rink, and regular on-ice shows! Come and browse the Centre’s over 200 shops and restaurants, then let loose and have a bit of fun among the mall’s opulent decor.

And if you’re looking for something a bit more on the thrill-seeking side to accompany your day of shopping, Chill Factore is just next-door! Chill Factore is the UK's longest indoor ski slope, which is open 364 days a year, including Christmas Day. With real snow and a range of slopes suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, Chill Factore provides an exhilarating experience that will leave you feeling invigorated and full of festive cheer. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can also enjoy tobogganing, ice skating, and a variety of other snow-based activities, making it a great destination for families and groups of friends. So, if you're looking for a unique and unforgettable way to spend your Christmas holiday, then Chill Factore is definitely worth checking out!

Spending Christmas at Chester Zoo is an excellent way to enjoy the festive season while immersing yourself in the natural world. Chester Zoo in the nearby city of Chester is home to over 35,000 animals from 500 different species, making it one of the largest and most diverse zoos in the UK. During the Christmas period, the zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with magical lighting displays, seasonal music, and festive food and drink options. Visitors can also take part in a variety of special events and activities, such as meeting Santa and his reindeer, enjoying a Christmas themed animal talk or watching a spectacular animal display. With so much to see and do, Chester Zoo offers an unforgettable Christmas experience for all ages, making it the perfect place to spend the holidays with family and friends.

And, while in Chester, why not make an entire adventure of it. Chester itself is a charming Roman town famous for its iconic Black-and-White Revival buildings which house The Rows, little antique corridors of shops and cafes that hover above the town’s cobbled streets. At Christmas the town holds its own charming Christmas markets outside the town hall (much quieter than its Mancunian counterpart!) while Chester Cathedral’s sandstone facade, found just across the town hall square, is decorated with gorgeous festive lights. It’s all definitely worth exploring if you get the chance!