One of Manchester’s best-loved Christmas experiences has returned, and this year Bar Hutte has TWO locations.
The apres-ski-inspired huts have reappeared this week, back at Great Northern as well as a new site at Kampus.
Positively dripping in festive cheer, here you’ll find a twinkling winter wonderland full of fairy lights, fur throws, and plenty of warming tipples.
And arguably the best bit? Each one of the charming wooden huts is kitted out with its own karaoke machine.
Don’t worry if the thought of your own dulcet tones brings you out in a cold sweat – you can swerve the karaoke and listen to professional musicians performing in the courtyard instead.
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With its new location at Kampus, Bar Hutte has created a new alpine experience to explore to mark its seventh year in Manchester.
The row of eight Christmas cabins (including a special Bark Hutte for your furry friend) at the canalside neighbourhood surrounds a heated and sheltered courtyard.
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Bombardinos, Bark Hutte, and slices from Nell’s at Bar Hutte Kampus. Credit: The Manc Group
Then upstairs in the Bungalow – the neighbourhood’s landmark building on stilts – you’ll find an indoor drinking den with plenty of extra seating, and decor including faux fireplaces, sleds, bells and wreaths.
Drinks on offer include mulled wine, festive cocktails like the Merry Kissmas and the Bauble-ini, legendary ski shots and Bombardinos, a warm alcoholic drink popular on the slopes. There’s even boozy Biscoff hot chocolate and gingerbread Old Fashioneds.
As for food, Bar Hutte customers can order pizza from Nell’s via a QR code on their table, or tuck in to treats from Great North Pie Co and Beeswing.
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Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital&Centric (the developers, along with HBD, of Kampus), said: “Kampus and Bar Hütte is the perfect festive match. People are so used to seeing the lush Kampus garden full of life throughout the summer, so it’s brilliant to see it packed out with the wooden hüttes for winter.
“Whether belting out karaoke in private huts and ordering eats from Kampus’ finest, or soaking up the alpine vibes of our Aprés Ski Bungalow, the neighbourhood takeover will have something for everyone.’
Booking is advised, especially for the private Bar Hutte Kampus cabins, but walk-ins are welcome, particularly for festive drinks in the courtyard.
Across town at Great Northern Square is Bar Hutte’s second location, where once again its cosy Huttes are beneath a heated stretch tent, with entertainment including a schedule of love singers and DJs.
This site has a party lodge for up to 20 people, as well as family-friendly Santa Claus club sessions at the weekends.
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Events at both sites include wreath-making sessions, complete with a complimentary glass of prosecco or mulled wine.
Bar Hütte pop-up will wrap up on New Year’s Eve. You can make a booking now at www.barhutte.co.uk.
Featured image: The Manc Group
Christmas
London attraction The Curling Club is now expanding into Manchester
Thomas Melia
Well-reviewed winter attraction The Curling Club, which has already made a name for itself in London, is now making its way to Manchester.
Set to open in Manchester’s world-class skyscraper district, New Jackson, The Curling Club is keeping its stay short and sweet, with a three-month residency here in the city centre.
Curling Club will signal in the mid-winter season as it runs from late November right through until the end of February, giving you a lengthy period of time to sweep ’til your heart’s content.
This sports-themed pop-up opened in the capital last year, offering guests a wintery escape packed with food and drink choices, accommodating up to 600 people at a time, right next to The Shard.
The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.Credit: Justin De Souza
Now, Manchester’s latest activity bar destination is bringing its charm and competitiveness to Manchester for the first time ever, hoping to emulate the success of its capital predecessor while encouraging people to pick up the sport.
Just like the original London location, their Manc site will feature the iconic custom-built lanes and sustainably-made granite stones, which are set to improve your precision and control – fancy that.
We’re sure will still somehow manage to be the worst players in the room at any given time.
If that wasn’t enough curling expertise for you, there will also be on-site coaches helping guests perfect their technique and providing some top-notch advice.
There will even be an exclusive appearance from Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead and Team GB’s ‘Chef de Mission’, Mark England, who will be hosting select events across the two cities.
Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.Credit: Justin De Souza
New Jackson will be the ultimate backdrop for this innovative winter experience as the venue will be curating seasonal cocktails as well as being home to live DJS, glitter-ball dancers and some seriously good food.
You had us at booze and scran.
Keep this seasonal site in mind as they’re already marking themselves as a destination for work parties, events, group outings and Christmas party celebrations.
Trevor Bowers, Chairman of The Curling Club, said of the impending opening: “With this expansion and other plans, we’re accelerating our national rollout – all while staying focused on delivering exceptional, high-quality experiences for both guests and corporate clients during the winter season.”
Manchester’s Heaton Park to host dazzling new immersive light trail this winter
Emily Sergeant
Heaton Park will be transformed into a glowing world of wonder as one of the UK’s most celebrated festive light trails makes its Manchester debut.
Once the sun goes down this winter, visitors will be able step into an immersive world of light and sound as Northern Lights – the acclaimed light trail from the team behind established music festivals Kendal Calling and Bluedot- will be descending on our city’s largest park, and bringing a breathtaking festive experience for all ages along with it.
Already a hit in other major northern cities such as Leeds and Newcastle, and in the Welsh capital Cardiff, Northern Lights has captured national attention with its cinematic visuals, choreographed soundscapes, and festive atmosphere.
The mile-long route will feature up to 12 large-scale installations, each synchronised to bespoke soundtracks creating a 90-minute experience like no other.
Winding through Heaton Park’s iconic grounds, visitors will encounter glowing tunnels, enchanted glades, and a stunning illuminated lake scene, all designed to spark wonder as the magical festive season arrives.
“We’re putting together an experience that is completely new and unlike anything seen on the park before,” explained Roxy Robinson, who is the Creative Director at From the Fields, ahead of the trail arriving this November.
“Our goal is to create a magical evening out that feels joyful, atmospheric, and a little bit extraordinary, and we want people to step into a different world for 90 minutes and leave with huge smiles on their faces.”
Manchester will be hosting a dazzling new immersive light trail this winter / Credit: Supplied
Alongside the trail, there’ll also be a ‘Christmas Village’ serving up mulled wine, hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and street food from Manchester’s finest independent traders, alongside vintage fairground rides, and open fire pits to complete the winter vibes.
Northern Lights is not only one of the UK’s most successful festive light events, but it’s also one of the most accessible, as the Manchester trail will be fully accessible for wheelchair users and prams once it arrives this winter, following hard paths, ramps, and matted areas, with no steps in sight.
On top of this, there’ll also be dedicated quiet sessions for neurodivergent visitors, and the chance to get wristbands allowing queue-jumping for those with additional needs.
Heaton Park will be transformed into a glowing world of wonder once the sun sets / Credit: Supplied
Northern Lights will arrive at Heaton Park later this year from 20 November – 31 December 2025, with timed entry slots every 15 minutes from 4:15pm up until 8:15pm (times may vary during off-peak days), and tickets going on sale from 3 June – with prices starting at £15 for adults, £5 for children aged three and up, and under threes going free.
‘Early bird’ registration is now open though, meaning you can get 20% off tickets for a limited time only, and even be in with a chance of winning a family pass and £50 spending voucher.
Daisy Jackson -
9th November 2023 
