Manchester’s FREE annual Christmas parade is back for more festive fun than ever before

Manchester’s annual Christmas Parade is back again for another year of seasonal joy and magic, it has been confirmed. 

Arriving in December, the magical Parade – which first started back in 2022 – starts and finishes at Manchester Cathedral, walking through Deansgate and Market Street as part of it’s journey, but don’t worry if navigation skills are your weak area, as you’ll be able to hear live music playing as it strolls through the city centre.

There will be a variety of special guests, including everyone’s favourite Snow Queen and her golden carriage, who’ll be taking part in the parade with some all-new appearances.

This year, the ‘Elf Express’ will be blazing through the Manchester high streets carrying elves, with the rest of Santa’s little helpers who couldn’t fit on the cosy Christmas train riding horses alongside instead.

Ever wished the Swiss Alps were right on your doorstep?

Well a group of retro skiers are going to be swishing through Manchester and making Victoria Street feel like Lake Geneva. 

December will surely be a chilly one, but this parade has got you covered, as in order to keep you warm, guests can sing along to hits from tribute act ‘Elton Wrong’, to not only warm your spirits but body too.

Over 400 participants and characters are set to wander their way through Santa’s favourite city, with their usual smiling faces and outgoing personalities.

Read more:

• Everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2024
• You can eat Christmas dinner on a retro steam train travelling through Greater Manchester
• Rick Astley is returning to Manchester for his 2024 Swinging Christmas show

The main man himself and his reindeer crew will ride through our city with a whole host of festive friends on Sunday 8 December from 1pm.

Featured Image – Manchester City Council