The Big Issue has pulled together a full list, and we’ve picked out the ones near Greater Manchester.
Do you know of one we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments on Facebook and we’ll update the list.
Lifeshare, Manchester
We open the project today with our team of volunteers, staff &partners who have been hard at work over the last few months! We don't post photos when the project is ongoing to protect the safety of our guests, but we'll be busy ensuring that all Manchester has a Merry Christmas!
There’s a Christmas Dinner drop-in at the Chartered Ragged School on Dantzic Street – and it’s open from 7am to 8pm.
Lifeshare will be offering food as well as entertainment, including live music, bingo and a quiz, plus medical care and haircuts.
The Booth Centre, Manchester
The Booth Centre is throwing a whole week of Christmas events, providing a warm welcome to people affected by homelessness.
The Pimblett Street community centre will be open between 9am and 2pm on Christmas Day serving up Christmas dinners.
Cornerstone, Manchester
A short distance south of the city centre, near the University of Manchester campus, is Cornerstone, a day centre providing services to vulnerable and disadvantaged adults.
It’s operated by the Dioceses of Salford on Denmark Road and will serve hot food on Christmas Day from 10.30am until 3pm.
Preston’s roast chicken specialists are going to be open between 11am and 3pm on Christmas Day.
In previous years they’ve served hot Christmas sandwiches to emergency service workers too.
The Cheshire Cheese pub, Warrington
Well here’s a person doing some great things for his community – chef Andrew Dutton is offering a full Christmas dinner for five families at risk of homelessness.
He’s also donating £1000 to buy gifts for children to open on the day itself.
Featured image: Pixabay / Unsplash
Christmas
Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever
Emily Sergeant
The Christmas countdown has officially begun, and there’s a new tipple on the scene to help celebrate.
That’s right – two of the UK’s most beloved treats, Baileys and Terry’s, has dropped the ultimate collaboration and it’s launching 100 days before the big day arrives, gearing up to be the Christmas tipple of choice for chocolate orange lovers.
Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange is a limited-edition treat blending the distinctive taste of Baileys Original Irish Cream with flavours of chocolate and zesty orange.
It’s fair to say that Baileys and Terry’s Chocolate Orange are both beloved staples once the festive season rolls around, with each having taken on various different variations over the years, combining new flavour profiles to create delicious treats.
Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever / Credit: Baileys & Tom Harrison
But surprisingly, this is the first time the two brands have come together for a one-of-a-kind collaboration.
This new collaboration between the two iconic Christmas brands is inspired by the season’s most quintessential flavours.
“For generations, Terry’s Chocolate Orange has been a staple of the Christmas season, so partnering with Baileys is an exciting way to reimagine that tradition in a new and indulgent form,” commented Lorène Decam, who is the Senior Marketing Manager at Terry’s.
“We can’t wait to see fans enjoying this irresistible treat in the run-up to and during the holidays.”
Rolling out nationwide from tomorrow (16 September), Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange will come in 50cl bottles with a 17% ABV and will likely set shoppers back £11 each when they get it from leading retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, and Co-op.
Not only that, but you’ll also be able to get your hands on the new drink online from Amazon, as well as in selected Greene King pubs and bars.
Featured Image – Baileys & Tom Harrison (Supplied)
Christmas
Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam trains are back again this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas, and tickets are already on sale… genuinely.
Sure, it’s literally only the second week of September, and we’ve technically still got the rest of summer, and the small matter of Halloween and Bonfire Night to get through first, but East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is already looking ahead to the most magical time of year.
The heritage railway has announced that its popular ‘Santa Specials’ steam train rides are back once again from late November.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West.
You can already grab tickets for Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides this Christmas / Credit: ELR
And in recent years, the much-loved event has been even bigger and better than ever before.
ELR’s ‘Santa Specials‘ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make ‘enchanted memories’ that last a lifetime.
The truly special Christmas day out starts as you make your way through a winter wonderland at Bury Bolton Street Station.
You’ll first get to meet some old favourites and new characters, including the magical talking Christmas tree, Mrs Claus, and ELR’s very own Ice Princess, all before before having a singalong with a chorus of musical polar bears.
The festive fun then continues on the Santa Special steam trains themselves, with an 80-minute ‘enchanting voyage’ through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.
And, of course, you can expect a special visit from Santa while you’re on board.
The famous East Lancashire Railway ‘Santa Special’ steam train / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (via ELR)
After you’ve grabbed a selfie or two with the big man himself, the grown-ups can look forward to mince pies and festive tipple, while little Mancs can enjoy a soft drink, some chocolate, and take a festive-themed activity pack home with them.
East Lancashire Railway’s famous Santa Specials are running on weekends and selected weekdays from Saturday 22 November – Wednesday 24 December.
Tickets now on sale starting from £22.50 for kids and £23 for adults.
Daisy Jackson -
23rd December 2021 
