Christmas

Thousands flocked to Manchester city centre for the annual Christmas Parade

Manchester stepped into Christmas.

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia - 9th December 2024

Lots of people have been getting into the festive spirit by attending the annual Christmas Parade in Manchester city centre.

The family-friendly event – which is now in its third year, and has become a firm favourite with Greater Manchester locals – took place this past weekend, and saw everything from Aurora Borealis-themed stilt walkers, to Mistletoe dancing mice, and everything in between.

More than 400 participants took part in the Parade, and amongst these were a multitude of families, all ready to spread the Christmas cheer.

Like many events, there are always some familiar faces who visit every year, and 2024 was no different – with the Snow Queen returning to fascinate while perched in her winter-themed globe.

There was live music from Elton Wrong performing on his stadium-inspired float, receiving nothing less than rapturous applause and a well-deserved standing ovation, all before some cheeky elves handed out 1,500 free hot chocolate vouchers to anyone who passed them by.

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The big man himself came to our wonderfully festive city to mark the occasion with music from his band of mischievous elves.

Anyone who joined in on this weekend of fun will also have spotted the flurry of retro ski gear, as a huddle of segway skiers swooshed through the city’s streets.

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This year saw the Manchester city centre Christmas Parade sponsored for the first time ever by Manchester-based company Rosgal Ltd.

Manchester City Council worked with many organisations for this year’s Parade, including Walk the Plank – which played a key role in Rochdale’s ‘Wild Wanders’ event – Global Grooves, Handmade Parade, and Fools Paradise.

The event as a whole helped families create lots of important memories while also adding a fun activity to their Christmas calendars.

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Obviously Christmas doesn’t stop there though, as Manchester Christmas Markets are open until 22 December, and Skate Manchester is running until 1 January.

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Featured Image – Manchester City Council

Christmas

Cheshire Oaks to debut first-ever ice rink with iconic Christmas tree in the middle to skate around

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Cheshire Oaks has unveiled its big plans for the upcoming festive season.

With less than 100 days until Christmas is here, and festive events being announced left, right, and centre, Cheshire Oaks has now joined in on the action, and for the first time ever this year will be adding a bespoke ice rink into the mix, which is set to become centrepiece of its festive celebrations this Christmas season.

The Designer Outlet shopping mall is already known and loved in the North West for its Christmas events each year, and 2025 is set to be no different.

The highly-anticipated ice rink attraction will launch in late October, and it’s already promising to be an ‘unforgettable experience’ that organisers say blends the timeless joy of ice skating with contemporary design and community spirit. 

A brand-new ice rink is coming to Cheshire Oaks with a big Christmas tree in the middle to skate around / Credit: Supplied

At the heart of the new ice rink will be a custom-designed ice path that gracefully weaves around Cheshire Oaks’ iconic oak Christmas tree in the centre.

The rink itself will be nestled within a dedicated Christmas events space at the shopping village.

“We are incredibly excited to soon introduce this bespoke ice rink experience to our guests,” says Kenny Murray, who is the General Manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. 

“It’s more than just a place to skate – it will be a destination where families and friends can create cherished festive moments.”

There’ll be lots of other fan-favourite festive activities returning too / Credit: Supplied

The new ice rink will officially open on Friday 24 October, and tickets will be available soon, with the option to book in advance online or on the day, so keep your eyes peeled.

Alongside the exciting new ice rink addition will, of course, be some of Cheshire Oaks’ fan-favourite Christmas attractions – including the ‘The Big Wheel’ and ‘Santa in the Sky’ experiences, as well as festive film screenings, and the massively popular Winter Village.

The Winter Village is the perfect place to head to if you’re in need of a break from gift shopping and somewhere to soak up the Christmas spirit, as here you can grab a cosy seat and tuck into some traditional German bratwurst from the swing grill, warm up with mulled wine at the bar, and marvel at the UK’s tallest Christmas tree.

You can also book a little wooden hut to relax in, with each hut accommodating up to six people.

The Big Wheel is also one of Cheshire Oaks’ best-loved experiences each year, as here you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy watching the festivities unfold below you, with each flight taking 10 minutes, or you can upgrade to Santa in the Sky to meet the main man in the most unique way possible.

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Find out everything happening at Cheshire Oaks this Christmas here.

Featured Image – Supplied

Christmas

Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever

Emily Sergeant 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, have 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.

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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)

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