Fresh travel advice has been issued today ahead of the opening of the Manchester Christmas Markets 2023, which will see millions of visitors flock to the city.
The huge festive event celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, with wooden huts sprawling across the city centre peddling gluhwein, bratwurst, and plenty of local fare too.
Its popularity can’t really be understated – around nine million visitors are expected to visit the seasonal stalls again this year – and with that comes a travel warning.
People are being urged to use public transport over the coming festive period, with other massive events taking place at the same time as the Manchester Christmas Markets.
Over the coming seven weeks, there’ll be more than 40 shows, concerts and performances at the AO Arena, as well as huge Black Friday sales and plenty of sporting action.
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It’s estimated that footfall to the city centre typically increases by 14% in the lead-up to Christmas, with Black Friday weekend seeing trips into the city centre increase by 36%.
So in 2023, TfGM is urging people to ‘travel smart’ and use public transport, walking and cycling to navigate the Manchester Christmas Markets and surrounding events.
TfGM has issued travel advice ahead of the Manchester Christmas Markets 2023. Credit: TfGM
Sean Dyball, head of customer experience at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “Whether you’re working, shopping, or celebrating, the Bee Network is right on your doorstep – helping to make public transport and active travel affordable and accessible to everyone in Greater Manchester.
“Public transport can often be cheaper and more convenient than travelling by car or taxi, including avoiding traffic and the hassle and cost of parking – not only helping to reduce your carbon footprint, but allowing time to relax and enjoy some leisure time on the way.
“It’s also the fastest way to get around, with 99 stops on the tram network, connecting people both to the city centre and local shopping hubs.
“And bus travellers can take advantage of low-cost fares such as £2 adult single ticket and combined tram-bus tickets, making an expensive time of year a little easier on the purse strings.
“Cycling, walking or wheeling are also healthy, cost-effective ways of getting around – particularly at the first and last leg of a public transport journey.”
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Events coming up in the next few weeks in Manchester include the Black Friday sales over the weekend of 24 to 26 November; the annual Christmas Parade on Sunday 3 December; and hundreds of Christmas parties expected to peak on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 December.
On the 16 December, Manchester City will face Crystal Palace, and there’ll be three shows of Disney on Ice at the AO Arena, which continue into Sunday 17 December.
Manchester city centre, Piccadilly gardens Christmas Markets
Around two million football fans will head to Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium in the coming weeks, with Manchester United hosting Bayern Munich on 12 December and Pep Guardiola’s men welcoming title rivals Liverpool on 25 November.
More protests are also expected, which have seen thousands come to the city centre over recent weekends.
This has led to some tram and bus services being disrupted as the network works to enable the demonstrations to take place safely.
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There are 24 park and ride locations around Greater Manchester, where you can park for free and complete your journey by tram.
Those who have to drive into the city centre are advised to park closest to their route out of the city centre to ease congestion across town.
The Bee Network journey planner and travel alerts hub will help people to plan their journeys across Manchester this 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 -
7th November 2023 
