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Manchester’s Christmas drive-in cinema is screening classic films all festive season

Daisy Jackson - 2nd December 2021

Park N Party’s Christmas City has returned to Greater Manchester, screening festive classics at its drive-in cinema.

The immersive drive-in experience has opened its doors and will be showing Christmas blockbusters right through until New Year’s Eve.

This week alone, Christmas City’s line-up includes family favourites like Elf and Home Alone, which families will be able to enjoy together from the safety of their own cars.

There’s romance in the air too, as hit romcom The Holiday hits the big screen, plus screenings of Miracle on 34th Street, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and The Santa Clause.

The fun continues right the way through until December 31, and next week features some festive family action like Abominable, A Christmas Carol, and The Polar Express.

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Visitors will also be able to park up for cosy viewings of The Polar Express, The Christmas Chronicles, and A Christmas Carol.

Later in its run, Christmas City will throw a fancy dress extravaganza while screening Disney blockbuster Frozen – and there’ll be prizes for the best-dressed.

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Christmas City has taken over a new location at the Soccer Dome in Stretford.

It brings the biggest outdoor screen in the UK – a whopping 150 sq metres – to our home city.

As well as the films, visitors will travel through a Christmas Village with live actors and plenty of festive surprises.

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Kids can post their letters to Santa in the dedicated Christmas post box and explore the North Pole – Santa Claus himself will even be there to greet people.

There are photo opportunities available with scenes from Elf and The Grinch, plus a fully-licensed bar and festive food vendors.

The line-up for Christmas City – December 2 to December 12

The Holiday – Thursday December 2, 8pm

Home Alone – Friday December 3, 8pm

Elf – Saturday December 4, 2pm

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The Santa Clause – Saturday December 4, 5pm

Miracle on 34th Street – Saturday December 4, 8pm

How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Sunday December 5, 2pm

Home Alone – Sunday December 5, 5pm

Elf – Sunday December 5, 8pm

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Elf – Wednesday December 8, 8pm

A Christmas Carol – Thursday December 9, 8pm

Christmas With The Coopers – Friday December 10, 8pm

Abominable – Saturday December 11, 2pm

The Polar Express – Saturday December 11, 5pm

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Office Christmas Party – Saturday December 11, 8pm

The Christmas Chronicles – Sunday December 12, 2pm

Elf – Sunday December 12, 5pm

Home Alone – Sunday December 12, 8pm

Tickets are now on sale. Tickets are priced at £45 per vehicle + VAT.

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You can also book a premium Christmas pod, which seats six people, for £66.

Featured Image – Park N Party

Things To Do

Printworks is hosting a FREE ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night

Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling next month.

Aiming to ‘bring Bonfire Night to life’ next month, Printworks has announced it’ll be hosting a dazzling evening of lights, music, stories, and Manchester spirit, as the iconic venue transforms Europe’s largest digital ceiling into a spectacular celebration for all the family.

Kicking off from 4:30pm, the free event will begin with an incredible display of ‘Manchester Stars’, where hundreds of stars will appear across the ceiling, each carrying the name of a real Manchester hero, creating a unique celebration of the people who make the city shine.

Members of the public can nominate someone to become a star, whether it’s a child, parent, grandparent, friend, colleague, community champion, or simply someone who deserves a little extra recognition. Nominations can be made here.

Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night / Credit: Jason Lock (via Supplied)

Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night / Credit: Jason Lock (via Supplied)

Two cosy story time sessions with BBC Radio One and former CBBC presenter, Katie Thistleton, and children’s favourite, Hacker T Dog, will follow the star display, and each child will receive light-up headphones to enjoy the sessions in a dedicated chill-out zone.

Then comes the main event, Printworks’ digital ceiling will take centre stage for two firework displays between the story time sessions, including a dedicated SEN-friendly display at replacing the traditional loud noises with incredible visual effects, designed to offer a more accessible and welcoming way for families to enjoy the festivities.

The main fireworks and music experience will follow at 6:15pm, before the fun continues on into the evening with a live choir.

If you get a little peckish throughout the evening, there will also be a pop-up dessert cart serving Bonfire Night-inspired sweet treats, while Barney’s Coffee offers up an autumn drinks menu featuring seasonal favourites, such as pumpkin spice lattes and chocolate orange hot chocolates.

“We’re really excited to welcome back Printworks’ Bonfire Night event for the third year running,” explained Sophie Rooney, who is the Marketing Manager at Printworks.

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“With fewer bonfire and firework displays taking place in the city, it’s the perfect opportunity for families to come together and enjoy an evening of celebrations right here at Printworks.”

Printworks is promising an ‘immersive evening’ for all the family, free of charge. Find out more information and timings HERE.

Featured Image – Jason Lock (via Supplied)

Things To Do

Full list of locations announced for Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 – including NEW places

The Manchester Christmas Markets. Credit: Supplied, Manchester City Council

The full list of locations for Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 has been announced.

Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bringing thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on the fantastic festive treats and soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.

This year will see a bigger return of Albert Square, after the headline-grabbing partial return at last year’s event, with the big wheel also set to make a comeback.

There’s also set to be some new locations too for 2026, with Lincoln Square joining in on the action. And there will also be big changes to St Ann’s Square, according to the Council, with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’ bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.

There will be a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre.

And the Council has now revealed the full list of locations where you’ll find stalls this year, including giving a teaser on what types of stalls will be in each location.

Where to find the cheapest drinks at the Manchester Christmas Markets, from beer to mulled wine — Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 locations have been confirmed / Credit: The Manc Group | Flickr

2022 Manchester Christmas Markets — Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 locations have been confirmed / Credit: The Manc Group | Flickr

Albert Square

Albert Square is gearing up to be a must-visit Christmas Market location this year, hosting a packed programme of festive experiences, including:

A 50-metre ferris wheel and a vintage helter-skelter.
A festive pop-up pub with live entertainment (which is new for 2026)
Food, drink, and craft stalls from local and international traders
A glittering Christmas tree with its life-size sleigh
Manchester’s very-own giant Santa sitting high above the markets in front of the Town Hall

The markets will be open here daily from Friday 6 November to Sunday 3 January 2027, except for Christmas Day.

Lincoln Square

A brand-new Christmas market location for 2026, just a step away from Albert Square.

Here you can enjoy festive refreshments, seasonal treats, and warming drinks from local and international traders – with jerk chicken, homestyle lasagne and pasta, Korean corn dogs, and so much more.

The markets will be open here until 22 December from 10am to 9pm every day, except 22 December when they will close at 6pm.

King Street

On King Street, you can browse soaps, decorations, local spirits, and truckle cheeses, or visit the Italian deli for gourmet meats, cheeses, and Mediterranean produce. Before heading off, make sure to visit mouth-watering food stalls for chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, Hong Kong-style French toast, Greek gyros, and so much more.

The markets will be open here until 22 December from 10am to 9pm every day, except 22 December when they will close at 6pm.

The Manchester Christmas Markets. Credit: Supplied, Manchester City Council — Manchester Christmas Markets are known for bringing thousands of people into the city centre / Credit: Manchester City Council

St Ann’s Square

The original home of Manchester Christmas Markets has been given a makeover and will have an exciting new layout for 2026. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy the twinkling lights of a giant Christmas tree, while sipping on a Guinness, a glühwein, or festive cocktail.

The markets will be open here until 22 December from 10am to 9pm every day, except 22 December when they will close at 6pm.

Corn Exchange

Browse the stalls in front of the Corn Exchange for unique gifts of all kinds from crafters, take home tasty festive treats like pork pies, handmade truffles, and artisan cheeses, or shop for clothing, jewellery, fabulous accessories and more.

The markets will be open here until 22 December from 10am to 9pm every day, except 22 December when they will close at 6pm.

Exchange Street & Exchange Square

Exchange Street and Square is back with many of the favourites you know and love.

Treat your taste buds to loaded hash browns, Yorkshire pudding wraps, traditional bratwurst, decadent hot chocolate, frosty affogatos, and Dubai-inspired chocolate-covered strawberries, before exploring the stalls selling a range of crafts and gifts against a backdrop of twinkling festive lights.

The markets will be open here until 22 December from 10am to 9pm every day, except 22 December when they will close at 6pm.

The Manchester Christmas Markets. Credit: Supplied, Manchester City Council — There will be a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre / Credit: Manchester City Council

The Manchester Christmas Markets. Credit: Supplied, Manchester City Council — There will be a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre / Credit: Manchester City Council

New Cathedral Street

New Cathedral Street is a must-visit destination for Christmas shopping. But don’t miss the traditional German bratwurst and beers, or a chance to indulge yourself in delicious steak frites with hot raclette cheese poured over the fries.

The markets will be open here until 22 December from 10am to 9pm every day, except 22 December when they will close at 6pm.

Market Street

Market Street is back and bigger than ever, with even more craft and gift stalls to explore. And then when you’re ready for a break from shopping, test your skills with carnival-style games including darts and hook-a-duck.

The markets will be open here until 22 December from 10am to 9pm every day, except 22 December when they will close at 6pm.

Cathedral Gardens

Expect plenty of activities for all ages at Cathedral Gardens, particularly for younger visitors, like Skate Manchester’s huge covered ice rink, mini fairground games, free live entertainment, and loads of food and drink stalls.

The markets will be open here daily from Friday 6 November to Sunday 3 January 2027, except for Christmas Day.

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Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 here.

Featured Image – Manchester City Council