It was the sell-out success of 2020 – and now the immersive drive-in cinema experience Christmas City is returning to Manchester once again later this month.
With the festive season right around the corner and Christmas creeping up on on us quickly, the much-loved drive-in cinema and entertainment phenomenon that took 2020 by storm in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns, is coming back to Greater Manchester this November.
Christmas City will take over a brand-new location at the Soccer Dome in Stretford from 26 November 2021 – 2 January 2022 to bring entertainment safely to visitors in their own cars from the biggest screen in the UK.
And tickets are now on sale.
Returning with what is being described as a “festive extravaganza”, Christmas City – hosted by Park N Party, the team also behind popular drive-in events SecretCity and ScareCity – is set to show a huge selection of outdoor Christmas cinema classics, including Home Alone, Elf, The Polar Express, and so many more.
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But this is no ordinary drive-in cinema though.
Christmas City is returning to Manchester once again later this month / Credit: Park N PartyIt will take over a brand-new location at the Soccer Dome in Stretford from 26 November 2021 – 2 January 2022 / Credit: Park N Party
Each ticket gives visitors the chance to journey through the immersive ‘Christmas Village’, with surprises, live actors, and Santa Claus himself there to greet you.
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Christmas City is packed with goodies for a day filled with fun, so this year, you can wander through the magical candy cane forest, and take advantage of the many photo opportunities available with scenes from Elf and The Grinch, all before you wrap up your delightfully-festive day out with a Christmas classic displayed on a huge 150 sq m screen.
Visitors can choose between events that are suitable for families, or the strictly-for-adults alternative this Christmas.
Kids can post their letters to Santa in the dedicated Christmas post box and explore the North Pole from the safety of your car, all before you pitch up and watch screenings of favourites such as Home Alone, The Polar Express, Elf, and How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
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But if you’re looking for a grown-up escape this Christmas, then this immersive cinema experience is also the perfect evening out without the kids – with screenings of films such as The Holiday, Bad Santa, Die Hard, and Love Actually.
Christmas City is packed with goodies for a day filled with fun / Credit: Park N Party
There’s also set to be a fully-licensed bar and festive food vendors on site throughout the whole running of the event.
Tickets are priced at £45 per vehicle + VAT.
The full event schedule and the lineup of films can be found on the Park N Party website, and you can book your tickets here.
Featured Image – Park N Party
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New CGIs released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre
Emily Sergeant
Some new CGIs have given us a sneak peak inside Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel soon to open in Wigan town centre.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the development, Wigan Council announced back in March 2024 in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart that it had signed a franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, for a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, just off Market Street.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved in July 2023.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called ‘one of the most important elements’ of the Galleries masterplan.
New CGIs have been released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, meeting and conference rooms, and secure parking will be available for guests.
Dozens of staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
Once complete, the hotel will form part of the exciting new town centre neighbourhood providing a new Market Hall and food court, more than 400 homes, bars, restaurants, and leisure uses, all designed to celebrate Wigan’s proud heritage and unique identity.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment / Credit: Supplied
“It’s great to see the progress of this exciting Hampton by Hilton development, which not only plays a role in Wigan’s regeneration, but continues to strengthen our footprint in the North West,” commented Paul Blackmore, who is the Vice President of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, as the CGIs were released this week.
“The ambition shown by Wigan Council and Cityheart to create a dynamic new hub for retail, leisure, business and living truly resonated with us, and we look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens in late 2027.”
Construction work will start on site in October 2025, with an expected opening of the new hotel in winter 2027.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Trafford Centre reveals Halloween events lineup with ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and more
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season is nearly upon us, and the Trafford Centre has now announced its lineup of Halloween activities to get stuck into.
With not long to go until schools across Greater Manchester break up for half term, and with Halloween within touching distance, the major shopping centre has revealed an exciting collection of events that’ll be happening over the next couple of weeks – and there’s activities for people of all ages.
From creepy crafts, to hair-raising rides and eerie evening entertainment, there’s something for every brave soul.
Back by popular demand from 25 October is the Halloween Fair, which will pop up outside The Great Hall featuring nerve-shredding rides, a spine-tingling atmosphere, carnival vibes, and loads more, right through until 2 November.
Brand new for 2025 is Fright Night at the fair, which is a truly immersive scare experience for daring teens and adults.
The Trafford Centre has revealed its Halloween events lineup for 2025 / Credit: Supplied
Fright Night will bring three evenings of pure horror from 30 October – 1 November, as creepy characters roam the fairground once the sun’s gone down.
For families wanting half term fun but looking for a gentler kind of magic, there’s a chance to join characters Wanda Web and Jack O’Lantern for some creepy crafts like relaxing pumpkin decorating, eerie face painting, and making your own witches and wizards hats to take home.
The legendary Big Wheel will also be returning for the festive season so you can ascend into the misty night sky high above the Trafford Centre for eerie nighttime views.
And to top it all off, Gandeys will be bringing back the fan-favourite ‘Spooktacular’ for 2025.
There’ll be ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and loads more to get involved with / Credit: Trafford Centre
“Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year for us at Trafford Centre, and this year’s lineup is bigger and better than ever,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.
“From spine-chilling rides and late-night scares to pumpkin painting for the little ones, we’ve created an experience that everyone can enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome families, friends and thrill-seekers alike for a Halloween celebration like no other.”
Emily Sergeant -
5th November 2021 
