Manchester Christmas Parade 2025 – all you need to know-ho-ho

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Manchester Christmas Parade guide 2025

Now we’re into December, the Manchester Christmas Markets have returned both to the city and even to Albert Square for 2025, not to mention it’s bloody COLD, we think it’s fair to say the holiday season is well and truly underway – plus, the annual parade is now just around the corner.

Time to wrap up warm, pick your perfect spot, grab a hot drink and watch as a train of coloured ribbons and giant puppets flood the streets.

Yes, that’s right: not only can Mancs enjoy the return of the festive firework display this winter, but this year’s Christmas parade is taking place this weekend, and the fun-for-all-ages event is promising to be as magical as ever.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2025 edition.

We managed to catch it right at the start last year. (Credit: The Manc)

MCR Christmas Parade 2025 – all the important info

When is the Manchester Xmas Parade this year?

For starters, if you’re wondering what time the Manchester Christmas Parade starts this weekend, the fun will be kicking off from 1pm on Sunday, 7 December and will last around an hour from start to finish.

MCR Xmas Parade route

As for where it will be heading and when, the procession will follow a circular route that starts and ends back at Manchester Cathedral, before heading through the city centre, running along some major roads and passing notable landmarks.

It is as follows: Manchester Cathedral – Victoria Street – Deansgate – John Dalton Street – Cross Street – Market Street – St Mary’s Gate – Deansgate – Victoria Street – Manchester Cathedral.

There will be two accessible viewing areas available on a first-come basis – one on Cross St (outside Boots) and one on Deansgate (outside House of Fraser).

You can see a full map of the Manchester Christmas Parade route for 2025 down below.

Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)

People coming into the city centre for the parade should note that the busiest sections of the parade route are likely to be previously mentioned Cross St and St Mary’s Gate.

Manchester city centre road closures for Sunday (7 Dec)

8am-5pm

11am-3pm

11am-6pm

As well as the city now having entered what is expected to be one of its busiest periods, it’s also worth reminding that the Metrolink tram service is scheduled for more strikes this weekend, so plan accordingly when heading into town.

It’s also worth noting that these closures will obviously affect parking and bus lanes, as well as some trams and taxi ranks.

Thankfully, there are special Xmas pop-up park and ride services on the Bee Network running during this period to ease congestion and help more people get around. You can read more here:

More Metrolink disruption expected as further tram strikes have been scheduled

What’s new this year?

There are, of course, always new additions each year, and there’s more never-before-seen content coming for 2025, too.

With even more community groups now taking part than ever, the completely free, family-friendly parade will not only be led by the usual ‘Reindeer Ensemble’ – a talented troupe of eight synchronised dancing reindeer – but a new fantastic ‘Festive Fantasy Candyland Castle’.

Think Christmas meets Willy Wonka, meets Sugar Rush from Wreck-It Ralph and more.

Standing more than four metres tall and surrounded by a giant cavalcade of stilt walkers and dancers, the spectacularly decorated castle slowly rotates as it glides along and is sure to be a particularly must-see moment for the youngsters this year.

Credit: Supplied)

We’re not going to spoil too much else for you this year, as we always find it’s more fun to be surprised by what we see whilst stopping roadside.

Let’s just say there’ll be plenty more Christmassy characters and fantastical festivities in store.

Local councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for MCC, said of the 2025 parade: “Manchester is one hundred per cent the best city in the world when it comes to celebrating the festive season.

“There is nowhere that does Christmas quite like we do, and our iconic Christmas Parade has been a big part of our celebrations over the last three years, helping make magical memories for thousands upon thousands of Mancunians.

“It’s the heartwarming event of the season and our special Christmas gift to the city. Grab your Santa hat and some tinsel, and come down and join us. Don’t miss it!” There’s plenty more on this week, too…

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 1 – 7 December 2025

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Featured Images — Manchester City Council (supplied)/The Manc Group

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