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Pop-up Santa’s grotto, festive food offers, and more at Printworks in Manchester this Christmas

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 15th December 2022

A whole host of festive events and food offers are taking over the Printworks this Christmas, and families are being encouraged to make the most of it.

With the Christmas season officially here, and the big day itself fast approaching, there’s still time to escape the chilly weather outside by getting yourself down to Manchester‘s landmark entertainment complex in the heart of the city centre for all sorts of festive fun.

There’s lots of indulgent festive food offers to take advantage of, as well as a handful of special discounted events packages.

Already proving to be proper success though is the venue’s pop-up Santa’s Grotto.

Held in partnership with the Once Upon a Smile charity, free to attend, and now open from 10am-12pm on Saturday 17, Sunday 18, and Wednesday 21 December, families can swap their Santa hats for sombreros at Chiquito and pay a visit Father Christmas and his favourite elf in a pop-up traditional grotto that’s been festooned in Christmas garlands, decorations, and a dash of faux snow.

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While little ones are queuing, there will also be an opportunity to write their letters to Santa and post them in the special letterbox that goes straight to the North Pole.

There’s a pop-up Santa’s grotto inside Chiquito at Printworks Manchester this Christmas / Credit: Printworks

Elsewhere at the venue, for those who fancy spending a bit more time with Santa before Christmas Day, then you can head over to Hard Rock Café for a special breakfast with the big man himself in what is always a hugely-popular event

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Families can enjoy a buffet-style breakfast along with festive fun and games from 8:30am-10:30am on 17, 18, and 24 December.

If it’s a cosy movie night that you’re after, then head over to Vue for festive showings of some Christmas movie classics, as the cinema will be screening family favourites like Home Alone, Elf, Muppets Christmas Carol, and The Grinch.

Or if it’s a panto you prefer, Vue Cinema will also be showing some theatrical performances on the big screen, including popular shows like Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story, and CBeebies Panto: Dick Whittington and His Cat. 

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There’s also a whole host of festive feasting offers to make the most of / Credit: Printworks

Treetop Adventure Golf is also an ideal place to hit up if you’re looking to enjoy a day of rocking around the tropical mini golf course with all kinds of delicious festive food and drink.

Speaking of food and drink, there’s a wide range of restaurants inside Printworks that are ready to cater to each families’ festive feasting needs.

Frankie and Benny’s is accepting bookings for family Christmas parties and will be serving up a Christmas special kids’ menu, including an Elf on a Shelf burger, and a Jack Frost Christmas Tree for dessert.

Nandos is bringing the festive cheer to families with new limited-edition flavours like the all-new maple and orange spice, PERi-PERi Chicken gravy, and Macho sprouts. 

A range of discount event packages are also on offer / Credit: Printworks

Yates has a new set Christmas menu for adults and a festive kids menu filled with classic dishes starting at £7.49 per child, while O’Neill’s is also cheffing up a Christmas party menu and festive buffet menu filled with all sorts of bite-sized delights.

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Planning a big festive get-together this month?

You’ll be able to make it hassle-free by enjoying a festive buffet Menu at Walkabout – with meals starting from just £9.99 per person and available in Gold, Silver, and vegan packages.

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Find out more about everything happening at Printworks Manchester this Christmas here.

Featured Image – Printworks

What's On

Legendary musical CATS is coming to Manchester on its UK tour next year

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Legendary musical CATS will be taking to the stage here in Manchester next year.

A brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global sensation, CATS, will embark on a major UK tour from summer 2026 following an open-air residency at Regent Park in London – including dates at Manchester’s prestigious Palace Theatre in November.

Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, CATS is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history.

The show originally premiered at the New London Theatre in 1981, where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances.

Since its world premiere, the musical has been presented in more than 54 countries, translated into 23 languages, and has been seen by more than 77 million people worldwide – collecting a number of awards along the way.

Legendary musical CATS is coming to Manchester on its UK tour next year / Credit: Feast Creative

This new production of CATS is produced by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, with Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, as part of Drew McOnie’s second season as Artistic Director, and it marks the third Andrew Lloyd Webber title produced by the venue in the last decade.

Unfamiliar with the show? CATS tells the story of the Jellicle cats.

From Euston station to Victoria Grove, the strays and rebels of London gather under the Jellicle moon in the hope they’ll be the chosen one.

With a legendary score featuring well-known songs like Old Deuteronomy, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, The Jellicle Ball, and, of course, the chart-topping hit Memory, this brand-new production of CATS is gearing up to be one of the best theatrical events of 2026.

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“I am very excited to see a totally new production of CATS back on the stage where it belongs,” creator Andrew Lloyd Webber said on the show’s return. “I can think of no-one better than Drew McOnie to bring a new vision to the world of the Jellicles.”

Casting and the full creative team is set to be announced in due course, as is the on-sale date and link for tickets, so keep your eyes peeled.

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons

What's On

More than 100 traders to take over Manchester’s beautiful Victoria Baths for The Night Market UK

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The Night Market UK is coming to Manchester. Credit: @kt_perspecitve

Manchester’s iconic Victoria Baths is set to host an almighty market later this month, with more than 100 traders taking over the former swimming pool and balconies. 

The Night Market UK will make its return to Manchester for its biggest event yet, packing the Grade II-listed building with vintage sellers, independent makers, street food, cocktails, and loads more. 

The historic venue will be completely transformed after dark on Friday 31 October for the occasion, and will have a few seasonal twists befitting Halloween night. 

As well as the food, drink and makers taking part, The Night Market UK will also have art installations and DJ performances. 

You’ll be able to wander rows of stalls in the former swimming baths selling the finest vintage clothing and handmade goods, like ceramics, prints, bakes, jewellery and so much more. 

Heading back outside the magnificent building you’ll find multiple street food traders, serving everything from tacos to Thai to burgers to pizza. 

Cocktail Cartel will be on hand with two bars with spirits sourced from the Spirit of Manchester Distillery and Salford’s own Salford Rum, alongside beers from local legends Seven Brothers Brewery.

The Night Market UK returns to Manchester
Credit: Mark McBride
The Night Market UK returns to Manchester
Credit: Joel Fildes
The Night Market UK returns to Manchester
Credit: Mark McBride

They said: “We are really excited about being at The Nigh t Market UK– these guys just know how to do it – getting all the locals together and supporting the businesses that make this city what it is. 

“You can go anywhere and get a pint of San Miguel or a pint of Guinness – if you’re going to a Manchester market why not get a beer brewed from the city you’re in?! It gives it that personal touch, which is what we are all about.”

Live DJs will be playing all night, with the line-up announced soon on the @thenightmarketuk socials. 

The Night Market UK is one of the country’s most distinctive events and will bring to Manchester something for everyone, from families to late-night explorers. 

Becc Sanderson, director of The Night Market UK, says: “We are thrilled to return to Victoria Baths for what promises to be our biggest and most exciting event yet. 

Food and drink at The Night Market UK
Credit: Els Tacos
Food and drink at The Night Market UK
Credit: Cocktail Cartel
Food and drink at The Night Market UK
Credit: Killa Carbs
Food and drink at The Night Market UK

“This isn’t just about shopping, it’s about experiencing one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings in a whole new way. It’s about connection with friends, family and community, and celebrating the breadth of small business talent that Manchester has to offer. 

“From the installations and performances to the makers and food vendors, everything has been curated to create an evening that feels truly unique. To be here on Halloween night, with the baths transformed after dark, will make it all the more unforgettable.

“We’re also hugely excited to be launching our art collaborations in this incredible space, something that has been in the planning stages for well over a year. 

“Thanks to the myriad of fabulous ‘nooks and crannies’ in Victoria Baths, and the fact that it is Halloween after all, we’ve earmarked a space where our customers can enjoy an immersive multimedia experience featuring the work of artist/technologist Ross Blair (trenchone.com) and lighting designer Sam Jones (@smajoneslx), fresh off their huge success at Edinburgh’s Hidden Door Festival. 

“This will be a night that will be unforgettable and truly Spooktacular!”

The Night Market UK will take place at Victoria Baths in Manchester on Friday 31 October, with discounted tickets available online now HERE with timed entry slots. Limited full price tickets may be available on the door. 

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Featured image: @kt_perspecitve

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