We’re well into December now, and we just can’t get over how festive everything feels across Greater Manchester.
With Christmas cheer having now been firmly spread right across the region, and the big day itself just a couple of weeks away, everyone is getting suitably in the festive spirit, and the events calendar is, once again, absolutely jam-packed with plenty to be getting up to, so we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
As always, some of the events we’re going to mention are completely free, while others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.
Here’s our top picks.
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2022
Manchester City Centre
Monday 12 – Thursday 22 December
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2022 / Credit: Manchester City Council | Flickr
Manchester Christmas Markets 2022 are in full swing.
The iconic annual event – which draws in visitors from all across the globe each year, and has been voted the best Christmas markets in the UK for 2022 – are here once again to spread some cheer right across the city centre.
Open every day until Thursday 22 December, the the main market hubs in will be in Exchange Square, St Ann’s Square, King Street, and Market Street.
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Other zones, however, are set to open after Christmas Day and run into the New Year.
You can find out everything you need to know here.
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Lightopia 2022
Heaton Park
Monday 12 December – onwards
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Lightopia 2022 / Credit: Lightopia
Lightopia has made a return to Heaton Park this year.
Once again lighting up Manchester and captivating audiences for the fourth year in a row, award-winning illuminations event Lightopia is promising to bring the magic of Christmas back to the grounds of Heaton Park from this Thursday – with a brand-new immersive experience set to take over the park until January.
Through brand-new and unseen audiovisual displays, this year’s festival is a “once-in-a-lifetime adventure” for the all the family to enjoy.
Find out more about Lightopia 2022 and grab tickets here.
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Backyard Cinema
Depot Mayfield
Monday 12 December – onwards
Backyard Cinema / Credit: Supplied
Did you see that Manchester’s newest cinema on the roof of Depot Mayfield has a whole host of Christmas films on the agenda over the next few weeks?
Backyard Cinema brings its immersive movie going experience to the north for the ever first time, and features way more than a cosy purpose-built cinema room, as it comes complete with an Enchanted Forest, two bars, street food trucks, and a live music stage to boot.
Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, The Holiday, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Miracle on 34th Street are just some of the films you can sit down to watch at the 330-capacity indoor venue.
FIFA World Cup 2022 / Credit: Love Factory & Road To Victory
Can you believe the FIFA World Cup 2022 is drawing to a close this Sunday?
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With the last week of matches set to be viewed by millions all across the world, Mancs are right to be wondering where to watch the World Cup in Manchester.
International tournaments are always a special occasion we eagerly await to come around and while we’re sure you could walk into any old pub and enjoy yourself, there are some seriously good venues showing Qatar 2022 this winter – so, with that in mind, we thought we’d put together a list of the best places to watch in our city.
Tinseltown is now back at the Trafford Centre for Christmas.
The Stretford-based shopping centre has been transformed into “a magical haven full of festive fun”, and is all set to be the perfect place to spend time “creating memories and celebrating the Christmas season”.
This year’s Tinseltown celebrations include a festive funfair full of exciting rides for all the family, and a huge covered winter ice rink for visitors to glide away on under a sky full of twinkling lights while festive music plays, all before sitting down to watch SNOWSTORM 2 – the “sensational” ice skating show with an international cast of skaters and performers on the 200 sq ft of shimmering real ice.
The Art of Banksy is currently captivating crowds at MediaCityUK.
The highly-anticipated and long-awaited exhibit is currently showcasing 145 iconic Banksy pieces all amassed from private collections across the globe to create the world’s largest touring collection of Banksy artworks.
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Visitors will have the chance to experience the infamous artist’s most well-known works alongside those rarely seen by the public, all on loan from private collectors.
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
Back once again for 2022 with twinkling lights, the smell of gingerbread, and Christmas songs playing on repeat, Skate Manchester’s stunning outdoor ice rink is in the heart of the city at Cathedral Gardens until 2 January 2023.
With covered rink having a roof to allow everyone to enjoy the ice, whatever the weather, this year, there’s also a brand-new ice path allowing you to skate around the beautiful Christmas tree centre.
A new Christmas bar has opened in Manchester, and it’s absolute festive overload.
While some venues lean towards alpine throws and a few tasteful candles at Christmas, Miracle on Cross Street has gone the other way entirely and thrown everything shiny and festive into one room, making it completely nostalgic and unflinchingly festive.
We’re talking candy canes, tinsel, baubles, lights, trees, presents, stockings, and ‘Santa Stop Here’ signs – and even the walls are wrapped in shiny patterned wrapping paper.
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There’s a full menu of winter cocktails being served up too, like an apple pie martini and an espresso-ho-ho martini.
Christmas With Paddington / Credit: Trafford Centre
Paddington has dug out his Christmas hat and headed to the Trafford Centre.
The shopping centre’s grotto is always a highlight of the festive season each year, but it’s now bigger and better than ever before with Paddington’s arrival.
Proper festive fun for all the family, the Christmas with Paddington grotto experience – which is curated by award-winning experiential events company Bakehouse Factory – includes fun photo opportunities for all ages, the chance to travel through snowy festive trees and scenic street scenes, and so much more.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience / Credit: Supplied
The hugely popular woodland trail inspired by the forbidden forest from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchise has officially returned.
After what was undoubtedly a massive success back in 2021, with people travelling from all across the UK to see what it was all about, organisers of the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience have announced it’s back at the Grade II-listed Arley Hall & Gardens in Cheshire.
Potter-heads can “walk into the depths of a dark forest”, and “discover fantastic beasts and iconic Wizarding World moments illuminated like never before”.
Escape to Freight Island has brought its highly-popular Winter Island back to Manchester, just in time to get you in the mood for the festive season.
Having landed at Depot Mayfield‘s premier event space and cargo park, this year’s Winter Island is promising visitors everything from DJs, live entertainment, and Massaoke, to Christmas workshops, pop-up markets, and all the festive food you could hope for.
Food and drink to be scoffed from some of the best local and independent traders.
From Manchester favourites like Northern Soul grilled cheese and the award-winning Great North Pie Co. to Ancoats chocolatiers Cocoa Cabana, who will be letting you create your own boozy hot chocolate (the best kind), there’s so much to tickle your festive fancies.
Popular après-ski village Bar Hütte is officially back in the city centre.
After what was an undeniably successful run in 2021 and the plenty of years prior, Bar Hütte is better than ever this year, with 15 cosy Alpine cabins dotted across the Great Northern square courtyard to bring a lively, festive, and vibrant atmosphere.
Inspired by some of the coolest après ski bars in Europe, there’s everything from live music and free-flowing festive drinks, to the chance to try out the bar’s legendary ‘shot skis’, as well sing-along to all of your favourite tunes inside a private wooden karaoke cabin that’s festooned with twinkling tights.
East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is inviting families to catch a ride on one of its famous Santa Special steam trains this Christmas.
The heritage railway’s much-loved festive event has not only become an essential part of Christmas for many in the north west, but this year, it’s bigger and better than ever before – with families set for a truly special festive day out.
You’ll first get to meet some old favourites and new characters, including the magical talking Christmas tree, Mrs Claus, and ELR’s very own Ice Princess, all before before having a singalong with a chorus of musical polar bears. The festive fun will then continue on the Santa Special steam trains on an 80-minute “enchanting voyage” through the magical Irwell Valley.
Cheshire Oaks’ beloved grotto looks a little different to usual as Santa and his trusty elves are taking to the skies and inviting you on a fantastical festive adventure on the outlet’s all-new Big Wheel.
The Santa in the Sky experience is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas as a family this winter, and make memories to last a lifetime.
Open every weekend throughout December, with 10-minutes flights taking place from 10am-1pm, included in the ticket price is four spaces on the Big Wheel flight with Santa and his elves, and you’ll also get to sip on a mulled wine or hot chocolate and enjoy a festive cookie, as well as get a little gift to take home with you from Santa.
Festive Sundays / Credit: Matt Eachus | Anthony Devlin (via PA Wire)
It’s the last of this year’s ‘Festive Sundays’ this weekend.
Commissioned and produced by Manchester BID in partnership with Manchester City Council, Festive Sundays have seen roaming puppets, supersized penguins, and illuminated bands take to the city’s main shopping streets, every Sunday up until this weekend.
Created by Walk the Plank – the creative minds behind the Manchester Day Parade – this Sunday will see the return of the Toy Procession, which is set to bring fun and festive Christmas characters to the city centre.
Featured Image – Road to Victory | ELR | Bar Hutte
What's On
12 of the best things happening in Greater Manchester this month | November 2026
Emily Sergeant
Remember remember the month of November.
That’s right – it’s time to wave goodbye to October, as November is here and things are definitely starting to get all festive this month. All across Greater Manchester over the next few weeks, you can expect to see fireworks displays, art fairs, festive celebrations, and (of course) the return of Manchester Christmas Markets for 2026.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, no worries, as we’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured, so take a look.
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Bonfire Night at Printworks
Printworks
Thursday 5 November
Printworks Bonfire Night / Credit: Jason Lock (via Supplied)
Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this month.
Aiming to ‘bring Bonfire Night to life’, Printworks will 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.
The free event will first begin with an incredible display of ‘Manchester Stars’, followed by CBBC-ran storytime sessions.
Then comes the main event, Printworks’ digital ceiling will take centre stage for two firework displays – including a dedicated SEN-friendly display at replacing the traditional loud noises with incredible visual effects.
The skies over Manchester will light up once again this month, as free firework displays organised by Manchester City Council will be returning to Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Platt Fields Park for the first time since 2019.
First up, there will be a reduced-noise, low-impact display at 5pm for families and SEND audiences, and a main fireworks display then to follow a little later at 8pm.
That’s not all either, as each of the three parks will host lantern making workshops in the weeks leading up to the events too, with family-friendly lantern parades taking place ahead of the 8pm firework shows.
You can find everything you need to know about the celebrations here.
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2026
Manchester City Centre
Friday 6 November – onwards
Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 / Credit: The Manc Group | Flickr
Manchester Christmas Markets will be taking over the city centre this month, with hundreds of little wooden huts lining the streets.
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 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, as well as big changes to St Ann’s Square with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’ bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.
Everything you need to know about this year’s event can be found here.
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Skate Manchester
Cathedral Gardens
Friday 6 November – onwards
Skate Manchester / Credit: Supplied
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink is returning to Cathedral Gardens once again this month.
Families, friends, and festive fun seekers will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store at Skate Manchester, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
Off the back of a hugely successful 2025 season, there will be a specially curated programme of events this year too – including themed nights, competitions, and inclusive skate sessions designed for an accessible and enjoyable experience for as many people as possible.
And if you’re not too confident on the ice, the rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions that are tailored to meet the needs of all visitors too.
The Good Clothes Show is returning to Manchester this month.
Taking over Manchester Central, The Good Clothes Show is returning to our city for one of the most fashionable weekends of the year, bringing together dozens of brilliant independent brands, vintage and pre-loved treasures, hands-on workshops, catwalks, expert talks, and more all under one roof.
Visitors can expect an extensive shopping lineup of independent fashion brands, local artisans, contemporary labels, vintage specialists and pre-loved sellers.
No matter whether you’re a complete beginner or already quite handy with a sewing needle, organisers say it’s all about learning new skills and leaving inspired.
Remembrance Day 2026 / Credit: Manchester City Council
Manchester is set to honour the ‘service and sacrifice’ of members of the armed forces community during this year’s annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations.
With Remembrance Day only a couple weeks away now, Manchester City Council has revealed how the city will mark this important occasion, and has confirmed all the details of the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade.
Proceedings will start on John Dalton Street at 10:30am, and run right through until midday – with the service itself being held at 11am.
Everything you need to know about this year’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations is here.
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CATS The Musical
Palace Theatre Manchester
Tuesday 10 – Saturday 21 November
CATS The Musical / Credit: Feast Creative
Legendary musical CATS will be taking to the stage here in Manchester this month.
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, and this new production is produced by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
With a legendary score featuring well-known songs like Old Deuteronomy, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, TheJellicle 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.
Find out more and get some last-minute tickets here.
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Lanterns & Light
Chester Zoo
Friday 13 November – onwards
Lanterns & Light / Credit: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo’s popular winter light trail is returning this month, with a redesigned route and some magical new animals.
Produced by Chester Zoo in partnership with Sony Music and Culture Creative, Lanterns & Light has become a popular fixture in the region’s festive calendar over the years, and it’s back this winter to transform the zoo after dark with thousands of festive lights, colour, and wildlife-themed displays.
Some exciting new installations make up the 2026 trail, including the dazzling Suspended Jellyfish underwater display, a mirrored disco tunnel, a glittering pea-lit canopy, and Floating Feathers.
New for this year too, visitors will also get to encounter parrots, dolphins, and a giant polar bear among an expanded cast of life-sized animal puppets, all brought to life by specialist performers.
One of the UK’s largest art fairs is returning to the city this month, bringing more than 180 exhibitors together all under one roof.
Designed for the collector, the curator, and those who are just simply curious, Manchester Art Fair draws in tens of thousands of visitors, and will feature lots of new and returning galleries and artists this year – all of whom will be showing new works.
The fair will welcome more than 600 artists for an exceptional showcase of modern and contemporary art, with thousands of works available to discover and buy from both world-renowned names and some of the most exciting emerging creative talent.
Northern Lights Manchester / Credit: Max Cooper Photography
Northern Lights is returning to Manchester this month with a dazzling mile-long light trail transforming Heaton Park into a wonderland with 14 different installations.
This year, Northern Lights – which attracted more than 100,000 visitors when it made its debut last winter, and received rave reviews across the board – is inviting visitors to step back into their favourite festive memories with a nostalgic collection in installations.
Original soundscapes, spectacular new illuminations, and even a marshmallow zone will bring the fully accessible trail to life.
Rochdale is set to be illuminated by fiery sculptures, as the showstopping Ignite Fire Festival returns later this month.
Organisers Rochdale Development Agency are promising the best year yet with a spectacular trail of fire, lights, and sound, along with some thrilling new attractions – including blazing fire sculptures, and illuminated installations.
The gardens and square surrounding the magnificent Rochdale Town Hall, as well as the parkland and walkways on Broadfield slopes, are all preparing to be transformed into a vision of festive light and colour.
This year’s festival will all centre around the mesmerising night time-trail, ‘BODY’ – a multi-sensory and immersive trail will transport visitors on an educational but exciting journey, through the six zones of the human body.
Back by popular demand for its fourth year to kick off Christmas in style, Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday will be returning this month for a one-day festival packed with magical street theatre, banging brass bands, carnival fun, and loads more.
Hundreds of captivating performers will take over the town centre for the day, and 2026’s lineup promising something for the whole family.
Think a giant snow lion, a circus adventure into space, the world’s smallest nightclub, and so much more – with more than 50 free shows and activities to enjoy all day long.
Featured Image – Jason Lock | Manchester City Council | Feast Creative
What's On
A bewitching Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience is returning to the North West
Lydia Mastrolonardo
This is a chance to channel your inner witch or wizard and step into the Harry Potter universe, as Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience returns this winter.
Nothing quite gets you in the mood for Christmas magic like stepping into an enchanted woodland, under the stars, and transporting yourself into a wintery alternate reality, filled with adventure.
Along the illuminated winding path at Bolesworth Castle, fans will encounter some familiar faces like Hagrid, or the weird and wonderful creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises, all brought to life through cutting-edge light shows and projections.
The installations will bring iconic scenes to life and recreate interactive Forbidden Forest moments, as well as providing the perfect photo spots.
There’s set to be a range of new features, including the magical Golden Egg and a chilling Death Eater, in addition to opportunities for guests to practice their spell-casting skills, engage in a wand duel or summon a Patronus.
The woodland is also home to a magical village, providing a space for visitors to warm up, browse exclusive souvenirs, and enjoy magical drinks or bites to eat.
This immersive, multi-sensory, 1.95k night-time trail is brought to us by Fever, the world’s leading tech platform for discovering culture and live entertainment.
Characters from the Harry Potter franchise will featureThe forest will be filled with enchanting light installationsThere’ll be a festive village where you can refuel with Harry Potter-inspired treatsThe flying Ford Anglia will even be in attendance
Joana Da Silva Pina, Strategic Team Lead at Fever said: “There’s nowhere quite like the UK to experience the magic of Harry Potter, and we’re thrilled to bring A Forbidden Forest Experience back after two incredible runs in Manchester.
“This time, Bolesworth Castle will provide the perfect setting for fans to celebrate the wizarding world after dark, with new surprises joining some of the moments visitors already know and love. We can’t wait for both first-time guests and returning fans to experience what’s waiting in the forest.”
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience welcomes all ages, from the smallest of wizards, to the longest standing devoted fans alike to join the other three million visitors, across four continents and 16 cities, who have already been part of this magical outdoor journey.
What’s more – more than 75,000 trees have been planted as part of a climate conscious initiative to give back to the environment.
The experience is open from Thursday 10 December at Bolesworth Castle in Chester.
Tickets go on general sale on Tuesday 3 November, but fans can join the waitlist via the Fever app or website for pre-sale access.
ClickHERE for further information or HERE to access the waitlist for presale tickets.
Emily Sergeant -
10th December 2022 
