The festive season has properly been in full swing across Greater Manchester for a good couple of weeks now, but considering the big day itself is actually here this week, there’s loads of Christmas-themed events and activities for the whole family to be getting up to across the region, just as you’d expect.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? We’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide to help you out.
Here’s some of our recommendations.
___
ADVERTISEMENT
Skate Manchester 2024
Cathedral Gardens
Monday 23 December 2024 – Wednesday 1 January 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
Skate Manchester 2024 / Credit: Matt Eachus (via Supplied)
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
Back once again for 2024, Skate Manchester is festive staple, and this year, skaters can glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
Families, friends, and festive fun seekers will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
East Lancashire Railway’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas.
ADVERTISEMENT
Running right through until Christmas Eve, ELR’s ‘Santa Specials’ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make “enchanted memories” that last a lifetime.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West, and there’s still some tickets left available.
Bar Hütte’s legendary karaoke cabins are back in Manchester once again.
Bringing Alpine vibes, cosy furnishings, twinkling lights, live music sessions, and flowing drinks to two city centre locations from this Thursday onwards, dozens of cosy private hüttes neatly-positioned under twinkling lights are now open down at both Kampus and Great Northern Square.
There’s also a handful of other events on the lineup throughout the festive season, including live music and DJs, wreath making workshops, and movie nights.
A brand-new festive hub has arrived in Spinningfields, and you’ll be able to visit a new ice rink, drink cocktails in a snow globe-like rooftop dome, and get merry in a yurt.
Winter Assembly at Courts Club is home to the city’s newest, fully-independent ice rink, On Ice, as well as lots of different food traders serving up winter gyros from Lucky Gyros, festive grilled cheeses, boozy hot chocolate, German BBQ specials, and so much more.
Cheshire Oaks’ beloved grotto is back for 2024, and the big man in red and his trusty elves are taking to the skies once again this year.
Running on the Designer Outlet’s Big Wheel every Thursday to Sunday throughout December, 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.
Looking for something else to do at Cheshire Oaks this month? There’s plenty of other festive events happening in the run-up to Christmas.
With alpine lodges, festive drinks, Yorkshire pudding wraps, and of course, a helter skelter, The Winter Village is now open at Cheshire Oaks.
Christmas films like Home Alone, The Grinch, and The Polar Express will also be screened in the lodge, and plus, did you know that Cheshire Oaks is home to the UK’s largest Christmas tree, that you can actually go inside?
Find out more and grab tickets to any events here.
ADVERTISEMENT
___
The Holiday – Film With Live Orchestra
Bridgewater Hall
Monday 23 December
The Holiday – Film With Live Orchestra / Credit: Universal Pictures | Julio Rionaldo (via Unsplash)
You can watch The Holiday on a big screen with a live orchestra playing the soundtrack in Manchester this week.
Since its release nearly two decades ago, watching The Holiday has become an annual tradition for millions worldwide every time the festive season rolls around – but how would you like to watch this classic in the most magical way possible? Streamed live onto a big screen in the theatre with a complete concert orchestra playing its soundtrack by the legendary Hans Zimmer?
ADVERTISEMENT
Well now you can, as The Holiday Live is coming to Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall this Monday, following a sell-out success last year.
Find out more and see if you can grab some last-minute tickets here.
___
The Grotto
Trafford Centre
Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 December
ADVERTISEMENT
The Grotto at the Trafford Centre / Credit: Supplied
The main man is making our northern city his new home at one of Greater Manchester’s biggest shopping centres this winter time.
Running all the way up until Christmas Eve, Santa is swapping the cold air of the North Pole for the cloudy skies of Manchester, as he starts his annual journey around the world by making a visit to our region.
Not only is Santa travelling with his grotto, he’s also giving visitors the chance to experience the world of the North Pole as he brings the chilly destination to the Trafford Centre.
The magnificent grounds of Tatton Park have been transformed into a ‘glittering winter adventure’ for the festive season.
Families will be whisked away into a world of folklore, enchantment, and enthralling performances as they enter the gardens of the stunning Tatton Park in Cheshire for an immersive, festival-like experience known as Yuletide.
Organisers say the captivating event promises to be a “truly magical experience” where folklore stories come to life through storytelling and live music.
Spectrum: A World of Illumination / Credit: Supplied
A brand-new Christmas attraction to get us all in the festive spirit has now opened.
ADVERTISEMENT
Just outside of Manchester, titled ‘Spectrum: A World of Illumination’, this spectacular never-seen-before trail is lighting up Cheshire with a month-long residency in Knutsford, and will be running every day in December besides Christmas Day, plus a few extra dates in November.
The immersive maze features moving giant candy canes, overhead Christmas-inspired installations like a laser show, and tunnels of light.
Not enough light trails on this list for your liking?
As the nights draw in and the temperatures drop, light trails are pretty much a given every time the festive season rolls around, and luckily, there’s plenty of them dotted across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and across the North West this year.
If deciding which immersive experience to head on down to over these next couple of weeks is a tricky task for you though,
Christmas Screenings at King Street Townhouse / Credit: KSTH
Elf, Love Actually, and Home Alone are just some of the classic Christmas films hitting the big screen at a hidden cinema in Manchester.
Film fans looking for some wholesome festive fun are being invited to get themselves down to one of Manchester’s most popular hotels, King Street Townhouse, in the run-up to the big day itself, as it’s very-own exclusive cinema will be screening a jam-packed lineup of fan-favourite festive films over the next couple of weeks.
It may be Christmas week itself, but we understand not everyone is down to do festive things all the time, so here’s a couple of other suggestions.
_
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
Aviva Studios
Monday 23 December 2024 – Saturday 25 January 2025
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) / Credit: The Manc Group
One of the most influential British artists of the 21st century, David Hockney, is taking you on a personal journey through 60 years of his art in the revolutionary Aviva Studios, and it’s now open for everyone to pay a visit.
This is a real sensory encompassing experience, from the grand and vibrant projections on the walls, to the sound system which will be playing throughout the exhibition.
Hockney opened this installation in London, and this is the first time these pieces of art have left the country’s capital to be viewed by even more spectators.
Winter Holiday Programme / Credit: Science Museum Group
One of Manchester’s most popular museums has been transformed into an immersive ‘Light Lab’ for the festive season.
This is your chance to escape the cold and brighten up the winter holidays with an adventure though light and colour, as the Science and Industry Museum is currently running its full festive events programme and there’s loads to get involved with.
You can also explore a gaming extravaganza, and be engrossed by festive-themed science shows at the city centre-based museum this December.
Wicked The Musical / Credit: Jennifer DiNoia / Limited Engagement
Wicked The Musical has landed in Manchester and has taken over the iconic Palace Theatre stage for the festive season.
Sure, there may be a major motion picture adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande currently on in the cinema right now, but if you’re keen to see the beloved musical production on stage in the way it was originally intended, then you can head on down to the Palace Theatre to see the story of Elphaba and Galinda live.
Of course, this has been one of the hottest tickets in town for quite a while now, but there’ll still some last-minute seats left to get your hands on, so keep your eyes peeled.
A major Jurassic World exhibition that’s been mesmerising visitors all over the world has now arrived here in Greater Manchester, and it’s recently been announced that it’ll be sticking around until the new year.
Based on the beloved blockbuster film franchise, this official award-winning experience is one of the fastest-selling exhibitions in history.
Manc visitors will be able to walk through the iconic Jurassic World gates, explore some richly-themed environments, and encounter a life-sized Brachiosaurus, Velociraptors, and the most fearsome dinosaur of all, the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex.
A groundbreaking new immersive exhibition exploring our relationship with the natural world is now open at Manchester Museum.
‘Wild’ look at how people are creating, rebuilding, and repairing connections with nature, and how the natural world has traditionally been presented and idealised through Western art, as well as looking at some unique approaches to environmental recovery too.
The exhibition will also crucially look at how we can tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis by making the world more wild.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 17 – 23 November 2025
Emily Sergeant
November is passing us by faster than we’d like, so I guess that’s why they say time flies when you’re having fun, right?
Greater Manchester is looking as festive as ever now, as there’s now dozens of light trails, and Christmas events to be getting involved with, not to mention the iconic Manchester Christmas Markets have kicked off for 2025 too, so there’s loads to do throughout our region this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. 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.
___
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025
Manchester City Centre
Monday 17 November – onwards
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 / Credit: Manchester City Council
It’s that time of year once again… Manchester Christmas Markets are here for 2025.
The iconic annual event is an absolute staple in Manchester’s festive events calendar, and always draws in thousands of visitors from all across the globe – with hundreds of stalls across several sites now lining the streets of our city this year.
Visitors can tuck into a wide range of festive foods and drinks, and shop for Christmas gifts from countless independent traders.
Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 here, and check out the full round-up of drinks prices from all the traders here.
A magical illuminated trail will make its return to the historic Dunham Massey this winter, once again filling the grounds with twinkling lights and dazzling installations.
Christmas at Dunham Massey has become one of the North West’s most popular festive light trails, created by award-winning light trail producers, and for 2025, there’ll be a whole host of brand-new installations to see.
Visitors will get to walk through multicoloured landscapes of laser beams, while a projection on the facade of the historic house at Dunham Massey will narrate festive stories.
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
Back once again for 2025, ready for families, friends, and festive fun seekers to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas, Skate Manchester is festive staple in Cathedral Gardens, and skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink for another year.
This year, there’s also a giant turbine by Octopus Energy that’s partially-powering the rink too, and you can skate around it while enjoying the ski scene in the globe.
Yuletide at Tatton Park / Credit: Tatton Park / Emma Croman
One of winter’s top events, Yuletide, is returning to Tatton Park Gardens this weekend.
The magical winter adventure will once again bring a glittering light trail and theatrical, immersive performance to the famous beauty spot.
This unique fusion of Christmas light trail and winter family festival is now in its third year, and will debut brand-new features and performances for 2025. As visitors wander the Yuletide event, they’ll be treated to everything from sparkling light installations to impressive fire juggling shows.
Land of Lights at Gulliver’s World / Credit: The Manc Group
The magical Land of Lights has returned to Gulliver’s World once again.
After proving to be a huge success the past two years, the one-mile trail showcases a huge array of lanterns and displays, creating a wondrous, wild, and magical atmosphere that’s suitable for all ages, and this year, there’s even some new additions.
Ready to skate around Cheshire Oaks this Christmas?
That’s right, back by popular demand, the Winter Village is officially open at Cheshire Oaks for another year, and the newest addition this season is the HUGE ice rink.
You can skate inside under twinkling lights, or head outside and whizz around the lit-up oak tree, with brilliant views of the big wheel – the perfect photo opportunity. Whether you’re a first-timer, or a seasoned pro, everyone is welcome on the ice.
Christmas has taken over Freight Island, as Winter Island and Twilight Tales open for the festive season.
Twilight Tales is a brand-new outdoor immersive light and story experience, with interactive installations, marshmallow toasting, a Moth Drinks bar, and more.
While Winter Island has returned for another year, bringing you the most delicious festive comfort food from traders like Nell’s, Ornella’s Kitchen, the all-new V. Goode Pies, and Oh My Cheesecake to finsih things off and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Believe! The Polar Express Experience has landed in Manchester.
Having taken over Victoria Warehouse, this is an immersive walk-through experience, inspired by the timeless Christmas classic. You’ll be taken through the story in its entirety, stepping into the Polar Express carriage as a passenger and arriving to a festive Northern Lights display at your final destination – the North Pole, of course.
Photo opportunities are available throughout the experience too… yep, even with the big guy himself, so make sure to get snapping.
Put Big Light On Festival / Credit: Joel Chester Fildes (via Bolton Council)
Bolton’s festival full of fantastic immersive light art installations is back by popular demand and set to shine on the town centre this week.
Curated by artistic events company, Things That Go On Things, Put Big Light On Festival is returning for another year of festive magic, and there’s some huge and impressive art installations set to descend on the Greater Manchester town’s centre.
This year’s lineup will feature magical creations from a diverse range of artists.
One of the UK’s largest art fairs is returning to Manchester this weekend.
Manchester Art Fair will transform Manchester Central into the North’s biggest art gallery, and more than 180 individual artists, galleries, and artist-led spaces will be joining together under one roof along with around 11,000 art lovers.
Designed for the collector, the curator, and those who are just simply curious, art enthusiasts can connect directly with galleries and artists in a bid to find that perfect piece to take home.
This year’s event also features an extended programme of high-profile talks, immersive experiences, and workshops too, so there’s something for everyone to get involved in.
Ignite Fire Festival / Credit: Andy Kruczek & Rochdale Borough Council
Then there’ll be the Christmas lights switch-on taking place from 5.30pm on the Sunday, with Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale.
Ignite Fire Festival is back in Rochdale this weekend for three nights of spectacular shows, light trails, and family-friendly entertainment.
Rochdale Borough Council has promised that this year’s Ignite Fire Festival will be the biggest yet, with a 20-strong drumming collective, blazing fire sculptures, illuminated installations, and with artworks created, once again, by multi-award-winning outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank.
The event will kick off with a torchlight procession to officially launch the new Broadfield Slopes, which have been carefully restored to deliver new pathways and parkland in the town centre.
Find out more about this jaw-dropping festival here.
___
Northern Lights
Heaton Park
Thursday 20 November – 31 December
Northern Lights / Credit: Supplied
Heaton Park will be transformed into a glowing world of wonder as one of the UK’s most celebrated festive light trails makes its Manchester debut.
Already a hit in other major northern cities such as Leeds and Newcastle, Northern Lights – the acclaimed light trail from the team behind established music festivals Kendal Calling and Bluedot – descends on our city’s largest park this week, and brings its cinematic visuals, choreographed soundscapes, and festive atmosphere along with it.
The mile-long route will feature 16 large-scale installations, each synchronised to bespoke soundtracks creating a 90-minute experience like no other.
The Grotto is returning to the Trafford Centre for the festive season this week.
This year, the shopping centre is taking things up a notch too, as The Grotto is described as being a ‘joyful’ and ‘interactive’ adventure where you’ll become part of a magical mission – saving Christmas cheer.
To make the experience accessible to all, specially-tailored Whispering Winter sessions with softer lighting, quieter music, and fewer visitors will create a calm and inclusive environment for every child to enjoy the magic of Christmas.
East Lancashire Railway’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas.
Running right through until Christmas Eve, ELR’s ‘Santa Specials’ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make “enchanted memories” that last a lifetime.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West, and there’s still some tickets left available.
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan to play huge Manchester arena show on new UK tour
Clementine Hall
Ready to laugh your socks off? Romesh Ranganathan is coming to Manchester.
The comedy legend is embarking on an major UK arena tour, and of course he’ll be stopping off at our very own AO Arena.
Whether you know him for his fantastic stand up, or for the massively popular Rob & Romesh Vsseries on Sky, one thing’s for sure, the man knows how to make us laugh.
After his last visits to us in Manchester have been nothing short of a roaring success, Ranganathan will be returning to our city with his next tour Romesh Ranganathan Will Change Your Life on Saturday 10 April 2027.
Yes we’ve got a while to wait, but we’re sure it’ll be absolutely worth it.
It’s safe to say that Romesh has been on fire across the TV, radio, and live stages over the past few years.
From hit shows like The Ranganation, where he guides a panel of everyday people and celebrities through the week’s big topics, to the radio where he hosts For the Love of Hip Hop on BBC Radio 2, Romesh is now a part of our daily lives – and we’re not at all mad about it.
On his upcoming tour, he’ll be treating us to a show comprised of brand-new material, and if his last arena shows were anything to go by, this one’ll be constant belly laughs throughout.
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan is coming to Manchester on his new UK tour / Credit: Supplied
Romesh Ranganathan is bringing his Romesh Ranganathan Will Change Your Life tour to AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 10 April 2027, and tickets go on sale next week – with both pre-sales and general sales available.
There’ll be a Three+ Presale on Wed 19 November, a presale for AO Arena members on Thursday 20 November, both at 11am, and then General Sale will be on Friday 21 November, again at 11am.
Emily Sergeant -
19th December 2024 
