Elf, Love Actually, and Home Alone are just some of the classic Christmas films hitting the big screen at a hidden cinema in Manchester next month.
With the nights drawing in, the temperatures dropping by the day, and the most wonderful time of the year now firmly in our sights, film fans and families looking for some wholesome festive fun are being invited to get themselves down to one of Manchester’s most popular hotels in the lead-up to the big day itself.
King Street Townhouse‘s very-own exclusive cinema will be screening a jam-packed lineup of fan-favourite festive films over three weekends in December to celebrate Christmas in style.
The Christmas screenings will be taking over the little cinema from Saturday 9 – Tuesday 26 December.
This hidden Manchester cinema is screening loads of festive flicks this Christmas / Credit: King Street Townhouse
With a marathon of three films set to be screened on each day of the event next month, the Christmas screenings schedule kicks off on Saturday 9 December at 2pm with the absolute cult-classic that is Elf – which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its release this year – all before you can sit down to watch Love Actually, and Home Alone on the same day.
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Other festive favourites on the lineup across other weekends include It’s a Wonderful Life, The Holiday, The Muppet Christmas Carol, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and Bad Santa.
The magic of Christmas is evening continuing past the big day itself, as three of the best-loved festive flicks, Elf, Home Alone, and Love Actually, will all be screened again on Boxing Day, just in case you weren’t able to catch them the first time round.
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If you didn’t know King Street Townhouse even had a cinema, don’t worry – that’s all part of the fun.
You can tuck into festive cocktails, popcorn, and pick n mix while you watch the Christmas classics / Credit: King Street Townhouse
The vintage-style cinema isn’t always one that everyone’s familiar with, as it’s tucked away in the hotel’s cellars and seats only a handful of people at a time for the ultimate viewing experience, but it’s well worth a visit – and this Christmas couldn’t be a more ideal time.
Tickets to each of the Christmas screenings are now on sale, and start at just £16.50 each.
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You can also complete your seasonal experience with festive-themed cocktails, popcorn, pick n mix, and a whole host of other treats beforehand too, if you’d like.
Major Christmas lights switch-on event announced at Manchester’s iconic Printworks
Daisy Jackson
Printworks has announced details of a major Christmas lights switch-on event, with celebrity guest Will Mellor.
Set to be the biggest switch-on event in Manchester city centre, the celebration will include a festive singalong and live entertainment, plus a 16ft digital tree and plenty more.
And as part of the wider festive celebrations at Printworks, there’ll be 25 prizes to be won all the way through December, including hotel stays and other goodies from the businesses based in the landmark building.
The Printworks Christmas Lights switch-on will take place on Saturday 29 November, kicking off at 4.30pm with a performance from the brilliant roaming brass band, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners.
Then there’ll be a family Christmas singalong at 5pm on Printworks’ interactive gaming screen, where Mancs can belt out classic Christmas hits together.
At 6pm, the almighty 16ft digital Christmas tree will be officially switched on by TV legend Will Mellor, along with a new festive display appearing overhead on Europe’s largest digital ceiling.
Printworks will host its Christmas Lights switch-on event in November. Credit: Jason Lock Photography
Expect to see Santa’s sleigh flying across the building, and Santa Claus himself pointing out passers-by and revealing if they’ve made the naughty or nice list.
The event will finish with a one-hour DJ set from Jack Clark to keep visitors in the festive spirit. Throughout December, visitors to Printworks can enter daily prize-draws at the digital Christmas tree, with big prizes up for grabs.
Daniel Davis, Centre Manager, said: “Families loved last year’s festive switch-on, which brought light to the city when the citywide celebration was cancelled. We’re thrilled to bring it back even bigger and brighter.
“With our incredible digital ceiling and new interactive features, we’re giving visitors a Christmas experience like no other full of music, magic and surprises.
“Our 16ft digital tree is something truly unique to Manchester, and with 25 prizes up for grabs throughout December, there’s a real reason to keep coming back. Whether you’re joining us for the switch-on or popping in for a festive meal or film, we can’t wait to celebrate with the community.”
The Christmas switch-on event at Printworks in Manchester
4.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
5pm – Family singalong
5.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
6pm – Christmas switch-on with Will Mellor
6.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
Luxury curling club and apres-ski bar to open in Manchester city centre
Daisy Jackson
A pop-up curling rink is set to open right beneath the skyscrapers in Manchester city centre this winter.
The Curling Club, already a top winter attraction down in London, has revealed plans to launch at the foot of the Deansgate Square towers later this month.
The alpine-themed winter village will be one of three across the UK, with two other Curling Clubs down in London.
As well as the state-of-the-art curling lanes, where Mancs can slide and shove their stones along the rink to giant bullseyes, there’ll be plenty more entertainment for the party season.
The Curling Club will bring apres-ski bars to the New Jackson district too, with DJs, dancers, and festive food.
Daren Whitaker, founder and chairman at Renaker – the developer behind The Curling Club at New Jackson’s site – said: “As the city centre’s first dedicated curling venue, the Curling Club will be an excellent addition to Manchester’s already strong competitive socialising scene.
“We are excited to be hosting The Curling Club in our New Jackson neighbourhood, bringing our residents together for a fun and unique experience and creating a lively destination for the wider community to enjoy.”
Luxury curling club and apres-ski bar to open in Manchester city centre. Credit: Justin De Souza
Trevor Bowers, chairman of The Curling Club, said: “This winter marks a milestone for The Curling Club as we expand to three incredible locations.
“Chelsea Winter Illuminations allows us to create something truly magical in a beautiful and adored area of London, while Manchester opens the door to new audiences, and Vinegar Yard gives us another exciting year in London Bridge. It’s our biggest and boldest season yet.”
Eve Muirhead, Olympic gold medallist and Team GB’s Chef de Mission, also returns as ambassador of The Curling Club, and will lend her experience and insider knowledge across all sites.
Tickets for The Curling Club Manchester are now on sale, with bookings available for groups between two and four people starting from £30 for 30 minutes – head HERE to get yours.
Emily Sergeant -
6th November 2023 
