8 Christmas Activities in Manchester for All Ages

The festive season is celebrated in style year-on-year throughout Manchester, and the home of one of the largest Christmas Markets in the UK is set to raise the bar again in 2016 with countless activities available for all age groups.

We’ve narrowed the extensive list of events down to just eight, highlighting what we think you’ll want to get stuck into during this year’s Christmas period:

Christmas Markets

With over three hundred festive wooden stalls, stretching a vast area of the city from St. Ann’s Square to Albert Square via Market Street and the Deansgate district, there are an array of sights to see at Manchester’s Christmas Markets.

Whether you prefer relaxing with a glass of mulled wine in one hand and a delicious Frankfurter hotdog in the other, or following the markets’ trail to browse its art, crafts and homeware selections, the event appeals to all ages looking to get into a merry seasonal spirit.

Ice Skating

To be nestled into Manchester’s iconic London Road Fire Station, in its outside courtyard space, ice skating is on the cards for those brave enough to take to the ice this December.

The landmark station is set to be transformed into an ice rink for the first time in its history, alongside food and drinks stalls to take off the chill as part of The Winter Gathering festival next month.

The Winter Gathering Festival

Open Tuesday through Sunday, the Winter Gathering Festival is set to attract hundreds of city-goers this Christmas. As well as its ice rink, food stalls and bars, the event will feature pop-up art galleries with a host of pieces to be displayed.

For the younger generation, after-hours events will include live music sets and DJ performances, accompanied by numerous festive bars to create a house-party atmosphere like no other.

Royal Exchange Theatre

 

For a more civilized evening in Manchester, why not consider visiting the Royal Exchange Theatre? The grade II listed building is a fascinating epicenter of culture with theatrical performances held throughout the year.

With the company’s renowned Introducing Workshops running during December, alongside ‘Sweet Charity’, the latest theatrical production directed by Derek Bond, the venue is set to raise the bar during its Christmas festivities – for more information, visit: royalexchange.co.uk

Christmas Carols at Bridgewater Hall

To truly embrace the Christmas spirit, the Bridgewater Hall are yet again hosting an array of festive services, and are calling all families to join them in Manchester later this year.

With the CLIC Sargent Hospitals Christmas Carol Concert, The Halle Family Concert and The Snowman screening all announced for December, the Bridgewater Hall is an ideal venue for families to enjoy the joyous celebrations.

Bar Hutte Spinningfields

 

Manchester’s stylish district of Spinningfields will see the return of its popular Bar Hutte this Christmas, in which the areas main square adopts an ‘Apres Ski’ vibe. With cozy ski chalets decorated in festive attire, they are a real escape from the cold Northern weather.

Spinningfields Christmas Markets

This year the markets will be bigger and better than ever showcasing award-winning local food & drink, arts and crafts, music performances and a whole lot more. The stalls will be open from Thursday-Sunday 11am-7pm 10 November until 18 December

Christmas Teepees

The Oast House pub in Spinningfields will also continue where they hit off extremely well last year, erecting a number of warming teepees in their beer garden.

Serving German delicacies in an ambient open-fire atmosphere, with entertainment from a brass band, the venue is perfect for a cozy evening get-together.

The Trafford Centre

Have you been naughty or nice? That is the question that the Trafford Centre are asking this Christmas.

The shopping mall’s grotto is set to open on 1^st November and will run until Christmas Eve, providing youngsters with the chance compile their desired list of toys before handing them to Santa Claus himself.

Book your stay during the festive period at Roomzzz in Manchester