Christmas Activities in Manchester for All Ages

Manchester is preparing for another spectacular festive season in 2025, with its famous Christmas Markets returning in full force all across the city. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to soak up the atmosphere, this year promises more attractions, more food, and more festive spirit than ever!

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 raiding the markets’ to grab art, crafts and Christmassy gifts. Albert Square will once again become a focal point for visitors, with plenty of covered seating areas and family entertainment including a 50ft  Ferris wheel and a traditional carousel.

The majority of craft stalls open from 10am to 8pm, with food and drink vendors typically serving between 11am and 9pm, ensuring there’s always somewhere to enjoy a warm drink or festive bite after shopping. 

Ice Skating

Skate Manchester returns, as one of the seasons most loved winter activities running from 25 October 2025 to 4 January 2026 at Cathedral Gardens.  The rink is fully covered, so you can take to the ice whatever the weather, gliding around without worrying about the Manchester rain.  Next to the ice, the Snow Globe village adds even more festive charm, offering cosy spots for photos and winter warmers. Each session lasts around 45 minutes, and there are plenty of ticket options to choose from, including family passes, student nights and VIP sessions if you fancy treating yourself. 

Shows and Performances

Manchester’s festive entertainment scene is always buzzing, and 2025 is shaping up to be no different. The city’s theatres, arenas and live venues are preparing for a full programme of Christmas productions, family pantos and major headline acts. 

Whether you’re visiting the Royal Exchange Theatre, the AO Arena or Co-op Live, you’ll find plenty of exciting performances to choose from this festive season. 

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.

The Trafford Centre

Have you been naughty or nice? That is the question that the Trafford Centre are asking this Christmas. With Plenty of different Christmas experiences to choose from you can treat the kids, while you shop from hundreds of top brands to grab everything you need this Christmas! 

With so many attractions all across the city, you may need days make the most of everything on offer! The city centre can be especially busy on weekends, so travelling via public transport is often the quickest and most convenient way to get in and out of the city. Whether you’re browsing the markets, skating at Cathedral Gardens, or getting your Christmas shopping done, Manchester offers an exceptional range of experiences for families, couples and groups looking to celebrate the season. 

Book your stay during the festive period at Roomzzz in Manchester