I’m well and truly in Christmas countdown mode, and as always at this time of year I’m on the lookout for everything festive to see and do in Manchester. If you’re in need of some Christmas inspiration, take a look at my list of festive things to do in Manchester (and some of them are happening right now!)
Manchester Christmas markets
It’s the most obvious of all, but the Christmas markets opened in Manchester this weekend, and I for one am so happy to see the cute wooden huts back in town. Yes they’ll be busy, but it doesn’t feel like Christmas until I’ve wrapped up warm and enjoyed a mug of gluhwein, a pulled pork sandwich and a chocolate-dipped fruit skewer in the chilly Manchester weather.
The Handmade Christmas Fair
This is happening next weekend (20th-22nd November), so don’t miss out if you love Christmas and enjoy crafting! Quote the code ENGLISHROSE20 to get a Full Experience ticket (which includes 3 crafting sessions) for £20 instead of £25.
T&Cs: Booking and transaction fees apply. Offer applies to Full Experience tickets purchased in advance only and offer ends 21st November.
Miracle on 34th Street
It’s a magical film and now it’s a magical show too! Watching a Christmas show at the theatre is a seriously festive thing to do, and this classic story is showing at Manchester Opera House from 23rd-25th November.
Warm up with hot drinks and cake
Pop into Costa or Starbucks to experiment with their seasonal flavours, or try one of the many festive-themed afternoon teas that Manchester has on offer…
- Patisserie Valerie
- Rosylee
- The Midland Hotel
And that’s to name just a few!
Head to your local garden centre
Garden centres are the most Christmassy places! You may want to pick out your Christmas tree, find some unusual Christmas decorations, take your child to see Santa or simply find some great gifts, but did you know there are also loads of events at garden centres to get you in the Christmas mood?
- Bud’s Winter Warmer (Bud Garden Centre, Burnage). 6th December, 4-9pm. Mulled wine, street food, Christmas trees and live festive music.
- Festive Inspiration Evening (Bents, Warrington). 2nd and 9th December, 6.30pm – 9.30pm. Experts share their tips on creating Christmas masterpieces.
- Christmas Nights (Barton Grange, Preston). 23rd November-23rd December, from 4pm. Late night shopping, live music and a hot pot supper.
Ice skating
Get your skates on at one of Manchester’s temporary ice skating venues – the Manchester Ice Rink has just opened in a new location for 2015 and Manchester on Ice has also just launched at The Great Northern Warehouse.
Cosy up in the Curious Teepee
The magical winter teepee is back at The Oast House in Spinningfields, and is possibly the most festive place in Manchester to warm up after a day of Christmas shopping! Snuggle up in furry blankets by a roaring fire and enjoy a hog roast and mulled cider. How very rustic!
And finally…
Go carolling
Christmas carol concerts are the ultimate activity for getting those Christmas feelings, and there are so many concerts happening in and around Manchester. Here are just a few that I’ve found:
- Carol Concerts with The Halle. Saturday 19th December, 3pm; Sunday 20th December, 3pm & 7.30pm.
- Christmas Concert with Salford Music and Performing Arts, Ordsall Hall (includes mulled wine and mince pies!). Sunday 6th December, 2-3.30pm.
- Carols by candlelight at Manchester Cathedral. 10th December, 7.30-9.30pm.
- Christmas Carols by Salford Royal Choir at John Rylands Library. 20th December, 2-3pm.
What festive activities will you be doing in the run-up to Christmas?
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English Rose from Manchester's Blog 
Love your blog – really good to read 🙂