CONTACT USManchester has been crowned the UK’s capital of Christmas, boasting spectacular winter markets, excellent shopping and an unrivalled atmosphere. This year, the city and surrounding areas will host a range of festive events, from Santa’s grottos to pantomimes.
So, what’s on in Manchester during Christmas 2022?
- The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan
- Winter Funland
- Christmas at Cockfields
- Backyard Cinema Manchester
- Christmas Pop Party
- Ordsall Hall Winter Festival
- Quayside Media City Makers Market
Ready to make the most of the festive season? Read on for seven magical events taking place in Manchester this year.
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan
If you’re looking for festive family events in Manchester, don’t miss The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. Based on the classic story by J. M. Barrie, this show follows the tale of a mischievous boy who refuses to grow up. The cast will be led by Jason Manford—playing Captain Hook—and feature musical theatre stars such as Jessica Croll, Samara Casteallo and Ross Carpenter.
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan will be performed at Opera House Manchester, from the 10th to the 31st of December 2022.
Winter Funland
Visiting Manchester with the kids? This Christmas, head to the BEC Arena for its Winter Funland event. Aimed at children under nine, this magical experience features child-friendly rides, an ice rink and lots of amazing food and drink. There will be entertainment from clowns and acrobats, and Santa Claus will make an appearance, too!
Winter Funland will run from the 18th of December 2022 until the 2nd of January 2023. It’s the perfect event to kickstart the festive celebrations.
Christmas at Cockfields
Looking for Christmas events in Greater Manchester? Christmas at Cockfields is a great event for families, giving children the chance to meet Father Christmas in a winter wonderland setting. Promising an unforgettable experience, it will include a fun toy-making workshop and a visit to the North Pole Toy Shop to receive a gift. Little ones will also have the opportunity to decorate a gingerbread man, make reindeer dust and build their own teddy bear.
Cockfields Farm is located in Oldham, Greater Manchester. The Christmas at Cockfields event will run on selected days from the 26th of November until the 24th of December 2022. When booked online, tickets are £13.00 for adults and children, and £3.00 for under 1s.
Backyard Cinema Manchester
A fantastic event for film-lovers, Backyard Cinema Manchester provides an immersive cinema experience at Christmastime. Located on the rooftop of Depot Mayfield, this event uses incredible film sets and live actors to bring movies to life. Relax on a giant beanbag, enjoy delicious cocktails and watch classic festive films such as Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, The Holiday and many more. There’s no better way to cosy up and watch your favourite winter movie on the big screen.
The Backyard Cinema Experience will run on selected dates until the end of 2022.
Christmas Pop Party
There’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than by heading to a Christmas party, and Manchester has plenty to choose from. This year, Grosvenor Casino Didsbury is hosting a brilliant Christmas Pop Party. Your ticket will include a three-course meal and a reserved seat in the casino’s entertainment lounge, where you can sing and dance to festive music.
The Christmas Pop Party will take place on the 16th and 23rd of December 2022. Tickets are £32.00 per person. Please note that this event is only for those aged 18 and over.
Ordsall Hall Winter Festival
Wondering what to do in Manchester in December? Celebrate the festive season at Ordsall Hall’s very first Winter Festival! Only a short distance from Manchester City Centre, Ordsall Hall is a former manor house which has been around for more than 750 years.
Its winter market will take place in the building itself as well as in the gardens, and will feature activities, live performances and refreshments. This is a free event for the whole family to enjoy, taking place from 12:00 until 15:00 on the 11th of December 2022. Booking is not required—simply turn up and enjoy!
Ordsall Hall will also host Christmas wreath workshops on the 1st, 4th and 15th of December 2022. Book a place and learn how to create your own wreath using flowers, evergreens and dried fruit from Ordsall Hall’s gardens. You do not need any previous experience in wreath-making to attend these workshops, and all the materials will be provided.
Quayside Media City Makers Market
Searching for somewhere in Manchester to buy unique gifts? In that case, head to Media City’s Makers Market this December. Here you can browse wonderful crafts, jewellery and other products to put a smile on someone’s face.
The Makers Market event brings together the North West’s best creators, bakers and makers. If you don’t fancy shopping for gifts, there are plenty of food stalls where you can indulge in tasty treats, too. Although the Makers Market takes place throughout the year in Manchester, there are extra dates organised during the festive period. It’s a lovely event to look forward to in the run-up to Christmas.
In December 2022, the Quayside Media City Makers Market will take place from:
- The 1st to the 4th of December
- The 9th to the 11th of December
- The 16th to the 18th of December
Where can I stay in Manchester this Christmas?
If you want to make the most of Manchester’s events this Christmas, you’ll need an excellent hotel to relax in. Book a stay at the historic Midland Hotel for complete luxury during the festive period. Enjoy dinner at an award-winning restaurant, have a treatment at the Rena Spa, and sink into a comfortable bed at the end of a busy day. Plus, The Midland is centrally located and only a two-minute walk to St Peter’s Square tram stop, making it easy to travel to Manchester’s best attractions.