It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The winter season is well and truly upon us, so that means it’s time to pull out the cosiest clothes you own and hit the streets for a little festive sightseeing. From the massive displays across the city centre to amazing trails a little further out, here are the best places to see Christmas lights in Manchester - alongside pubs, bars or restaurants to visit afterwards.
Where To Watch The Manchester Christmas Lights
City Centre Light Displays
While the 2024 Manchester Christmas lights switch-on event isn't going ahead, the displays themselves will still be stretching across Piccadilly Gardens, St Peter’s Square, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square and more.
There’s plenty of places to stop for dinner and a drink after
you're finished exploring them all throughout the festive period,
including The Anthologist or the oh-so
charming Old
Wellington.
These Christmas lights in Manchester city centre are close to plenty of the best places to eat.
Lightwaves Festival
MediaCityUK probably isn't the first place you’d think of when it comes to a Manchester Christmas light trail, but it’s had some pretty darn gorgeous displays year after year.
Once you’re done snapping pictures of twinkling set-ups and glowing trees around Salford's Lightwaves Festival (running from 7th to 10th December), pay a visit to the area's many restaurants and bars, such as The Alchemist if you're after cocktails, The Botanist for hanging turkey kebabs, or the cheap and cheerful Lime.
As far as Christmas light festivals go, this one's a doozy.
Dunham Massey
Taking place between 15th November 1st of January, the 2024 Dunham Massey Christmas lights see a local favourite return. Found just outside of Manchester in nearby Altrincham, this pretty walk through a National Trust site will have you gazing in awe over festive gardens and photogenic locations.
Once you’re all finished? Head to the charming Con Club restaurant for elevated British dishes and micro-brewed beers. There’s even a stunning rooftop tipi when you need a little alfresco action too.
After you're done at Dunham Massey, head to nearby Altrincham for bites to eat.
The Twilight Trail
Winter Island is the festive pop-up that takes over Freight Island every single year, promising seasonal market stalls, delicious eats and plenty of mulled wine. As the North's largest heated indoor and outdoor winter festival, you can expect plenty of Christmas lights here as well.
The Twilight Trail is one of the most exciting parts of this festival - taking over Mayfield Park with a mesmerising winter light show. There are over 50,000 lights to see across six and a half acres, promising a truly stunning display.
Don't miss one of the largest displays in the city.
The Christmas Trail
Taking over Wilderspool Woods this November and December, The Christmas Trail is a magical light and sound show that includes giant glowing moons, glittering stars and LED lights hidden among the trees.
There'll be a seasonal soundtrack playing as you wander through the trail, and when you're finished you can enjoy all sorts of tasty treats from the likes of Formaggi by Lazy Tony’s, Cabin Chocolat, Voodoo Rays and more.
The woods will be lit up all Christmas at this magical display.
Glow 2024 At RHS Garden Bridgewater
After outdoor Christmas lights in Manchester? Then you must've heard of Glow 2024 at RHS Garden Bridgewater.
From 27th November to 30th December, the space will feature an unmissable after-dark spectacle, including trails, halo juggling shows, festive shopping and warming drinks from the cafe. If you're feeling peckish afterwards, then a trip to nearby Eccles to eat at The Blind Pig is in order.
There'll be plenty of festive snapping and scoffing here.
Looking for more fun things to do this winter? Explore our guide to the best events. Or, sign up to the Manchester newsletter and make sure you're in the know.
