Best Christmas Events In Manchester

Mistletoe and wine? How about boozy brunches and fun nights out? That's right, it's time to start thinking about how you're going to celebrate this winter and we're on hand to help.

We've got something to suit all tastes and budgets, from the wholesome to the wild. From Instagrammable pop-up bars to festive dinner planning and immersive experiences, here's the Christmas events in Manchester that'll really sleigh.

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 1st November 2024




The Lawn Club

Cocktail Club and 1 other offer

Situated in Spinningfields, The Lawn Club is a popular venue all year round. But it really comes alive in winter, thanks to their apres ski-themed yurt. The heated space is decked out in festive lighting, as well as a beautifully decorated tree.

You can enjoy a delicious winter menu here too, featuring everything from  potted brisket and stuffing balls in cranberry sauce to honey mustard pigs in blankets.

The Frockatoo Drag Brunch - Christmas Special

@ The Cockatoo Club on Saturday 30th November 2024 and 3 other Saturdays

Join Annabelle Lecter and her troupe of Christmas queens at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester's Gay Village, where they're hosting a festive edition of The Frockatoo Drag Brunch every Saturday in the leadup to 25th December. Expect outrageous performances with a seasonal twist, including Christmas tunes and fun games.

The menu features tasty beef, turkey or plant-based burgers, loaded up with the likes of cranberry sauce and vegan camembert. Plus, you'll get to enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails on the side - all for £45 per person.

Paintvine

Create a special gift for a loved one or something to take pride of place in your own home with Paintvine's festive workshops, which take place at both Revolution in Parsonage Gardens and Mala on Dale Street. This year, they're hosting a  Christmas decoration sculpting session, plus a snow globe-themed paint and sip.

You'll be given all the tools you need to make your decorations and paintings – plus there's even a chance to add some drinks into the mix. Not a natural artist? Never fear, as there will be expert instructors on hand to help.

The Oast House

Located in the heart of Spinningfields, The Oast House has git it all going on this winter. Their TeePee pop-up is returning, promising multiple fire pits, pretty fairy lights, festive themed cocktails and tasty comfort food - from turkey hanging kebabs to Christmas dinner pies.

They're also hosting a wreath-making session on 25th November, complete with a drink on arrival and a delicious festive main course. This is all included in your £48.50 ticket, as well as everything you need to make your take-home decoration.

INDIE FESTIVE MARKET at GRUB

@ GRUB on Sun, 1st Dec 2024 @ 12:00 - 17:00

Situated in the Green Quarter, GRUB is hosting an indie festive market this December - the perfect place to buy your presents. They're showcasing some of the best independent businesses in the whole city, including more than 15 stalls selling artisan gifts.

There'll also be tasty street food available from a number of vendors, as well as hot chocolate, mulled wine and other boozy winter warmers - this is set to be one of the best Christmas events in Manchester for 2024.

Best Christmas Dinners In Manchester

Things to do in Manchester this Christmas 2024 are topped off by nabbing a piled-high plate of hearty dinner. Whether you're looking for a work night out, a seasonal meal with friends or even an alternative to cooking on the 25th, we've got just the place.

From festive feasts laden with meat, potatoes and all the trimmings, to seasonal twists on other dishes, this guide has it all.

Christmas at Freight Island

Looking for free Christmas events in Manchester? Then check out Freight Island, the Baring Street venue that's home to multiple food vendors, bars and both indoor and outdoor spaces - where they often host brilliant events.

This festive period, they're putting a seasonal spin on their popular Cherrybomb event, where resident DJs will be spinning non-stop Christmas hits - we're talking Sister Sledge, Chic, Stevie Wonder and much more.

ABBA Believe In Angels Christmas Bottomless Brunch Manchester

@ Area on Saturday 7th and Saturday 21st December 2024

ABBA Believe In Angels Christmas Bottomless Brunch Manchester is bringing you a fabulously festive event packed with a fully live-vocal show from one of the UK's top ABBA tribute acts, a scrumptious seasonal brunch, and the chance to unleash your inner dancing queen to all your favourite Abba and Christmas tunes.

Get ready to strut your stuff on stage with dance-offs and lip-sync battles, where you could snag some fantastic prizes worth over £200.

The Botanist Media City Christmas Quiz

@ The Botanist, Media City on Mon, 9th Dec 2024 @ 19:30 - 22:00

Found at MediaCityUK, The Botanist is a charming bar and restaurant known for their gin cocktails and hanging kebabs. But they also host some brilliant events here, including a Christmas Quiz.

This free event involves plenty of festive trivia, so get your thinking caps on for the chance to win some fantastic prizes this December.

Festive Bottomless Brunch

@ Cherry Jam on Various dates from Friday 29th November 2024

This Festive Bottomless Brunch is coming in hot as one of the best Christmas events and with good reason. At Cherry Jam, you can enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless spritz, warm cocktails, prosecco, mocktails and ice cold beers.

As for food? Choose from grazing boards and an afternoon tea - complete with the likes of cold meats and cheeses, freshly made sandwiches and a chocolate fudge cake.

Manchester Festive Brunch Social

@ Flight Club Manchester on Various dates from Saturday 30th November 2024

Christmas jumpers at the ready; Flight Club on King Street are back with the festive brunch social to make the most of the season. This offers all the usual appeal of their boozy brunches, plus a themed seasonal cocktail on arrival.

You'll follow this with two hours of unlimited pizza and an entire bottle of prosecco per person - starting from £30 each. Plus, you'll enjoy an hour in the oche playing fun minigames on their interactive dartboards, with another hour in the bar to finish.

Electric Shuffle Manchester - Festive Brunch

@ Electric Shuffle Manchester on Various dates from Saturday 30th November 2024

Get ready to celebrate the season at Manchester Electric Shuffle's Festive Brunch. With endless pizza, prosecco, and plenty of shuffleboard fun, it's the perfect way to toast the holidays - as well as a themed Christmas cocktail on arrival.

Each guest gets their own bottle of prosecco, along with plenty of pizza and complimentary orange juice starting at just £30 per person. You'll get an hour on the interactive shuffleboard table too, which features all kinds of fun games.

SLEIGH BOUGIE CHRISTMAS BOTTOMLESS DRAG BRUNCH & DINNER SHOW MANCHESTER

@ Area on Various dates from Thursday 28th November 2024

What better way to get in the festive spirit than with a hilarious drag brunch? The Sleigh Bougie Christmas Bottomless Drag Brunch is taking place at Area throughout November and December, promising four whole hours of fun.

There'll be fierce and hilarious performances from a talented group of queens, with plenty of audience participation and the chance to win prizes worth up to £200. You'll get to enjoy a tasty festive burger and fries while you're here, paired with 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco, cocktails or beer.

Manchester Christmas Markets

What could be more festive than heading to a Christmas market? We certainly can't think of anything. There are all sorts of seasonal stalls to explore across Manchester, from the main Christmas markets across nine city centre locations to pop-ups in Altrincham and Stockport.

We've rounded up five of the very best locations to visit, to get your fix of mulled wine, hot chocolate and unique gifts.

Christmas Lights In Manchester

Looking for the best places to see Christmas lights? Make a day of it with our guide to the city's top displays, plus nearby pubs or restaurants for seasonal food and drink after.

From Heaton Park to Dunham Massey, there are heaps of amazing places to explore, lit up with gorgeous colourful scenes to celebrate the season.

Bar Hütte

Bar Hütte is back for Christmas in Manchester 2024, providing a festive escape for all your party needs. Expect a quirky après ski theme throughout, thanks to private chalets coming decked out with festive lights, heat lamps, hot cocktails and even a 'carol-oke' machine that offers more than 1,000 songs.

This fun pop-up can be found at Great Northern Warehouse and Kampus, and you can even book your own private hut for larger groups. Plus, there'll be pizza from their neighbours at Nell's.