Best Manchester Events In December

Even though our city gets even wetter and colder, this is a great winter month to get out there, bask in the snow and see the wild shenanigans on offer.

The lights are bright and the markets are in full effect, so there's absolutely no excuse not to get into the festive spirit. As it's now the season of giving, here is our little Christmas present to you; a rundown of the best events happening this December in Manchester.

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 20th November 2024




Best Christmas Dinners In Manchester

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New Year's Eve In Manchester: 2024 Events

The ultimate guide to New Year's Eve in Manchester is here. Ee've rounded up everything from bottomless brunches and pretty bars to warehouse parties filled with DJs and dancing. Get your plans booked early as 2024 promises to be a biggie.

Gin Journey Manchester

@ Nell's Pizza on Saturday 7th and Saturday 21st December 2024

Whether you're a gin connoisseur or want to know a little more about the spirit, then the award-winning Gin Journey Manchester is a fantastic experience for you, with tickets available for £49.50. This brilliant day out, which is led by South Manchester local and gin expert Jono Ojinnaka, will see you visiting four of the city's very best bars and distilleries for a taste of the good stuff.

At every venue, you'll be treated to not just a taster of their fantastic gins (from both local and international suppliers), but also an expertly crafted cocktail, whipped up by one of the city's top bartenders.

Electric Shuffle Deansgate Festive Brunch - Bottomless pizza, shuffleboard, Prosecco or Beers

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

Spread some holiday cheer at Manchester Electric Shuffle's Festive Brunch, where you'll get to enjoy endless slices of pizza, glasses of prosecco, and plenty of shuffleboard fun. For two hours, you'll be splitting your time between dominating the shuffleboard game and basking in the glory of victory with your crew at the bar.

What's on at GRUB

Your go-to for affordable events, from wreath-making to Britney birthday parties, disco bingo, bottomless brunch and watching the BBC Strictly final with bottomless drinks, GRUB really takes it up a notch for December. Plus, there's festive-themed burlesque too.

Christmas Lights In Manchester

Need things to do in Manchester at Christmas 2024? Stunning lights have come into full-force this month, offering a seasonal escape complete with twinkling displays, trails and more. And where to go afterwards? We've got places to eat and drink covered too.

YO! Sushi School - Manchester Selfridges Trafford

@ YO! Manchester Selfridges Trafford on Wednesday 27th November 2024 and 2 other Wednesdays

The perfect pick for couples or mates that just love their food, YO! Sushi School sees you whip up a number of famous items at their Trafford Centre or Manchester Arndale restaurant, including nigiri and crunchy Cali rolls. Better yet, there's gyozas on arrival and you'll be able to munch your creations too.

Fabulous Brunch Events Manchester

Switch things up a little and indulge you inner naughty side with Fabulous Brunch Events' Christmas schedule. You'll be treated to stunning drag performances, butlers in the buff and plenty more raucous entertainment to get you in the festive spirit. 

Shrek Rave Is Coming To Manchester!

@ Gorilla on Fri, 6th Dec 2024 @ 23:00 - 4:00

This December, there's some sub going on in the swamp as Shrek Rave comes to Gorilla in Manchester. Grab tickets for you and the gang from £20 each, wear your finest green attire and enjoy DJ sets, 'I'm A Believer' singalongs and more. There'll be themed drinks and epic performances from your faves too. So whether you're holding out for a hero or looking to get down to funky town, there's something for everyone. 

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Thursday 21st November 2024

Winter just got a whole lot hotter thanks to this quirky prison cocktail experience. Alcotraz are bringing together a fun lineup of festive drinks and twists on their usual immersive action, making it one of the most fun things to do in Manchester come December.

The Big Manchester Bake

@ The Big Manchester Bake on Various dates from Thursday 21st November 2024

Strap on your apron and get ready to mix to be crowned the champion with tickets to The Manchester Big Bake. The award-winning event takes place in a marquee with all the ingredients pre-measured and available for you and your bench buddy to use. Set the clock to 90 minutes and unleash your creativity, all from £49.90 per person. 

Taste + Liquor

Whether you want an RnB or garage theme for your brunch, Taste + Liquor are bringing the feel-good vibes to Manchester. There's five hours of partying and complimentary rum punch for a portion of that, so you can dance away to your fav tunes in style.

Cherry Jam

This ain't your ordinary high tea... With bottomless booze of cocktails, fizz concoctions and draught beer, Cherry Jam are really kicking things up a notch this December in Manchester. Their Christmas afternoon teas are offering up a lip-smacking festive feast for added yuletide cheer.

Paintvine

Is your house lacking in festive decorations? Have a fun night out while getting creative with Paintvine. Their December events in Manchester are centred around painting adorable baubles to give your tree a personal touch. 

Rooftop Yoga & Brunch

@ Doghouse Manchester on Sunday 8th December 2024

A top choice of December events in Manchester city centre, Rooftop Yoga & Brunch is hosted at the top of DogHouse Manchester - BrewDog's hotel - across a heated and covered space. After your invigorating 45-minute session, you'll head to the downstairs to chow down on your choice of dish out of Korean BBQ bacon breakfast bao, pancake stacks, American fry-ups and more.

BOUGIE DRAG EVENTS

Experience the heart of Manchester's drag scene with Bougie Drag Events. Bursting with personality, style, and attitude, this event series brings you the best drag performances from the hottest queens in the business.

Expect hilarious banter, sensational outfits, and over-the-top performances that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're there for the fierce competition or just to enjoy a fun night out with friends, Bougie offers a night of fabulous entertainment and unforgettable moments.

Christmas Bottomless Brunch!

@ Point Blank Shooting Manchester on Every Sunday from 1st December

For some quirky festive fun, head down to Point Blank Shooting on Deansgate. Every Sunday throughout December, these guys are slinging out 90 minutes of unlimited pizza, prosecco and themed cocktails as part of their Christmas bottomless brunch, paired with a turn on their quirky shooting simulators - all for £40 per person.

Bar Hütte

Head to Bar Hütte this December, a haven for après ski-style partying. Get your fix of bombardino cocktails with hot rum and eggnog, freshly baked pizza and 'carole-oke' from your very own private chalet at the fun pop-up that's in two locations - Kampus and Great Northern Warehouse.