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 Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 16th December 2024




Best Christmas Dinners In Manchester

Whether you're planning the office outing or keeping it cosy with a chilled out Friendsmas, check out our guide to the best places for feasting this Christmas in Manchester. Think swanky restaurants with all the trimmings, quirky bars boasting alternative menus and much more.

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.

The Big Manchester Bake

@ The Big Manchester Bake on Various dates from Sunday 22nd December 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. 

Christmas Bottomless Brunch!

@ Point Blank Shooting Manchester on Every Sunday

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.

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.

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. 

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

@ Electric Shuffle Manchester on Sunday 22nd December 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.

11 Central Gin Tasting Experience

@ 11 Central on Various dates from Sunday 22nd December 2024

Indulge your senses with a refined Gin Tasting Experience at 11 Central in Salford with tickets from £25. Perfect for gin enthusiasts or anyone looking to discover new flavours, this event will take you on a journey through a curated selection of premium gins, expertly paired with refreshing mixers and garnishes.

Guided by knowledgeable hosts, you'll learn about the history, production, and unique characteristics of each gin, all while enjoying a relaxed and intimate setting. There's even a gin-making experience up for grabs too. Cheers to an evening of exceptional drinks and good company.

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.

What's on at GRUB

Your go-to for affordable events, from Indie festive markets and disco bingo to bottomless brunches and watching the BBC Strictly Final with bottomless drinks, GRUB really takes it up a notch for December. Grab your tickets now for as little as free. 

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.

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Sunday 22nd December 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.

YO! Sushi School - Manchester Selfridges Trafford

@ YO! Manchester Selfridges Trafford on Wednesday 8th January 2025 and 49 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. 

Manchester Festive Brunch Social

@ Flight Club Manchester on Sunday 22nd December 2024

Get into the holiday spirit at Flight Club Manchester with their Festive Brunch Social. This event combines food, drink, and an exciting atmosphere, all with a festive twist.

Gather your friends for a fun-filled afternoon of the venue's iconic darts, music, and festive cheer as you enjoy bottomless pizza and a bottle of prosecco each from £30 per person. 

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.

The Spirit of Manchester Distillery

Discover the heart of craft spirits at The Spirit of Manchester Distillery. Located in the vibrant city centre, this distillery offers an authentic, hands-on experience where you can explore the world of gin, whiskey, and other spirits crafted with passion and precision.

Take a guided tour through their state-of-the-art facilities, learn about the distillation process, and get up close to the craft that makes each bottle unique.

Manchester Christmas Markets

If you're on the hunt for the best things to do in Manchester in December 2024 and craving a spot filled with twinkling fairy lights and the scent of mulled wine, why not explore one of its amazing Christmas markets?

These winter wonderlands are packed with everything you need to get into the holiday spirit, from artisanal crafts to ice skating and irresistible hog roast wraps. We've got you sorted with our ultimate guide to all things yuletide cheer.

Bongo's Bingo Manchester

@ Albert Hall on Sunday 22nd December 2024 and 2 other dates

Get ready for a night of wild fun and unforgettable energy at Bongo's Bingo in Manchester with tickets from £21 per person. This isn't your typical bingo night -expect a crazy combination of bingo, live music, dance-offs, and hilarious antics all packed into one epic event.

From cheesy anthems to surprise prizes, every round promises unexpected twists and endless laughter. With a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere, this event is perfect for groups looking to let loose and have a good time.

David Hockney: Bigger and Closer (not smaller & further away)

@ Aviva Studios, home of Factory International on Tue, 10th Dec 2024 - Sat, 25th Jan 2025

Immerse yourself in David Hockney's extraordinary world this winter with a night unlike any other. At David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away), experience 360-degree projections, a breathtaking score by Nico Muhly, and Hockney's own narration guiding you through his artistic journey.

Spanning six decades, the show features beloved works, from the shimmering pools of Los Angeles to Normandy's blossoming springtime scenes.

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.