Manchester is full of festive excitement in December, with streets glowing, theatres buzzing and world famous events taking place. Whether you are planning family days out, festive evenings out or nights of culture and celebration, the city offers plenty of special experiences this time of year. From illuminated trails and beloved Christmas classics to intimate concerts and large scale spectacles, December is one of the most magical times to enjoy everything Manchester has to offer.
Sunday 7 December
City Centre
The Manchester Christmas Parade is one of the city’s most joyful winter traditions. This year’s parade promises a spectacular celebration featuring large scale floats, shimmering costumes, dancers, musicians and enchanting characters that bring every street they pass through to life. Families can expect an atmosphere filled with excitement, colour and festive cheer as performers interact with crowds and transform the city centre into a storybook scene. The parade attracts thousands of visitors each year and is a warm and vibrant way to begin the countdown to Christmas. Whether you are watching with children or simply soaking up the atmosphere, it is a heart warming highlight of the festive calendar.
Photo Credit: Kenny Brown
Love Actually with Live Orchestra
Various dates in December
Bridgewater Hall
Love Actually returns to Manchester in an unforgettable format where the beloved film is paired with a full live orchestra performing its score in real time. Audiences will experience every iconic moment with even greater emotional depth as sweeping strings, powerful crescendos and nostalgic early two thousand classics fill the venue. Twenty years on, the film remains one of the most loved Christmas stories, filled with humour, romance and heartfelt moments that connect generations. Seeing it with a live orchestra creates a totally new atmosphere where familiar scenes feel richer and more moving. This is a perfect choice for festive evenings with partners, friends or family, offering a blend of nostalgia, live music and Christmas spirit.
Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero
Wednesday 10 December to Sunday 14 December
AO Arena
Disney On Ice returns to Manchester with a show filled with inspiring stories, dazzling costumes and world class skating. Find Your Hero invites audiences to journey through magical worlds including the sunshine filled world of Encanto, where Mirabel and her extraordinary family discover the strength of their unique gifts. Families will travel across shimmering seas with Moana and Maui, meet timeless Disney princesses such as Belle, Ariel and Rapunzel and join Anna and Elsa on their icy quest to protect Arendelle. Each scene is filled with vibrant music, intricate choreography and breath taking special effects that transform the ice into a living storybook. Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, the show captures the magic, wonder and excitement of Disney in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh, making it a must see seasonal outing.
Thursday 4 December
Hallé St Peter’s, Ancoats
Ella Eyre brings her unmistakable powerhouse voice to Manchester in a candlelit concert that promises to be both intimate and unforgettable. Hallé St Peter’s, known for its warm acoustics and beautiful architecture, provides the perfect backdrop for stripped back arrangements of her biggest hits, including Waiting All Night, Came Here For Love and Deep Down. Surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles, the performance allows Ella’s vocals to shine with new emotional intensity as she performs both her well known songs and new tracks from her latest album everything in time. Fans can expect personal storytelling, soulful renditions and a close up experience that contrasts beautifully with the high energy performances she is known for. This one night only event is set to be one of the most atmospheric and memorable musical highlights of December.
Northern Lights Christmas Village
Thursday 20 November to Wednesday 31 December
Heaton Park
Heaton Park becomes a glowing immersive world with the return of Northern Lights Manchester, an event that has quickly become one of the city’s most anticipated winter attractions. Visitors can wander through a mile long trail surrounded by specially created installations that incorporate light, sound and sculpture in breath taking ways. Each section of the trail offers its own distinct atmosphere, from the shimmering Aurora Rising to the vibrant Gladioli installation, the intricate Mandora Blooms and the whimsical Buzzing Boulevard of Dreams. The trail encourages visitors to pause, explore and interact with light in creative and unexpected ways. With festive food, seasonal drinks and a welcoming Christmas village atmosphere, the experience feels like stepping into a magical winter landscape. It is an ideal outing for families, friends and colleagues, offering memorable moments and endless photo opportunities.
Thursday 11 December
Manchester Cathedral
Christmas Carols in the City returns to Manchester Cathedral for an evening filled with music, community and festive togetherness. The cathedral’s stunning gothic architecture and warm candlelit glow create a truly magical setting where voices from talented local choirs rise and echo through the historic space. The event supports Manchester Foundation Trust, helping raise funds for a new cinema on the Oxford Road hospital campus which will offer therapeutic moments of joy and escapism for patients of all ages. The programme includes much loved Christmas songs, moments of reflection and joyful performances that bring people together at one of the most special times of the year. It is an uplifting seasonal tradition that blends charity, community and festive celebration in a way that feels meaningful and memorable.
Depot Mayfield
December at The Warehouse Project brings some of the biggest nights of the season. The legendary venue hosts internationally renowned artists, iconic DJs and unforgettable end of year celebrations.
• Homobloc Saturday 6 December
This inclusive and vibrant festival style night features a huge lineup including Sugababes, Honey Dijon, The Blessed Madonna and Eliza Rose. Expect a joyful mix of pop, house and queer rave culture that fills every room with energy. Homobloc is known for its creativity, community and unforgettable atmosphere.
• Repercussion Saturday 13 December
A genre blending night featuring Caribou, Joy Orbison, Shanti Celeste, Sherelle and many more. Repercussion celebrates cutting edge electronic music and global club culture with dynamic sets and crowd pleasing performances.
• New Year’s Eve at The Warehouse Project
The New Year celebrations feature Dennis Sulta, Eats Everything, Low Steppa, Jaguar and additional special guests. With confetti moments, huge drops and signature WHP production, it is one of the most exciting ways to welcome the start of 2026.
Photo Credit: Sienna Lorraine Gray
Wednesday 3 December to Sunday 11 January
The Lowry, Salford Quays
Christmas at The Lowry brings two show stopping productions to Greater Manchester. The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe invites audiences to step through the wardrobe and into a wintery Narnia filled with breath taking staging, enchanting storytelling and moments of pure theatrical wonder. Families will follow Lucy, Susan, Edmund and Peter on their journey as they encounter mythical creatures, the majestic Aslan and the icy rule of the White Witch. The production captures the magic and adventure of this much loved story in a way that feels grand and deeply imaginative.
Younger audiences will love Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile, a lively and mischievous musical adventure bursting with energy, catchy songs and colourful characters. The show brings Dahl’s playful humour to life, making it perfect for families looking for festive theatre filled with fun and laughter. Together, both productions create a fantastic line up that adds even more sparkle to the Christmas season at The Lowry.
Thursday 4 December to Sunday 7 December
Salford Quays and MediaCity
Lightwaves Salford returns for its twelfth year, illuminating Salford Quays and MediaCity with a breathtaking outdoor festival that is completely free to attend. The trail features twelve carefully curated installations created by artists and digital designers who use light, sound, interactive elements and technology to transform the waterfront into an open air gallery. Visitors can explore the Quays at their own pace, moving between artworks that encourage playfulness, creativity and reflection. Themes include nostalgic scenes inspired by seaside arcades, thought provoking pieces exploring climate and nature and immersive displays that respond to movement and music. With reflections dancing off the water and an inviting atmosphere throughout the evening, Lightwaves is a beautiful winter experience suitable for families, couples and groups looking for a magical seasonal outing.
New Year’s Eve in Manchester
Ring in 2026 with celebrations happening across the city. From fine dining to clubs, comedy and cosy pubs, there is something for every mood.
• Manchester Cathedral New Year Service
Enjoy a serene evening of music, reflection and celebration inside the cathedral’s stunning architecture. This is a wonderful way to begin the new year with calmness and intention.
• Comedy Night at The Frog and Bucket
Laugh your way into 2026 with a night of stand up from some of Manchester’s best comedians. It is relaxed, fun and perfect for groups of friends who want something different from the usual New Year party.
• Family Film Screening at Altrincham Market
Families can enjoy a cosy evening watching favourite films under the stars at Altrincham Market. Bring blankets, snacks and settle in for a wholesome end to the year.
• Fine Dining at The French
For an elevated evening, The French offers a refined New Year menu paired with exceptional wines. With its intimate setting, live music and luxurious atmosphere, it is an unforgettable way to celebrate.
• Tivoli New Year Party
Dance all night at Tivoli where DJs keep the energy high until the early hours. The colourful lights, vibrant crowd and midnight champagne moments make it a top choice for party lovers.
• Cocktails at Cloud Twenty Three
Enjoy panoramic views across Manchester from this iconic rooftop bar. The special New Year menu and elegant atmosphere create a stylish and sophisticated start to 2026.
• Live Music at The Castle Hotel
For a warm and laid back evening, the Castle Hotel offers live music, cosy surroundings and a great selection of local beers. A charming choice for those wanting a more intimate New Year’s Eve.