Christmas in Manchester is already shaping up rather nicely with markets, fairs and plenty of light shows and switch-on events
Trick or treaters may have finished off their Halloween sweets, and the sparklers and fireworks have fizzled out after Bonfire Night, but we've got plenty to look forward to in the weeks ahead. November and December in Manchester is full of festivities - from the markets and winter chalets to the carol concerts and pantomime shows.
The event takes place over the first three weekends of December and will include vendors like Foundation Coffee, Isit Kitchen, Blackjack Beers and quirky gift shop Oklahoma. There will also be appearances from the Ben Saunders’ Manchester Queer Art Market, plus a special version of comedy night A Lovely Time will be held in the events space.
Penguins and giant puppets will also roam the town's historic streets while local musicians, choirs and community groups will come together for a massive festive singalong under St Petersgate Bridge, while a miniature carnival - featuring 100 local flagbearers - will head up a bright and bold procession, alongside dancers and 30-strong drumming band Katumba. All the details here.
Now in its ninth year, Oldham’s annual winter brass festival returns on Saturday December 9 from 11am. From traditional brass to funky street bands, there’s something for everyone as bands like Fat Cat Brass and Hackney Colliery Band take over locations including Oldham Tommyfield Market, Spindles Shopping Centre and Oldham Parish Church. All the details here.
Tameside Council will be bringing the event to life with support from residents, businesses, and artists, led by the creatives at Global Grooves in collaboration with Cabassa and No-Eyed Theatre. This year the flagship event will run from the afternoon to early evening and will finish with Father Christmas lighting up the tree and town by turning on the big switch.
You can book The Dining with Distinction Christmas Dinner now via the East Lancashire Railway website, with tickets priced at £77.50 per person. Manchester Christmas Markets Does it get much more festive than a visit to the Christmas Markets? No, we didn't think so. Back for its 25th year, Manchester Christmas Markets will be spread over nine zones and feature more than 225 vendors selling everything from deep-fried pigs in blankets to Korean corndogs, and all the classics, like sizzling German sausages and piping hot mugs of Gluhwein.
Seven festive cocktails - including the 'Mince Pie Mojito' - headline this three-hour cruise from Castlefield to Media City and back, plus there's plenty of food to soak them up, a soundtrack of Christmas hits and maybe some 90's classics too. They'll also be voting 'The Worst Xmas Jumper/Outfit' on each cruise with the winners going up against each other on the social media channels to win four tickets to a cruise in 2023.
There will also be a chance to fit in some Christmas shopping as you can peruse a range of vintage stalls at your leisure, while enjoying candle-lit dining in the Warehouse Kitchen. Campfires, donuts, marshmallow toasting, and hot chocolate have also been lined up alongside staples like sausages and warm cookie dough.
Meanwhile, there's also a separate Christmas shopping experience taking place at the picturesque park. This year, they're offering a unique opportunity to explore the Tenants Hall inside the stately mansion house, which is not usually open to the public. As you step inside, you'll be greeted with twinkling lights and a variety of local suppliers selling everything from jewellery to candles and crafts to gin.
Indie makers, crafters and local businesses will be filling their stalls with gorgeous products and original ideas that will give your Christmas gift buying an injection of inspiration. Meanwhile, the Tea Room will be serving sweet and savoury snacks, while local choirs will be getting you in the festive mood with renditions of your favourite carols and there will be a Kids Festive Trail for some Family Friendly fun.
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