Christmas in Manchester 2026
There’s something special about Manchester at Christmas. As the city lights up for the festive season, its streets come alive with Christmas markets, seasonal entertainment, sparkling light trails, and plenty of opportunities to eat, drink, and celebrate.
Whether you’re planning a romantic winter getaway, a Christmas shopping trip, or a festive break with friends and family, make Hotel Indigo Manchester your base and discover some of the best things to do in Manchester this Christmas.
Our Christmas in the City package makes it even easier to turn your visit into a memorable festive escape, with the hotel perfectly placed for exploring the city’s seasonal highlights.
Explore Manchester’s Award-Winning Christmas Markets
6th November – 22nd December
Ranked No.1 in the UK and No.2 worldwide for 2026 by Christmas Tree World, Manchester’s Christmas Markets are the perfect addition to a winter city break.
For 2026, Lincoln Square joins the festivities with a new food and drink area, while St Ann’s Square will feature a refreshed layout. Over in Albert Square, visitors can look forward to the return of the Ferris Wheel and helter-skelter, alongside a new festive pop-up pub.
For even more festive fun, head to Cathedral Gardens, where Skate Manchester returns for another season of ice skating in the heart of the city.
Visiting on Sunday 6th December? Look out for the Manchester Christmas Parade and make a full festive day of it.
Step Into the Northern Lights at Heaton Park
19th November – 31st December
Add a little extra sparkle to your stay with a trip to Northern Lights at Heaton Park. Returning with a completely new theme for 2026, A Christmas Time Machine will take visitors along a mile-long illuminated trail filled with new installations and immersive Christmas displays.
There’s also a festive village with food, drinks and fairground attractions, making it a great addition to a winter break in Manchester.
Enjoy Christmas Entertainment in Manchester
Love a festive film? The Bridgewater Hall is bringing some Christmas favourites to life with live orchestral performances throughout December.
The seasonal line-up includes:
Home Alone | 2nd & 3rd December
The Snowman with the Hallé Orchestra | 6th December
The Muppet Christmas Carol | 7th & 17th December
The Holiday | 9th and 11th December
Love Actually | 15th December
Make it a Christmas Theatre Break
For a memorable night at the theatre, Billy Elliot The Musical arrives at Manchester’s Palace Theatre from 2nd December 2026 to 9th January 2027. Featuring music by Elton John and its much-loved story set in the North East of England, it’s a great excuse to turn an evening into a winter city break.
Celebrate with a Christmas Musical Spectacular
The festive entertainment continues at the AO Arena with the Christmas Musical Spectacular, taking place from 22nd to 23rd December.
Michael Ball, Loren Allred, Keala Settle, and Manchester Camerata come together for a celebration filled with Christmas favourites, musical theatre moments, and plenty of seasonal spirit.
Catch Manchester Storm This Christmas
Christmas in Manchester doesn’t have to be all markets and mulled wine. Sports fans can add some ice hockey action into their festive itinerary, with Manchester Storm playing a selection of home games during December.
Manchester Storm home fixtures include:
Nottingham Panthers | 6th December at 4pm
Dundee Stars | 9th December at 7:30pm
Guildford Flames | Boxing Day at 7pm
As proud sponsors of Manchester Storm, here at Hotel Indigo Manchester we offer fans attending games an excellent 20% off food and drinks in our restaurant Mamucium!
Experience a Victorian Christmas
15th November – 20th December
Step back in time at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House and discover what Christmas was like during the Victorian era.
Its historic rooms will be dressed for the season, with festive activities offering visitors a glimpse into Victorian Christmas traditions and Manchester’s literary past.
Celebrate Christmas at Mamucium
After exploring Manchester’s festive attractions, settle in for something delicious at Mamucium.
This Christmas, enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired festive dining experience, perfect for celebrating with friends, family or colleagues during your stay in Manchester.
DISCOVER CHRISTMAS DINING AT MAMUCIUM
Make Hotel Indigo Manchester Your Festive Base
From Manchester’s Christmas Markets and sparkling light trails to theatre shows, live music and festive dining, there are plenty of reasons to plan a Christmas city break in Manchester.
Stay at Hotel Indigo Manchester and make yourself at home in the city while you explore everything Manchester has to offer this festive season.
Whether you’re visiting for Christmas shopping, a festive event or simply a winter getaway, turn your trip into a stay to remember.
Book our Christmas in the City package and enjoy a festive stay in the heart of Manchester, including a three-course dinner for two adults dining from our Mediterranean inspired Christmas menu, following breakfast the next morning.