Winter might just be Manchester’s finest season. The famous Christmas markets, late-night shopping and a wealth of gigs, theatre, musicals and special seasonal events make the city a magical place to be.
Christmas Shopping Breaks in Manchester
Shopping
Manchester is a shopping mecca packed with gift ideas for every taste and budget. Choose from designer clothes, high street favourites, rare vintage finds, boutique one-offs, children’s toys and must-have sports brands. Use our shopping map for inspiration or to plan your shopping visit.
Festive events
The star-studded Christmas lights switch-on marks the beginning of the season on 12 November with live performances from celebrity guests Alexandra Burke and Mr Hudson. And an amazing fireworks finale.
Also lined up for Manchester’s festive season is the Spinningfields Ice Rink - where you can skate amongst sparkling Christmas trees. After hours, the North Pole pop-up bar brings hot cocktails and winter style to a temporary teepee in Spinningfields, hosting the odd DJ performance and club night. On Piccadilly Gardens, there’s a super snowslide, magical ice palace, bouncy bungydome and a splendid snowglobe.
Christmas markets
From 18th November, Christmas Markets take over five squares throughout the city centre. A firm favourite with locals and visitors, they’re considered amongst the best in Europe and draw an international crowd.
The twinkling wooden chalets selling unique gifts and continental produce bring a festive buzz to the city and are a great place to stop by with friends. Indulge in a delicious hog roast with crackling and apple sauce mid-shopping or warm up with a hot Glüwein or Bavarian beer before heading out for a night out in the city.
Make a short break of it
So after checking off your Christmas shopping why not stay a little longer and soak up the festive atmosphere? Book one of our special hotel deals; double rooms start at just £55 per night leaving you free to let your hair down, explore and fit in one of our events, exhibitions or a little more shopping...
Win the perfect Christmas break in Manchester with first-class travel with Virgin Trains, a four-star stay at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate and dinner at Michael Caines Restaurant at ABode.
Out of Town Shopping
Christmas couldn’t be easier at The Trafford Centre, with 200 stores under one sparkling roof and shops open till 11pm weekdays. Whether you’re looking for gift ideas for the little ones, fashionistas, stylish gents or homebodies, there are plenty of ideas to make Christmas shopping a magical experience.
This Christmas there are lots of special events on Barton Square, including the chance to meet Santa and try your skills on the Skating Rink. After hours there are over 60 restaurants, cafés and bars to unwind in, The Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a Christmas get together with friends. With many open after midnight, the party doesn’t have to get cut short.
Getting to the Trafford Centre is easy too, if you’re driving there’s over 10,000 free car parking spaces and if you’re coming by bus it’s just a short ride from Piccadilly Gardens.
