Here’s our guide to the best of what’s on in and around Manchester this Christmas.
With daily animal talks, events and themed play areas, Chester Zoo makes for a magical family day out this Christmas season, with over 12,500 animals and 125 acres of gardens to explore. Find out more here.
Christmas Carols by Salford Royal Choir – Sunday 20 December
In the beautiful surroundings of The John Rylands Library historic reading room, take a break from Christmas shopping and enjoy a medley of Christmas Carols by Salford Royal Choir. Click here for more information.
Cinderella at Manchester Opera House
This December, Cinderella returns with national icons Torvill & Dean who will make their pantomime debut as the Fairy Godparents. Go to Visit Manchester for more information.
Visit the festively decorated 1940s house in the Horrible Histories: Blitzed Brits exhibition and create your own hanging decoration and weigh out your week’s ration of sweets to pop inside. Find out more here.
Book the kids onto the National Football Museum’s supervised activity sessions; with fun football challenges and computer gaming contests, guaranteed to keep them on the ball. Click here for more information.
Levy Christmas Night Market – Friday 18 December
The Christmas night party will offer a mix of hand-picked traders selling the very best in delicious Manchester street food, sweet treats and drinks, as well as artists, designers and makers selling high quality Christmas presents. Find out more here.
From giant inflatable rabbits to a three-dimensional maze, get lost in a maze of reflections and illuminations at Greater Manchester’s Digital Light Festival. Go to Visit Manchester for more information.
Magic Lantern Workshop at MOSI
Illuminate dark winter days with daily family activities during the school holidays at Museum of Science and Industry. Build an electrical circuit and light up the dark at MOSI’s Magic Lantern workshop. Click here for more information.
New Year’s Day with the Manchester Camerata – Friday 1 January
Start 2016 in style at the Manchester Camerata’s New Year’s Day Viennese concert at the impressive Bridgewater Hall. Click here to find out more.
Light up the dark winter days with this magnificent light and illusion show at the Museum of Science and Industry. Perfect for the whole family. Find out more here.
Inspired by the world famous hotspots of Aspen and Vail, Event City will be transformed into an electric après-ski party. Find out more here.
Jools Holland at O2 Apollo – Sunday 20 December
Acclaimed musician and television host Jools Holland will perform live at Manchester’s O2 Apollo, accompanied on stage by his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Click here for more information.
This Christmas, The Hallé are putting on a range of spectacular performances not to be missed. Find out more here.
Spinningfields Christmas Market
Explore a showcase of hand-picked food producers, arts and craft artisans, and street food operators with products designed to inspire. Click here for more information.
New Year’s Eve: Rudimental at Albert Hall – Thursday 31 December
Party away 2015 and welcome the New Year at Albert Hall with a DJ from Rudimental and others. Find out more here.
The world-famous markets come to a close on Monday 21 December. Don’t miss your chance to explore the 350 stalls spanning 10 distinctive market sites, transforming the city centre in to a festive wonderland. Find out more here.
Need New Year’s Eve inspiration? Check out guide to some of the best events taking place in the city – http://www.visitmanchester.com/articles/whats-on/new-year-s-eve-in-manchester/
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Visit Manchester.
The Visit Manchester Blog 