Featured image: Miracle on Cross Street
Manchester Christmas markets were recently crowned the second best in the UK. However, they are often deemed by locals as overpriced, overcrowded and a pain to walk through while you’re rushing through Market Street on a Saturday afternoon. If you want to avoid the hectic crowds, and save money, but still feel merry in Manchester, we have curated a list of five alternative events to celebrate the festive season.
Heaton Park light trail
Take a festive stroll through twinkling lights at Heaton Park. The magnificent Christmas light trail stretches across a mile and brings fun for all ages. Grab a hot drink and warm up at the traditional funfair village, where you will be able to purchase an array of seasonal treats. Marvel at a field full of colour-changing globes, walk through the picturesque light tunnel and mythical forest, then stare in awe at the laser light show. The Christmas Light Trail is running until the 31st of December – find out ticket prices and more information here.
Tickets cost £15 per person.
Bailey J Mills Presents – The NAUGHTY LIST
Spend Christmas on Canal Street. Bailey J Mills, the Tik Tok sensation drag queen, is hosting the ‘naughtiest’ brunch in Manchester. Expect performances from Manchester’s own Queens Lavender Sniff and Actavia, and DJ Smiley Vyrus will be decking the halls with your favourite Christmas tunes. Tickets include four hours of quality entertainment, 60 minutes of bottomless prosecco and a safe LGBTQIA+ space to celebrate Christmas with your pals. The brunch is on the 23rd of December, buy tickets here.
Tickets cost £35.
VR winter wonderland
Try a new Christmas experience this year and escape the real world with the virtual winter wonderland at DNA VR. The fate of Christmas is in your hands – solve puzzles with your friends to help Santa get home and deliver the presents on time. Or maybe you fancy heading into a snowy landscape to throw virtual snowballs at your opponents? You can also book your Christmas parties here, and celebrate with up to 40 people.
Tickets from £22.
Candlelight Christmas
Looking for a calm Christmas evening? Candlelight Concerts are known for their atmospheric, multi-sensory musical experiences. They host live string quartet concerts, with the added twist of the musicians being surrounded by dozens of battery-powered candles. On the 17th and 27th of December, they’re offering a night of music from your beloved Christmas films, including Love Actually and Home Alone. On the 28th of December they’re hosting a night of Tchaikovsky music and ballet, with music from the festive Nutcracker. Book tickets and find out more here.
Tickets available from £20.
Miracle on Cross Street
The ‘grown-up Christmas grotto’ is back for its third and sadly, final year. Entering this cosy, basement bar is like stepping into Santa’s snow globe. They offer unlimited mince pies, jolly, themed drinks, and a guaranteed magical night. Tucked down a side street, you’ll find them under Salt Dog Slims at 17 Bow Lane. Booking is recommended for peak times, which you can do here.
Tickets cost £15 per person and include a 90-minute sitting, mulled wine, or Irish cream.
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