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Christmas in the North

Johnny James, Managing Editor

Christmas comes but once a year – and when it does, the North’s arts, culture and hospitality scenes go all in. From twinkling theatre stages to carol-filled concert halls and markets selling things you definitely don’t need but will buy anyway, we’ve rounded up the region’s most festive goings-on.

Those planning a proper seasonal feast can dive into our Christmas Food and Drink, while party people can skip straight to our round-up of the best New Year’s Eve happenings.

Our top picks

Christmas Theatre and Concerts

With the big day approaching, theatres and concert halls across the North are pulling out all the festive stops. Here are our top picks.

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Festive Happening Camerata
Albert Hall

Christmas Shopping in the North

We’ve compiled an alternative list of gift-central suggestions to keep you as far from the hellish throngs of Market Street as possible this Christmas.

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A smiling market trader shows a customer a painting in Victoria Baths
Bernadette Delaney

Christmas Markets in the North

We round-up the pop-up Christmas markets you should be heading to this festive season, if you’re looking for alternative gifts and an obligatory glug of gluhwein.

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Visit Blackpool.
Visit Blackpool.

Christmas food and drink

We’ve plucked out some of the very best destinations out there for festive-themed food and drink, with an eye on seasonal dishes and winter-inspired drinks.

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New Year’s Eve in the North

New Year’s Eve, the year’s biggest night out, is drawing closer, and the pressure is mounting to get those tickets sorted. Cue the dreaded annual question: where are you ringing in midnight?

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Image supplied by Band on the Wall.

Seasonal Guides

Christmas food and drink

The holidays are coming – time to eat, drink and be merry for Christmas 2025.

Festive Happening Camerata
Christmas Theatre and Concerts

As the big day approaches, you can count on theatres and concert halls across the North to pull out all the festive stops.
New Year’s Eve in the North

We’ve rounded up some of the city’s best options for seeing out 2025 in style – from wallet-friendly parties to some truly lavish experiences.
A smiling market trader shows a customer a painting in Victoria Baths
Christmas Shopping in the North

Back away from the high street and support some of Manchester’s best independent makers, sellers and curators this Christmas.
Visit Blackpool.
Christmas Markets in the North

Makers, bakers and curators will be out in force this festive season as the North’s best Christmas Markets whirr into action.
Creepy capers across Manchester and the North for little and big ghosts with the most.
Halloween in Manchester and the North

As Halloween approaches read our guide to the creepy capers happening for little and big ghosts with the most.
Black History Month in Manchester and the North

Discover the North West’s best Black History Month events, including exhibitions, theatre and dance.

Destinations

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Sepia image of a courtroom with the words 'Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird’
Theatre in the North

Winter brings a huge haul of seasonal shows, as well as productions that resolutely veer away from the fairy lights.

Music in the North

Manchester’s closing out the year – and looking to the new one – with a run of gigs from some of the country’s best underground exports.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.

A white mattress is burning in a black rocky landscape.
Exhibitions in the North

In galleries around the North this autumn, you'll find tactile sculptures, Treasures with a capital 'T' and plant magic.

Food and Drink in the North

Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.