This December, Edinburgh Castle Ancoats is serving up festive cheer with a new Christmas Cocktail menu and a charitable twist. For every cocktail sold, £1 will be donated to local charity Eat Well MCR, supporting people in need across Greater Manchester.

Expect unique takes on festive classics, including the EC Snowball – a twist on the nostalgic classic; EC Eggnog – rich, creamy, and very Christmassy; Santa’s Clover – a fruity creation, vibrant and delicious; Christmas Pudding Old Fashioned – a taste of Christmas in every sip.

Mowgli’s Christmas menu could be the season’s best bargain. Don’t wait for Santa to bring you a gift card (also available on the website); this is a meal best enjoyed in the run-up to Christmas as a well-earned reward for dealing with Manchester in the winter.

Like Santa, Platzki delivers a festive Polish dining experience with a special menu throughout December, plus a traditional Wigilia Christmas Eve dinner on December 23rd and 24th.

The Municipal Hotel MGallery in Liverpool has a series of live performances taking place in its Palm Court Bar. These involve the Liverpool Youth Orchestra, made up of students from across the Liverpool city region, all of whom are a part of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Brass Band and/or Orchestra.

Whether you’re visiting the hotel for a festive break or popping into the Palm Court Bar after a long day of Christmas shopping, these live performances are the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind with a Christmas cocktail.

Shows take place on 15th December and 22nd December, both 6-9PM.

From exclusive three-course Christmas menus with dishes like Roast Turkey and Yorkshire Ox Cheek Bourguignon, to modern Sunday Roasts and an indulgent Christmas Afternoon Tea, James Martin has crafted a perfect combination of seasonal favourites and exciting twists on the classics.

The festivities have arrived at Albert’s Schloss. The beautifully decorated space, complete with a roaring fire and cosy grotto feel, provides the ideal seasonal setting. There are festive feasts available at the Cookhaus, and to complement these hearty winter dishes, you can enjoy festive drinks like Alpine Hot Schokolade, Boozy Schokolade Orange, and the limited edition White Christmas Margarita, available until Christmas Eve.

And, as ever, the live Bavarian-inspired entertainment means the festive energy will stay high throughout the season. Expect music, magic, and merriment in abundance.

This winter, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool is set to transform into a magical, festive wonderland with the return of its much-loved light trail, festive menus, unique gifts, and the launch of the Christmas Courtyard.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to the mighty Hawksmoor. In their own words: “No fuss, no clichés – just great food, good times and a warm welcome.”

Switch up that turkey for steak, and Hawksmoor does it best. On a budget? Fear not, there’s an express menu with a grand deal – two or three courses for a low, low price, plus head down to the Monday Wine Club for a BYOB extravaganza (£5 corkage).

The excellent Black Friar has pulled out all the stops this winter, with an enticing festive menu (plus a festive canapé menu), an all-new magical frontage, and the welcome return of the Winter Tavern. One of Manchester/Salford’s very best food and drink destinations has done it again – click through for the full details.

The Lawn Club has brought back their unique festive fun-time hideaway – yes, it’s yurt-time. We’re talking twinkling lights, faux fur and foliage, all at the heart of Spinningfields. Here’s where to go for festive dining in Manchester,  plus a huge range of drinks, as well as live music throughout the festive period.

Wine and Christmas? It’s a match made in Lapland heaven. Manchester Wine Tours works as either gift or just pure festive-fuelled fun for you and whoever you decide to invite along. Or go it alone if you like, it’s always a friendly gathering of likeminded people, and a superb way to learn about our great city, while getting merrily sozzled along the way. One of our top tips, whether you’re new to Manchester or a seasoned vet.

What’s that? You want more markets? You’re market-mad, you! Here are some of the very best CT-approved Christmas markets from all around the North.

DIECAST presents WINTERHOOD: Manchester’s ultimate festive takeover, from mid-November to late-December. Expect seasonal food, festive cocktails, and wild entertainment programs with that cheeky DIECAST touch. The multifaceted venue has been transformed into a winter wonderland full of queens, dreams and singalong cabaret.

All through the holiday season, Sexy Fish is hosting A Whale of a Christmas, and in true Sexy Fish style that means guests can dine amongst… a jewel-encrusted whale, suspended in mid-air. It’s a jaw-dropping spectacle. Alongside this, there’s a host of awe-inspiring festive cocktails, including spiced and seasonal additions.