Festive dance performances

Festive dance performances at Spinningfields, Manchester, 9–17 December 2022, free entry - Visit now

Fancy something a little different this Christmas? Why not check out one of the exhilarating festive dance performances held in Spinningfields throughout December? Don’t worry if you’ve missed one, there’s plenty to pick from, held six times a day on various days this month (see below for the full details).

And it’s not only expert dancers, there’ll even be some elves roaming about doing their Christmas thing, plus a snow machine – in case the actual real-life Manchester snow isn’t quite enough for you. The snow machine will be turned on at various points between the hours of 6 and 9pm, on the days listed below. One thing’s for sure, it’ll be a Yuletide treat for all the family.

It’ll be a Yuletide treat for all the family

It’s all held on Hardman Square, in front of the silver and gold heart arch by the side of The Ivy Spinningfields, for those picture-perfect moments. Plus, look up and you’ll see a sprig of mistletoe hanging from the heart arch so you can grab a smooch with your partner (however, passing strangers might be less receptive).

After the dancing, the performers will be doing some meet and greets, so bring the kids and get them to meet a real-life dancer (no news as yet that Dasher, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph will be in attendance, but you never know).

And of course, Hardman Square is home to the city’s finest Christmas tree, Spinningfields’ 30ft Christmas tree, bedecked with sparkling baubles, with a shimmering star at the top of it all, just like the one back in 0 AD.

Remember it’s free to enter, family-friendly and accessible to all. You’ll probably remember that the last couple of UK Christmases were a bit sub-par so that’s all the more reason to wrap up warm and get out there and get festive.