Manchester Christmas Parade

Shekina Rose, Families Editor

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Manchester Christmas Parade

11 December 2022

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Manchester Christmas Parade
The Manchester Christmas Parade
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Christmas is coming… and a festive first is on its way as Manchester hosts its inaugural Christmas Parade on 11 December, providing free, festive fun for the whole family!

After the extremely popular world-famous Manchester Day Parade in the summer, the first-ever Manchester Christmas Parade will take place on Sunday 11 December, bringing all sorts of festive vibes to the city, from magical sounds, spectacular sights to dazzling sparkle. This awe-inspiring parade will be lacing its way through the streets of Manchester City Centre next weekend, casting a Christmassy spell across the most popular city in the Northwest.

Starting at 1pm, the Manchester Christmas Parade will be bringing joy to the streets of Manchester in Deansgate, St Ann’s Street, Cross Street and St Mary’s Gate, and will feature over 100 participants. You might see Jacks of Frost and Fairy stilt-walkers, an Arctic Fox, and runaway Christmas Presents, to Cocky Robins, Glowing Gastropods with elf riders, and a stunning Christmas Toy Procession, on its first ever outing! The Town Hall Clock will also be making an appearance, helping make sure the parade is right on time and runs like clockwork. Yes – it sounds bizarre and wacky – but that’s all part of the Manchester Christmas Parade’s charm! The day promises festive fun and delight for all ages, and it’s free – what’s not to like?

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “Nowhere else does a parade quite like Manchester and we can’t wait to bring the first-ever, not-to-be-missed Manchester Christmas Parade to Santa’s favourite city.

“Of all the places in the world that Santa could have chosen for this magical festive first, Manchester is the obvious choice. It’s going to be fabulous, and we can’t wait!”

Jane Sharrocks, Manchester BID Chair and General Manager at Selfridges Exchange Square said: “We’re delighted to be involved in what will be Manchester’s first official Christmas Parade! As well as being a huge draw for families, it’s also a fantastic headline event for our programme of Festive Sundays which will see sparkling street performers including illuminated bands, roaming puppets, stilt-walkers, supersized penguins and more, take to the city’s main shopping streets for six consecutive Sundays during November and December.

It’s going to be fun! Come along and experience a Manchester Christmas like never before.

Where to go near Manchester Christmas Parade

Testbed Main Space
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Salt & Pepper

Chinese inspired British food in the centre of Manchester, backed up by plenty of well-deserved local hype.

Morning Glory - Coffee Cup
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Morning Glory

Morning Glory positions itself as a grab-and-go spot, with just 12 seats inside serving coffee, bagels and sweet treats.

The Warehouse In Holbeck
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The Warehouse In Holbeck

Run by acclaimed theatre company Slung Low, The Warehouse in Holbeck is home to boundary-pushing performance and community projects.

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The Attic

Tucked away above the bustle of Merrion Street, The Attic is one of Leeds’ most distinctive small venues – intimate, unpretentious, and steeped in DIY spirit.

The Chevin is a great place for visitors to do lots of different activities and is open all year round with 5 free car parks. To help you find out whatís best for you we have divided this section up into some of these different activities.Please be aware that The Chevin is a working estate so you may see vehicles including timber-extraction lorries using some of the tracks.Self-guided WalksThe Chevin is a big place and there is a good network of paths to make your own circular walk, but if you want to follow a themed trail there is a Geology Trail, Heritage Time Trail and a route for Tree Spotters.Bikes & HorsesThere is an extensive bridleway network on the eastern parts of The Chevin that caters for a range of abilities.Orienteering and GeocachingTwo orienteering courses and a number of geocache sites are waiting to be discovered.Climbing & BoulderingThere are many fantastic crags for climbing and boulders for bouldering.Mobility Scooters & Wheelchairs
Leeds
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Oporto

For many years, Oporto has been a beacon of alternative energy on Leeds’ Call Lane – serving up great food and drink alongside resident DJs and live music.

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