What’s on in Manchester in December – Christmas Guide

What’s on in Manchester in December 2025? If you’re chasing festive feels, squeezing in some last-minute magic with the kids or just looking for something fun to do that doesn’t involve wrapping paper or fairy lights, then this is the guide for you.

From twinkling light trails, such as Christmas at Dunham Massey and festive theatre to Santa meet-and-greets, Christmas markets, live music and NYE party plans, here’s your curated list of what’s happening across Greater Manchester this month.

Planning some festive fun? Don’t miss our guides to the most dazzling Christmas light trails in Manchester and this year’s best Christmas shows and pantomimes in Manchester – there’s still time to book!

Plus, we’ve listed Manchester City and Manchester United home fixtures so you can plan ahead around matchday traffic and transport.

Bookmark this guide, sign up to the newsletter for monthly highlights, and follow along on Facebook for real-time event picks and reviews.

Disclosure: This post may contain adverts and affiliate links. Always double check with venues for up-to-date info – especially times, prices, age guidance and booking requirements, as these can change.

Events in Manchester during December 2025

1st December

• Manchester & Districts Hospitals’ Choir at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.25.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £25.
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• The Rasmus at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm. 
• Erin LeCount at Manchester Academy. Event from 7:30pm.
• Big Ideas: Heavy Metal Big Band at Carlton Club. Event from 7:30pm.
• The Woodentops at Gorilla. Event from 8pm.

2nd December

• Christmas with Anna Lapwood at Manchester Cathedral. Event starts at 6:30pm. Tickets from £32.30.
• Connaught Boss at The Bridgewater Hall (Midday Music). Event starts at 1pm. Tickets from £13.50.
• Manchester & Districts Hospitals’ Choir at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.25.
• Gogo Penguin at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £34.18.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £25.
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Christmas Wreath Making at Kargo.MKT. Event from 7pm – 9pm. Tickets from £65.71.
• Hans Zimmer Live at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £92.95.
• Aminé at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event starts at 7pm.
• Hannah Brine at Manchester Central Library. Event from 3pm.

3rd December

• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £16. 
• Public Building Tour with BSL at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11:15pm (doors open at 11am – event is 1 hour 30 mins). Tickets are £10.
• Love Actually in Concert at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £36.75.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £42) and 7:30pm (tickets from £15).
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Chetham’s Relaxed Lunchtime Concerts at The Stroller Hall. Event starts at 1:30pm. FREE – Booking required.
• Mumford and Sons at Co-op Live Arena. Event from 7:30pm. Tickets from £63.25.
• House Gospel Choir at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 6pm.

4th December

• Manchester United vs West Ham at Old Trafford. Kick off at 8pm – Premier league match.
• Prevent Breast Cancer Christmas Celebration at Manchester Cathedral. Event from 7pm – 9:30pm. Tickets from  £15.
• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets from £16.
• The Hallé – Rush Hour: Nutcracker Selection at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 6pm. Tickets from £18.50.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Paint a Platter at Kargo.MKT. Event from 7pm – 9pm. Tickets from £33.22.
• Nothing More at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 6pm.

5th December

• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £22.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Bootleg Beatles at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £38.75.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £30.
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Madness ‘Hits Parade 2025’ at AO Arena. Event from 6pm. Tickets from £39.38.
• Sabaton at Co-op Live Arena. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £50.95.
• Amy MacDonald at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £63.25.
• Alabama 3 at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
• Bingo Lingo Christmas Special at Freight Island. Event from 8pm – 12am. Tickets from £11.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event starts at 6pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.

6th December

• Manchester City vs Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium. Kick off at 12pm – Premier League match.
• Handel’s Messiah – Manchester Baroque at Manchester Cathedral. Event from 7pm – 10pm. Tickets from £10.
• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm 7pm. Tickets from £22.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 3pm and 8pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Hallé – Chamber Series: Debussy Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp at Hallé St. Peter’s. Event from 1pm. Tickets from £17.
• The Hallé – Messiah at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 6pm. Tickets from £18.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 2:30pm (tickets from £30) and 7pm (tickets from £15).
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £65) and 7:30pm (tickets from £34).
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Pete Tong Ibiza Classics 2025 at AO Arena. Event from 6pm. Tickets from £47.75.
• Jamiroquai at Co-op Live Arena. Event from 7:30pm. Tickets from £115.23. (Cheapest at time of writing.) 
• The Saw Doctors at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £75.82.
• Year’s End Festival 2025 – Headlined by The Twang. Event from 6pm.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event slots at 12pm / 3pm and 6pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.
• The Sound of Bassline Festival at Bowlers Exhibition Centre. Event from 2pm – 2am.
• Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Manchester Central Library (new Business Generator Suite). Event from 1pm – 4pm. Tickets from £27.80. 

7th December

• CHRISTMAS PARADE IN MANCHESTER FROM 1PM – FREE – FAMILY
• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 2pm. Tickets from £22.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 6pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Hallé Christmas Family Concert: Sleigh Ride Adventure at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 3pm. Adults tickets £28.50, Children’s tickets £18.50. FAMILY.
• Hallé Youth Orchestra – Shostakovich Symphony No.5 at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £13.50.
• Live, Laugh, Luke Live! Christmas Special at Albert Hall. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £37.56.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 1pm (tickets from £30) and 5pm (tickets from £15).
• Trafford Music Service Concerts at The Stroller Hall. Various event slots during the day. Tickets from £10.
• Ed Sheeran at Co-op Live Arena. SOLD OUT.
• Snow Strippers at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
• Pjamarama 2025 – Our Kids Social at Freight Island. Event from 10am – 12pm. Tickets from £11. FAMILY.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event slots at 12pm / 3pm and 6pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.

8th December

• Public Building Tour with BSL at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11:15pm (doors open at 11am – event is 1 hour 30 mins). Tickets are £10.
• Rob Brydon and his Fabulous Band at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £46.25.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Ice Nine Kills at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £53.95.
• Embroidery and Cross-Stitch for wellbeing with artist Nabila Nabi at Manchester Central Library. Event from 12pm – 2pm. FREE.
• Rat Pack – A Swingin’ Christmas by Candlelight at The Monastery. Event from 8pm – 10:30pm. 

9th December

• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £16.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• Kate Rusby at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £41.75.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 2:30pm and 7pm. Tickets from £15.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Festive Candle Making Class at Kargo.MKT. Event from 7pm – 8:30pm. Tickets from £33.22.
• D-Block Europe at Co-op Live Arena. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £71.50.
• Christmas by Candlelight at The Monastery. Event from 8pm – 10:30pm.

10th December

• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £16.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Tickets are £15. FAMILY.
• Public Building Tour with BSL at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11:15pm (doors open at 11am – event is 1 hour 30 mins). Tickets are £10.
• Christmas with Anton du Beke at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £42.25.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 2:30pm and 7pm. Tickets from £15.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £26) and 7:30pm (tickets from £15).
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Christmas Wreath Making at Kargo.MKT. Event from 7pm – 9pm. Tickets from £65.71.
• Sophie McCartney: One Foot in the Rave at The Stroller Hall. Event from 8pm. Tickets from £25. Check out our Sophie McCartney Mother Hens review.
• Disney on Ice at AO Arena. Event starts at 5:30pm. Tickets from £25.25. FAMILY.
• D-Block Europe at Co-op Live Arena. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £76.95.
• Band of Skulls at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event starts at 5pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.
• Scrooge! A Recitation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at The Monastery. Event from 1:30pm – 4pm.

11th December

• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets from £16.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 10:30am. Tickets are £15. FAMILY.
• Christmas Carols in the City at Manchester Cathedral. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £10.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 2:30pm and 7pm. Tickets from £15.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Live Music with Saria Sax at Kargo.MKT. Event from 5pm – 7pm. Seems to be FREE.
• Paint a Platter or Bauble at Kargo.MKT. Event from 7pm – 9pm. Tickets from £16.96.
• The Music of Harry Potter by Mystery Ensemble at The Stroller Hall. Event from 7:30pm. Tickets from £30.50.
• Disney on Ice at AO Arena. Event starts at 5:30pm. Tickets from £25.25. FAMILY.
• Stereolab at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event starts at 5pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.

12th December

• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £22.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Tickets are £15. FAMILY.
• The Hallé – Christmas Cracker at The Bridgewater Hall at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £28.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 2:30pm and 7pm. Tickets from £15.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £28.
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Bublé by Candlelight at Christmas at The Stroller Hall. Event from 7:30pm. Tickets from £31.98.
• Disney on Ice at AO Arena. Event slots at 2:30pm and 6:30pm. Tickets from £25.25. FAMILY.
• Stereophonics at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £80.95.
• Three Days Grace at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £201.96 (cheapest at time of writing).
• SG Lewis at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event starts at 7pm.
• Bingo Lingo Christmas Special at Freight Island. Event from 8pm – 12am. Tickets from £11.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event starts at 6pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.

13th December

• Inspiral Carpets at Albert Hall – SOLD OUT GIG – Gutted!
• Swing Into Christmas with the  Down for the Count Swing Orchestra at The Stroller Hall. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £44 standard – tickets for Under 18’s and FTE £24.
• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets from £22.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 3pm and 8pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 10:30am. Tickets from £16.50. FAMILY.
• The Hallé – Carol Concerts at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 3pm. Tickets from £28.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 2:30pm (tickets from £38) and 7pm (tickets from £15).
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £48) and 7:30pm (tickets from £30).
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Kids’ Christmas Craft Workshop – Write Letters To Santa at Kargo.MKT. Event from 10am – 12pm. FREE – FAMILY.
• Disney on Ice at AO Arena. Event slots at 10:30am / 2:30pm and 6:30pm. Tickets from £25.25. FAMILY.
• Stereo MC’s at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
• Swiftogeddon: The Taylor Themed Club Night at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 11pm.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event slots at 12pm / 3pm and 6pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.

14th December

• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 2pm. Tickets from £22.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 3pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 10:30am. Tickets from £16.50. FAMILY.
• The Hallé – Carol Concerts at The Bridgewater Hall. Event slots at 3pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £28.
• Festive Happening with Manchester Camerata and AMC Gospel Choir at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 2pm to 6pm. Tickets from £4.37.
• Henshaws Charity Carols by Candlelight at Manchester Cathedral. Event from 6:45pm. Tickets are £7.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 1pm and 5pm. Tickets from £30. 
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event starts at 3pm. Tickets from £15.
• William Byrd Singers – Christmas Oratorio at The Stroller Hall. Event starts at 2:30pm. Tickets are £27.50 – £5.50 for Under 18’s.
• Disney on Ice at AO Arena. Event slots at 10:30am / 2:30pm and 6:30pm. Tickets from £25.25. FAMILY.
• RnB Xmas Ball 2025 (featuring Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, Joe, Dru Hill & UK Support) at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £87.50.
• MICO at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event starts at 7pm.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event slots at 12pm / 3pm and 6pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.
• Christmas Extravaganza! at Manchester Central Library. Event from 12pm – 4pm. FREE – FAMILY – Drop in.
• Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra Christmas Concert at The Monastery. Event from 2pm – 4:30pm.

15th December

• Manchester United vs Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Kick off 3pm – Premier league match. (New Date – moved from Sat 13th December)
• Public Building Tour with BSL at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11:15pm (doors open at 11am – event is 1 hour 30 mins). Tickets are £10.
• The Christmas Orchestra at Albert Hall Manchester. Event slots from 5pm to 7pm AND 7:45pm – 10pm. Tickets from £33.62.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Robert Plant Present Saving Grace at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £75.45.
• Christmas by Candlelight at The Monastery. Event from 8pm – 10:30pm.

16th December

• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £16.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Tickets are £15. FAMILY.
• The Holiday in Concert at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £36.75.
• Nightmare Before Christmas (Immersive screening) at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £23.50.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 2:30pm and 7pm. Tickets from £15. FAMILY.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Jimmy Carr ‘Laughs Funny’ at AO Arena. Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £42.25.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event starts at 5pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.
• Bublé Christmas by Candlelight at The Monastery. Event from 8pm – 10:30pm.

17th December

• Manchester City vs Brentford at the Etihad Stadium. Kick off at 7:30pm – EFL Cup Quarter Final.
• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £16.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Tickets are £15. FAMILY.
• The Holiday in Concert at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £36.75.
• Kids in Glass Houses at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £29.60.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 2:30pm and 7pm. Tickets from £15. FAMILY.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £25) and 7:30pm (tickets from £15).
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Festive Candle Making Class at Kargo.MKT. Event from 7pm – 8:30pm. Tickets from £33.22.
• Arden School of Theatre – Octave at The Stroller Hall. Event from 7:30pm. Tickets are £11.50 standard – £8.50 for Under 18’s and FTE.
• All Elite Wrestling at Co-op Live Arena. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £31.50.
• The Wonder Stuff at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event starts at 5pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.
• Crochet and Chat Club at Manchester Central Library. Event from 2pm – 4pm. FREE.
• Christmas Sing-a-long at Manchester Central Library (Henry Watson Music Library). Event from 5:15pm – 6pm. FREE.

18th December

• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets from £16.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 10:30am. Tickets are £15. FAMILY.
• London African Gospel Choir at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £29.25.
• The Three Phantoms in Concert at the Manchester Cathedral. Event from 7:30pm. Tickets are £22 general admission.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 2:30pm and 7pm. Tickets from £15. FAMILY.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Live Music with Saria Sax at Kargo.MKT. Event from 5pm – 7pm. Seems to be FREE.
• Fever Original – The Jury Experience: An Immersive Courtroom Case at The Stroller Hall. Event slots at 6pm and 8pm. Tickets from £28.
• Aurie Styla’s Christmas Crack-up at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event starts at 5pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.

19th December

• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £22.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Tickets are £15. FAMILY.
• BBC Philharmonic – The BBC Philharmonic Christmas Special at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £28.
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Cinderella at NWTAC Theatre, Manchester. M40 5HQ. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Kids Build Your Own Christmas Bear Workshop at Kargo.MKT. Event from 10am – 12pm. Tickets from £7.21.
• Lindisfarne at The Stroller Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are £38.50 standard – £9.50 Under 18’s and FTE.
• Jools Holland at his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Event from 7:30pm. Tickets from £61.65.
• Trevor Horn and his Band at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
• Bingo Lingo Christmas Special at Freight Island. Event from 8pm – 12am. Tickets from £11.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event starts at 6pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.
• Trevor Nelson’s 90s and 00s RnB Mixtape Manchester: Xmas Party at Band On The Wall. Event from 8pm – 1am.

20th December

• Manchester City vs West Ham at the Etihad Stadium. Kick off at 3pm – Premier league match.
• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets from £22.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 3pm and 8pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 10:30am. Tickets from £16.50. FAMILY.
• The Hallé – The Snowman & Shaun the Sheep at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 4pm. Tickets from £18.50.
• Christmas Sing-along For Shoppers at Manchester Cathedral. Event from 12:15pm for an hour. FREE.
• Tribute to Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites at Manchester Cathedral. Event from 5:45pm – 7pm and 8:15pm – 9:30pm. Tickets from £25.76.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 2:30pm and 7pm. Tickets from £32. FAMILY.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £46) and 7:30pm (tickets from £28).
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Cinderella at NWTAC Theatre, Manchester. M40 5HQ. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Bublé by Candlelight – at Christmas at The Stroller Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are £31.98.
• Doves at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £44.28.
• Christmas for Grown Ups – Pop-Up Christmas Disco Party at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 6:45pm.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event slots at 12pm / 3pm and 6pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.

21st December

• The Christmas Story & Donkey Day at The Monastery, 89 Gorton Lane, Manchester. M12 5WF. Event from 11am – 3:30pm. FREE entry (donations accepted) – Donkey rides are £4. FAMILY. Reserve tickets.
• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 1pm and 5:30pm. Tickets from £22.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 3pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 9:30am. Tickets are £16.50. FAMILY.
• The Hallé – The Snowman & Shaun the Sheep at The Bridgewater Hall. Event slots at 11am and 1:30pm. Tickets from £18.50.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 1pm and 5pm. Tickets from £32. FAMILY.
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event starts at 3pm. Tickets from £15.
• Cinderella at NWTAC Theatre, Manchester. M40 5HQ. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• A Christmas Carol at The Stroller Hall. Event starts at 2pm. Tickets from £14.50.
• The Man From Delmonte at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event starts at 7pm. 
• Bingo Jamz – Ultimate 90s and 00s RnB Bingo Party at Freight Island. Event from 4pm – 8pm. Tickets from £16.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event slots at 12pm / 3pm and 6pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.

22nd December

• Manchester Christmas Markets CLOSE.
• Christmas with Sir Karl Jenkins at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 3pm. Tickets from £31.75.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 2:30pm (tickets from £40) and 7pm (tickets from £32). FAMILY.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £28 – captioned performance.
• Cinderella at NWTAC Theatre, Manchester. M40 5HQ. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Dave Hill’s Slade – The Final Tour at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event starts at 7pm.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event slots at 12pm / 3pm and 6pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.
• The Marriage of Maria Braun at HOME Manchester. Event from 6pm.

23rd December

• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets from £22.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 10:30am. Tickets are £16.50. FAMILY.
• The Rat Pack at Christmas at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £33.75.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 2:30pm and 7pm. Tickets from £32. FAMILY.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £25) and 7:30pm (tickets from £15 – audio described and signed performance).
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.Cinderella at NWTAC Theatre, Manchester. M40 5HQ. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Kids’ Grinch’mas Party! at Kargo.MKT. Event from 10am – 12pm. FREE – FAMILY.
• Wicked Wizard of Oz – A Cirque Spectacular at Ao Arena. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £24.75.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event slots at 12pm / 3pm and 6pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.

24th December

• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 12pm and 4:30pm. Tickets from £22.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 3pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• Christmas Carol Singalong at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 3pm. Tickets from £25.75.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 1pm (tickets from £40) and 5pm (tickets from £32). FAMILY.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 2:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event starts at 2:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Cinderella at NWTAC Theatre, Manchester. M40 5HQ. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• A Morning With Santa at Kargo.MKT. Event from 10am – 12pm. FREE – FAMILY. Reserve a spot.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event slots at 12pm / 3pm and 6pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.

25th December

• CHRISTMAS DAY!

26th December

• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 1pm and 5pm. Tickets from £32. FAMILY.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £28.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event slots at 12pm / 3pm and 6pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.

27th December

• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets from £22.
• Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 3pm and 8pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 10:30am. Tickets are £16.50. FAMILY.
• The Music of Zimmer vs Williams at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £29.25.
• Robin Hood Pantomime at Opera House Manchester. Event slots are 2:30pm and 7pm. Tickets from £32. FAMILY.
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £46) and 7:30pm (tickets from £30).
• Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Christmas In Valhalla: Tributes to Metallica, Guns & Roses, Ghost, System of a Down and The Darkness at O2 Ritz. Event from 2pm.
• R&B Lovers – 90s and 00s Oldskool RnB at Freight Island. Event from 7pm – 1am. Tickets from £18.
• Gandeys Snowstorm Wish at Trafford Centre. Event slots at 12pm / 3pm and 6pm. Tickets from £11.99. FAMILY.

28th December

Wrapping Up What’s Happening In Manchester In December

Can you tell it’s Christmas yet? 🎄 We hope this December roundup has given you loads of inspiration for festive fun across Manchester – from magical shows to glowing trails and everything in between.

Feeling full already? If you’re planning a brisk walk between mince pies, take a look at the best parks in Manchester to stretch your legs and soak up some wintery air. Not sure where to start? Our fun park generator might just point you in the right direction!

Spotted an event we’ve missed? It happens! Drop us a message and we’ll get it added – we’re always keen to hear about hidden gems.

Want updates like this straight to your inbox? Sign up to our monthly What’s On Guide and never miss a moment. December in Manchester is bursting with things to do… now go out and enjoy it!