Mistletoe and Gluhwein

Category: Theatre, Music, Pantomine, Plays, Classical & Opera, Film & Cinema, Family, Heritage & Days Out, Festivals.

The official countdown to Christmas has begun and Greater Manchester is bursting with festivity to get you in the holiday mood.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without the amazing Manchester Markets. From the 17th November to 21st December, the markets offer a feast of delights from handmade crafts to foods from around Europe. Browse through the traditional wooden chalets and purchase unique gifts, then treat yourself with pancakes, macaroons, bratwurst sausage and gluhwein. Over Indulged? Burn off those added calories and try out your skating skills down at the Spinningfields Open Air Ice Rink.

If you’re more of a traditionalist, how about a good old sing song. Enjoy a Musical Christmas at Salford Museum and Art Gallery (4th December), Festivity at St Thomas Church (7th December) and the University Carol Service at Peel Hall (14th December) all full of classic favourites.

Christmas past is the theme at Imperial War Museum North. Take the family on a journey back to the Second World War and find out What Nancy Did at Christmas Time. If you’re out and about shopping at the Lowry Outlet Mall step outside and enjoy the Interactive Lighting Spectacle on the Quays until 24th December. The installation uses fabulous light projections and a soundtrack about the area’s unsung heroes to bring its history to life.

For those of you that need your Pantomime fix try Dick Whittington (26th November – 14th January) at Oldham Coliseum or Cinderella (3rd – 31st December) at the Opera House. You can also enjoy the well known Dickens’s Classic, Scrooge at The Met (12th – 24th December). Want a break from the seasonal celebrations? Go along and see Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad in the Library Theatre’s Production of Wind in the Willows (2nd December - 14th January) at The Lowry. Charlie and Lola's Best Bestest Play, at Waterside Arts Centre delivers a magical mix of puppets, live action and music and not a Father Christmas or Carol song in sight! On the big screen, Cornerhouse are showing a range of Festive Favorites, all picked to give you that feel good holiday vibe, including Home Alone, Labyrinth, and It’s a Wonderful Life.

What could feel more festive than a trip with East Lancashire Railway on Santa’s Special Trains (26th November – 24th December)? Take a trip on a traditional steam train and meet Santa and his helpers as they hand out gifts for the children and special treats for the adults. He also makes an appearance at MOSI’s Festive Grotto (3rd – 23rd December), where you can help his elves make decorations and other festive souvenirs.

So whether you're a fan of Christmas past, present or future there is a great selection of seasonal events that even Scrooge couldn’t fail to enjoy!

Feature by Donna Doodson

Image of Manchester Christmas Markets Courtesy of Alan Chan