12 magical things to do in Greater Manchester this December from light shows to candlelight concerts

Hasn’t December come around fast? It feels like 2023 has passed in a blur, but there’s still one month left to go and there’s plenty of events to fill it with.

Naturally with Christmas just around the corner and New Year’s Eve at the end of the month, there are dozens of celebrations taking place across Greater Manchester in the coming weeks. Families can immerse themselves in the spirit of the season with the return of the Christmas Parade in the city centre, promising mesmerising performances and friendly festive characters.

December’s nights may be long and dark, so brighten them up with a visit to a light show, with Bolton, Salford Quays and Heaton Park putting on spectacular displays this year. Or get all cosy at a Candlelight Concert at Manchester Cathedral.

READ MORE: Christmas pantomimes and shows in and around Manchester in 2023

READ MORE: 18 amazing Christmas events taking place in Greater Manchester this year

We’ve rounded up some of the best things to see and do in Greater Manchester in December. There’s pantos, markets, parties and more.

From an illuminated whale shark to giant glowing flowers, 15 installations will light up Salford Quays and Media City as Lightwaves Salford returns for its 10th anniversary. It’s a free, interactive trail which will run for four evenings from Thursday, December 7 to Sunday, December 10, from 4pm to 10pm. Highlights include a tunnel of giant mirror rings stretching for 50m along the Media City Piazza and a fire garden.

You may think Christmas grottos are just for kids, but a cosy underground grotto for adults has opened up in the city centre, where you can enjoy candy cane cocktails, mulled wine and relax by a fireplace. Miracle on Cross Street has popped up in the