All the confirmed Christmas events taking place in Manchester this year

With Halloween and Bonfire Night just around the corner, we can officially start planning for the next big festive occasion. While talk of the ‘C’ word might be slightly early for some, many of the big events, shows and Christmas-themed activities are quickly getting booked up, so you might want to get your skates on.

Last month, it was confirmed that Manchester’s Christmas Markets would make a grand return to a number of locations across Manchester City Centre, following disruption to normal proceedings due the pandemic over the last two years. And while there will be no official Christmas Light Switch On , there will be plenty of festive cheers, sausages and gluhwein when the markets open on November 11.

We’ve taken a look at some of the events taking place across Manchester - for all ages - to give you a bit of extra time to secure tickets and plan for the festive season ahead.

Read more: Manchester Christmas Lights switch-on event WON'T go ahead this year

The UK's largest heated outdoor and indoor winter festival will return to Manchester this November and December with the return of Winter Island at the city's Escape to Freight Island. The venue's massive food hall and festival-inspired outdoor space will both transform into a "magical winter wonderland" launching from November 12.

The winter-themed event will feature a Christmas tree forest, festive traders and a pop-up market, plus, Christmas workshops, and seasonal food and drink from Freight Island’s regular traders including Lucky Foot, Burgerism, Mi & Pho and The Jane Eyre. Visitors can also expect DJs and live performances from Norman Jay MBE and Greg Wilson to DJ Paulette, and Crazy P, plus a special takeover from Flash at Pikes Ibiza.

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