Boggart Hole Clough Christmas Lights Switch On:
Saturday 2 December, 2pm - 4pm
Heaton Park:
Christmas at Heaton Park - Friday 1 until Sunday 31 December . From the creators of Christmas in Kew and Christmas in Dunham Massey, Christmas at Heaton Park is a new spectacular, seasonal light trail that will create unforgettable memories for your family. Discover colour changing globes, larger-than-life flowers and neon strings that reach the sky. With a 1 mile, accessible route and quiet sessions, everyone can enjoy the breath-taking displays. Go to Ticket Options (seetickets.com) for more information or to book.
Mayfield Park:
The Twilight Trail - Friday 17 November until Sunday 31 December. The city's newest park offers 6.5 acres of pure magic featuring over 50,000 lights and a range of food and drink vendors. Fun for the whole family and accessibility friendly. Book your tickets online.
Manchester City Centre:
Manchester's city centre is ablaze with a host of decorations; the light sculptures are perfect for your festive family photos - and our old friend is back in his usual seat outside Central Library. Find out more online, such as the locations and detail about our eco-friendly Christmas Tree.
Guide Dogs North West Christmas Wishes Concert:
Manchester Cathedral - Tuesday 5 December, 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Featuring inspiring stories and festive readings from Martun Clunes, and hosted by Susie Dent, this awareness raising and fund raising event is also available to stream at home. Find out more and book via their Facebook page: Christmas Wishes Concert Facebook
Henshaw's Carols by Candlelight:
Manchester Cathedral - Wednesday 6 December, 7pm to 9:30pm
Henshaw's' charity supports blind and visually impaired people and those with other disabilities. Their annual carol concert at Manchester Cathedral is always a highlight of the run-up to Christmas. Book your tickets online at Carols by Candlelight 2023 (square.site)
Free and great value events across the city:
Find out what's on in your local area, local park and local community on the Loads To Do website and remember that loads of Manchester's 22 local libraries have a range of events, workshops and offers too. Check your local library online.
Mirfield Garden Winter Wonderland:
Saturday 9 December,12-3pm
Creative families workshops:
Manchester Art Gallery offers a regular free family workshop - the last Creative Families sessions for 2023 take place on Saturday 2, Sunday 10 and Sunday 16 December. No need to book - just turn up!
Festive wreath-making workshops:
Just £3 per person for a two hour sustainable workshop at the new Aviva Studios, home of Factory International
Crumpsall Community Hall - Rainbow Surprise Christmas Dinner:
Monday 25 December, 4pm. Join Rainbow Surprise for a free Christmas Dinner - open to adults who will be on their own on Christmas Day. More details on their facebook page.