Manchester's Christmas Parade
Our Christmas Parade brings all sorts of characters to life
Sunday 3 December, from 1pm:
Manchester’s spectacular Christmas Parade is back – bigger and better than ever.
Starting from Manchester Cathedral at 1pm, the magical parade will weave its way through the city's streets, taking in Deansgate, St Ann’s Street, Cross Street, Corporation Street, and Fennel Street.
Filled with all the sights, sounds and sparkle that spell Christmas, it'll bring some extra special Christmas cheer with over 400 parade participants: more than twice as many as last year. Bring the family along to see everything from Snow Queens and Glitter Belles to bouncing elves, nutcracker-themed stilt walkers, and reindeer puppets.
Life-size Bengal Tiger puppet, ‘Richard Parker’ (star of hit play, Life of Pi, which is on at The Lowry from 5 December until 7 January) will make a special appearance.
The parade will also feature the big man himself - Santa Claus - as well as Manchester's iconic Town Hall Clock, wound up and looking its very festive best. Plus, be entertained by local talent as community dance groups, musical collectives, and pipe bands perform, and school children from across Manchester share their makes.
For details of the roads that will be closed, and what changes will be made to the Metrolink schedule and on-street parking, see our parade road closures page.
Route details:
The Parade will set off at 1pm from Manchester Cathedral on a circular route that will see it travel along Deansgate, turning left onto St Ann’s Street and continuing to Cross Street. It will then turn left and continue onto Corporation Street, where it’ll pass Exchange Square and finish on Fennel Street, next to the Ice Rink. It's expected to last up to an hour from start to finish.
Accessible viewing:
There will be two accessible viewing points: one outside Boots on Cross Street and another on Deansgate at the junction with St Ann Street. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A map of the route: