Looking for Christmas activities to enjoy during the festive period? From Christmas markets to ice skating, shopping and more, there are plenty of festive things to do in the North's cities. We've rounded up the best Christmas activities and events in Manchester, Newcastle, Blackpool, Nottingham and Sheffield to help you plan the perfect day out. Book your travel in advance with Northern to save up to 65%!
Christmas activities in Manchester
Main station: Manchester Piccadilly
One of the most popular destinations in the North, Manchester transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive period. Start with a trip to the Christmas markets with over 200 stalls throughout the city, offering handmade gifts, crafts, food and drinks – it wouldn’t be Christmas without mulled wine! It’s also the perfect opportunity to take in the Christmas Lights Trail on your way to the ice rink at Cathedral Gardens. Each year, the city also hosts a magical Christmas Parade. Watch over 400 participants make their way through the city centre with live music, dancing and more!
If you’d like an indoor Christmas activity, we recommend Winter Funland at BEC Arena, just a short bus journey from Urmston station. The indoor funfair is packed with family-friendly rides, as well as circus performers and delicious festive treats, from popcorn to pizza. Another Christmas tradition, head to the Opera House Manchester to catch the annual pantomime. This year, it’s Cinderella with comedian Jason Manford taking the helm again. For a Christmas treat, hop on the train to Manchester Oxford Road and visit The Midland Hotel’s dedicated Tea Room to enjoy their festive afternoon tea. Enjoy a selection of seasonal sandwiches, scones and cake, washed down with tea and mulled wine on arrival.
Things to do at Christmas in Newcastle
Main station: Newcastle
Another go-to destination in the North, there are plenty of things to do at Christmas in Newcastle. The Life Science Centre hosts an open-air ice rink in Times Square, perfect for skaters of all ages with skate aids available for little ones. This year, choose from a variety of special events, from a silent disco on ice to karaoke, Taylor Swift night and more! For an authentic alpine experience, Moosenwirt is back for another year and taking over more locations across the city. Visit the alpine bar on Grey Street for a cosy drink by the fire pit, the North Pole at Grey’s Monument with private igloos to hire or head to the magical Christmas Village at Old Eldon Square, where Santa and his elves await.
A staple of the festive season in Newcastle, stop by Fenwick on Northumberland Street to see their iconic Christmas window. For over 50 years, the department store has been wowing the public with their extravagant window displays, spreading Christmas cheer throughout the season. Another family-friendly Christmas activity is a trip to Tyneside Cinema to enjoy a festive movie. Choose from Christmas classics like It’s a Wonderful Life and Love Actually, family favourites like The Muppet Christmas Carol and Elf, and many more! For an enchanting evening, wrap up warm and visit the Northern Lights at Leazes Park. The multi-sensory light trail illuminates the park, providing the perfect backdrop for seasonal selfies, as well as hosting a Christmas village with an exceptional choice of food traders.
Festive activities in Blackpool
Main station: Blackpool North
Known for its bright lights and illuminations throughout the year, Blackpool sees even more sparkle during the festive season. An unmissable Christmas event, Blackpool’s very own seasonal village, Christmas By The Sea, is back for another year. Get your skates on and enjoy the free ice rink, enjoy a hot chocolate or glass of mulled wine in the Christmas chalets, whizz down the 100ft snow slide, and much more – all opposite Blackpool Tower. Get the best seat in the house to see the festive lights with an Illuminations Tour by Heritage Tram Tours. Taking in the whole promenade and all three piers, climb aboard to enjoy the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations in style.
If you’re looking for delicious festive food and drink, head along to Abingdon Street Market this Christmas. Blackpool’s biggest food hall offers a variety of vendors with indoor seating, so you can shelter from the winter weather. The hall also hosts retail units with plenty of unique Christmas gifts to choose from. Speaking of which, if you’re looking for a place to get Christmas shopping done, a visit to Houndshill Shopping Centre is a must. Located behind Blackpool Tower, the central location makes it easy to find and offers a fantastic selection of retailers to find the perfect gift.
Christmas events in Nottingham
Main station: Nottingham
Winter Wonderland, the go-to Christmas event in Nottingham, returns for another year at Old Market Square. Enjoy a variety of food and drink in a range of bars, from the all-glass chalet overlooking the crowd to the immersive alpine Ice Bar and more. The beloved ice rink and Sky Skate Ice Path are back for a truly memorable experience, as well as the huge Observation Wheel and Toboggan Slide for kids and adults alike! Also part of Winter Wonderland, stop by the Christmas market stalls to discover a host of independent traders offering unique gifts and treats to enjoy.
For something a bit different, try The Spirit of Solstice: A Festive Murder Mystery at the National Justice Museum. With dates throughout November and December, the evening involves a three-course meal, drink on arrival and of course, the murder mystery event! Keep an eye on what’s on at the National Justice Museum for more exciting options throughout the year. Another unique thing to do in Nottingham this Christmas is witness the incredible A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show at Trent Bridge Stadium. Enjoy a bite to eat at the food village and sing along to all your festive favourites at the preshow, before watching the timeless tale come to life in the sky.
Festive things to do in Sheffield
Main station: Sheffield
Looking for Christmas activities in Sheffield? Start your day out with a trip to the Christmas market in the city centre. Take a ride on the Big Wheel, visit the man himself in Santa’s Grotto, enjoy a well-earned drink in the alpine bars, and much more. For all your Christmas shopping needs, hop on the train to Meadowhall and visit the Shopping Centre, which hosts a Christmas parade before switching the lights on. Keep an eye on what’s on at Meadowhall to plan your visit.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, Kelham Island Museum is hosting their Victorian Christmas Market again this year. Browse over 80 stalls selling a variety of unique gifts, enjoy traditional food like hog roast, visit Santa’s Workshop and Grotto, as well as visit the museum itself for a fun-filled festive activity. Sheffield Botanical Gardens also hosts several events to get in the festive spirit, such as Illuminate the Gardens, a spectacular light show with fireworks, street food and more. If you’d love to make your very own Christmas wreath, head along to one of their workshops with no experience necessary!
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