Embark on a magical journey through the streets of Manchester this Christmas as the city comes together to celebrate the festive season with a series of Festive Sundays, filled with captivating street performances ready to enchant and surprise visitors of all ages.
Organised by Manchester City Centre BID in partnership with Manchester City Council and Manchester Markets, Festive Sundays will see roaming performers and illuminated acts take to the shopping streets across St Ann’s Square, King Street, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square and Manchester Arndale.
Promising to capture the imaginations of youngsters and bring festive magic to all, shoppers and families will be able to spot a variety of charming visitors, from a giant snow globe and arctic fox puppet, to enchanted walking trees and living lampposts.
Sunday 26 November (12-7pm: Manchester Arndale, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Street, St Ann’s Square, King Street and Deansgate)
A magical takeover across the city centre with giant roaming puppets, street performers, and live music. Don’t miss an encounter with bewitching woodland creatures: larger-than-life robins, the meandering arctic fox, a giant snowy owl – and Handmade Parade’s beautiful, illuminated reindeer.
Meanwhile, a band of enchanted festive friends bring magic to the city. Meet living lampposts, talking Christmas trees, a giant roaming snow globe and extraordinary puppet duo, Hodman Dodmanott and Sally Forth – two Christmas elf adventurers with a lot on their minds (and even more on their backs!).
All accompanied by the vibrant sights and sound off the Fat Cat Brass Band and Bloco Band bringing Christmas cheer and tunes to the streets of Manchester.
Sunday 3 December (from 1pm)
The heart-warming event of the season returns again this year, even bigger and better. Organised by Manchester City Council, Manchester’s free Christmas Parade, the best of its kind in the UK, will once again bring joy to thousands of spectators, young and old. Processions of spectacular characters, magical performances and extraordinary acts will weave their way through the city’s streets sprinkling pure festive magic. Come together with family and friends for an unforgettable free day out in the city centre.
Sunday 10 & 17 December (12pm, 2pm, 4pm – St Ann’s Square)
Ready to entertain visitors as they sip on their hot chocolates and dig into Yorkshire pudding wraps, the final two Festive Sundays, will see a stunning Toy Procession take to Manchester’s popular Christmas Markets.
Created by Walk the Plank, the procession will feature giant stilt-walking acts including Christmas Crackers, Sugar Plum Fairies, Toy Soldiers, Christmas Elves, and a sparkling Fairy Mouse, bringing magical street entertainment to Manchester on the run-up to Christmas Day.
For more information on timings and event updates, please visit visitmanchester.com/christmas
