15 Original Christmas Party Ideas in Manchester

Strolling through the twinkling lights of Piccadilly Gardens with your colleagues or friends.

Sipping on hot chocolate and nibbling on pretzels at The Corn Exchange Christmas Markets.

Even venturing a few miles out to Ivy Tree Cottage in search of the perfect Christmas tree—these are the moments that make the holiday season feel so magical.

We’ve gathered our top Christmas party ideas in Manchester for a celebration that’s both unique and memorable for the kids at heart. 

And if you’re the type who likes to lock down the venue before diving into the theme, we’ve got you covered with our top Christmas locations in Manchester. 

Let the holiday wonderment begin!

Fun Christmas Things to Do in Manchester

Christmas in Manchester is all about fun, family, and friends. To help you celebrate the season in true Mancunian style, we’ve rounded up some fantastic ways to make your festivities stand out. 

Foodies can dive into a Christmas bake off, while beer lovers can indulge in a festive pub crawl. With something for everyone, Manchester is the perfect place to enjoy the holiday season, no matter your age, hobbies, or interests.

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Related: 22 Tips from Event Industry Experts for a Perfect Company Christmas Party

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1.Host an Exquisite Dinner

Upgrade your holiday festivities with an exquisite dining experience. Honey Restaurant Exclusive at Hotel Gotham is just what you need to impress your guests this season. Dining at Honey is as sweet as it sounds.

Their private dining room is a glamorous space perfect for festive celebrations, from intimate gatherings with friends and family to company lunches or smaller Christmas parties. Your guests are in for a great evening with dishes like charred mackerel, lobster bisque, chocolate mascarpone mousse, and more.

Tagvenue also recommends:

• Gin Nest at Impossible Bar and Theatre: With special Christmas offers starting as low as £30, this venue is a gift straight from Santa! Work with the team to craft a tailored event and make the most of this beautiful hidden restaurant.
• The Parlour at TATTU: This private dining room and exclusive event space features a private entrance, bar, and restrooms, with a stunning statue of a gold Buddha as the centrepiece. The one-way glass ensures privacy while offering views into the scenic Rose Garden and the main restaurant above. Plus, they cater to all dietary needs with a variety of menu options.
• Banyan Corn Exchange: The Root offers a seated capacity for 30 guests or space for 60 standing, complete with AV equipment to meet all your booking needs. Their festive offerings include a 3-course menu, bottomless brunch, and bottomless dinner, starting at just £26.50 per guest.

2.Festive Afternoon Tea at Peaky Blinders

Treat your guests to a delightful range of Christmas goodies, from savoury tea sandwiches to cakes, desserts, and festive drinks, all specially curated for the holiday season! Festive afternoon tea is perfect for moms-to-be and younger kids alike, offering a cosy and charming way to celebrate the holiday season.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to reunite with friends and family, enjoying delicious food in a beautiful setting. The mini savoury and sweet bites will take you through London’s history, with the restaurant’s unique twist on some beloved classics. 

And, of course, no afternoon tea is complete without tea, coffee, or maybe even a cup of hot chocolate—if you’re on the nice list!

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Related: 19 Unique Christmas Party Ideas for Large Groups

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3.Hop on a Wine Tour 

‘Tis the season for mulled wine! If you’re more of a beer lover, no worries—a beer tour works too. Gather friends and embrace the festive spirit by booking a Manchester Wine Tour with wine writer Kelly Bishop. Enjoy a boozy cruise with the experts and stroll around some of the city’s best wine bars, restaurants, and shops.

You’ll pick up a ton of wine knowledge without even realising it, maybe get a little tipsy along the way, and taste a selection of wines paired with festive snacks.

Plus, get ready to flaunt your most delightfully dreadful Christmas jumpers—there’s a prize for the “wurst” outfit, so the tackier, the better!

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Related: 7 Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Ideas

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4. Enjoy a Stayover at Hotel Gotham

This Christmas, skip the hustle and bustle of holiday cleanup and go on a staycation at Hotel Gotham for a truly unique holiday experience. Unwind fully without lifting a finger!

You’ll find the perfect blend of relaxation and fun at Hotel Gotham. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a day filled with gourmet dining, elegant drinks, and captivating entertainment—all while enjoying the luxurious comfort of a hotel.

With Christmas activities and indulgent treats like mulled wine and mince pies, Hotel Gotham offers an original and stress-free way to make this holiday season unforgettable.

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Related: 12 Christmas Venue Booking Mistakes to Avoid, According to Experts

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5.Head into a Festive Speakeasy

One Eight Six is a Christmas miracle in its own right! Hidden beneath a high-end barbershop, this classic cocktail bar and live music venue features a stage for live performances until the early hours.

Delight in a menu of festive cocktails, enjoy nonstop Christmas tunes and relax by cosy fireplaces surrounded by decor that would make Santa and his elves feel right at home. One Eight Six offers five-star table service and cocktails that will blow your mind, all within a luxurious setting that caters to all ages.

If you are planning an impressive company party or a lively family gathering, One Eight Six ensures a quiet yet fun Christmas party you’ll always remember.

6.Holiday Pub Crawl

Like the 12 Days of Christmas, why not make your way to 12 different bars around Manchester? Start your adventure in the Northern Quarter, a hotspot for lively and unique bars. Begin at The Crown & Kettle on Oldham Street and go to The Dive Bar, enjoying the city’s rich pub scene.

Manchester offers a mix of classic “old man pubs” and quirky gems. You can explore places like Gullivers and The Castle Hotel, each with its charm. The city’s walkability means plenty of great bars within a compact area await you.

For craft beer enthusiasts, the city’s tap rooms are a must. The Northern Quarter is particularly rich in independent breweries and craft beer spots.

Check out Abel Heywood, 12 Tariff Street, The Whisky Jar, and Purezza for some of the best brews. If you’re looking for a lively night, The Unicorn on Church Street is a great choice. Wear comfortable walking shoes and keep your Christmas snacks handy to fuel your festive pub crawl!

Creative Christmas Party Ideas in Manchester

7.Christmas Murder Mystery 

If you’re trying to get away from traditional dinners and overbearing conversations, go for a Christmas-themed murder mystery!

Immerse yourself in an evening of excitement and intrigue—partner with Westend Events to solve a captivating mystery while enjoying a delicious dinner with your guests.

Swap your Santa hats for detective caps, and channel your inner Columbo or Inspector Maigret as you piece together clues and uncover the truth. Remember to keep on Santa’s nice list while you work out whodunit!

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Related: 15 Christmas Party Activities for Adults to Light Up the Festive Season

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8.Christmas Bake Off

“Five little gingerbread men on the tray,

One jumped up and ran away.

Catch me, oh catch me, oh catch me if you can!

I’m pretty fast. I am the gingerbread man!”

Are you in the mood to bake some delicious gingerbread cookies? Would you prefer building a gingerbread house or tasting the festive treats? A bake off is fun and creative for anyone, and it’s even better when you invite the little ones to join in the fun.

Treat yourself and your guests to an edible experience that sharpens your baking skills and results in tasty culinary creations—sweet or savoury, if that’s your thing.

You can hire a professional instructor to guide the group or ask someone to volunteer. The best part? This doesn’t have to be a one-time event! Encourage your guests to keep the fun going by volunteering for future bake off sessions!

9.Gift Wrapping Session

While many stores offer gift-wrapping services, there’s something special about wrapping a gift yourself—it’s a personal touch that shows you’ve taken the time to make it just right.

Invite friends and get crafty with scissors, newspapers, kraft paper, scented envelopes, dried flowers, keepsakes, and more. 

Feel free to get as creative as you like—why not add some Christmas ornaments to your gift boxes for that extra festive flair? The more, the merrier! 

Just be sure you’ve got plenty of space for your wrapping party. 

Find an event space on Tagvenue before your home resembles Santa’s workshop!

10.Make a Wreath 

Invite your family and friends to create festive wreaths this holiday season. While some workshops can be pricier, you can easily craft beautiful wreaths using materials from nature without spending much.

Look for cinnamon sticks, pinecones, dried flowers, moss, and foliage—items you can find almost anywhere. It’s a fun Christmas activity for those who enjoy crafting or want to try something new and creative. 

Best of all, everyone can take home their lovely wreaths just in time for the holidays.

Check out these useful links to get started:

• How to make a wreath form for free (with foraged materials)
• How to Make a Dried Flower Wreath | Using Materials From my Flower Farm (Floristry)
• How to make a Christmas wreath | The RHS

Budget-friendly Christmas Party Ideas in Manchester

A memorable Christmas party doesn’t require you to splurge on luxury or expensive gifts. What truly matters is the time spent with loved ones and the joy of shared moments. From a simple stroll to a potluck dinner or a movie night, these budget-friendly ideas offer a meaningful way to celebrate the holiday season.

We’ve put together some of our favourite affordable Christmas party ideas to help you enjoy the festivities without overspending.

11.Check out Christmas Markets

Manchester’s Christmas Markets have been enchanting visitors since the late ’90s, earning the title of best in Europe.

With over 300 stalls offering everything from handmade crafts and unique gifts to delicious bratwurst sausages and steaming mugs of mulled wine, it’s no wonder these markets have become a festive highlight.

Millions have enjoyed this celebration, making it one of the UK’s top Christmas events, attracting fans worldwide.

Festive food and drink play a central role in Manchester’s holiday cheer. Make the most of the seasonal menus at local restaurants and street food stalls that line the streets. Local businesses make sure Christmas is celebrated in style and it’s obvious why Manchester is a top choice for Christmas parties.

Christmas Markets 2024 Locations

You can explore Manchester’s Christmas Markets at:

• Winter Gardens in Piccadilly Gardens
• King Street
• St Ann’s Square
• Exchange Street
• New Cathedral Street
• Exchange Square
• Market Street
• Cathedral Gardens
• and the Corn Exchange. 

12.Go on a Christmas Walk

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a stroll through Fletcher Moss Park. As you walk, you’ll feel the festive spirit in the air, with twinkling lights and themed trails like the Candy Cane Trail or Christmas Tree Walk, making it an engaging outing for everyone to get into the Christmas mood.

Start your journey at Stenner Lane, taking in the serene views of Millgate Fields. Pause for a cosy break with a cuppa or hot chocolate at The Alpine Tea Room. If you enjoy long walks, this peaceful escape is ideal for spending quality time with family or friends, far from the usual Manchester hustle.

For a festive twist, don’t miss the Christmas craft show at the old parsonage, where you can explore exhibitions or join a craft class. After a walk around the tranquil garden, finish your day with a delicious dinner at AFTI Didsbury. This Christmas walk offers the perfect blend of relaxation, festive fun, and a touch of adventure.

13.Throw a Potluck Dinner

Potluck dinners are a great way to unite people over good food and meaningful conversations. It’s a chance for everyone to enjoy their favourite dishes while catching up with family and friends. The beauty of a potluck is that it can be hosted anywhere, as long as you’ve got a cosy spot to keep everyone warm.

The idea is simple: everyone brings a dish, creating a delicious Christmas feast together. If evenings are busy, consider hosting a festive brunch instead—just as fun and a little more relaxed.

If you’ve got guests from different corners of the world, why not make it an international gathering? Ask them to bring a traditional dish from their home country. It’s a wonderful way to add variety to the table and give everyone a taste of something new and uniquely delicious!

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Related: 17 Fun Dinner Party Ideas and Themes for Adults

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14.Watch a Christmas Concert

Home to the Hallé Orchestra, this venue offers a range of Christmas performances that are sure to delight.

Experience the magic of Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol or enjoy The Hallé – Christmas at the Movies for a nostalgic trip through your favourite holiday films.

Both events are hosted a few weeks before Christmas, perfect for those who head home away from Manchester for the holidays, but still want to celebrate with friends or colleagues.

For a touch of enchantment, consider a Candlelight Christmas Concert. Whether you’re into Coldplay or Bridgerton, there’s something for all music lovers—just be sure you’re a fan of flickering flames, too!

15.Watch a Festive Show

If a theatre trip with family or friends is on your must-do list this December, Manchester’s theatres have plenty of options. 

The options are endless for A Christmas Carol, the musical at The Lowry from early December, Miracle on the 34th Street at HOME, or The Nutcracker by the Crown Ballet at Stockport Plaza. 

If it’s your first time heading to one of these live holiday performances, we promise you won’t be disappointed!

 Find out more about live shows in Manchester.

Have Yourself a Mancunian Little Christmas

Christmas is all about those special moments that highlight the beauty of relationships—whether with colleagues, friends, family, or within the community.

It’s the ideal time to reconnect and share the season’s spirit at your favourite eateries, pubs, or newly discovered venues. Make the most of the season by booking the best spots in Manchester on Tagvenue.

The time is now—let’s make this Christmas magical!

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