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.
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 – Magical Christmas Performances
Manchester Arndale, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Street, St Ann’s Square, King Street and Deansgate
12pm-7pm
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 the 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 sounds of the Fat Cat Brass Band and Bloco Band bringing Christmas cheer and tunes to the streets of Manchester.
Sunday 3 December – Manchester’s Christmas Parade
Across the City Centre
From 1pm
The heart-warming Manchester Christmas Parade returns again this year, even bigger and better. Manchester’s free 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.
Click here to download the parade route.
Sunday 10 & 17 December – Toy Procession
St Ann’s Square
12pm, 2pm, 4pm
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.
Festive Sundays is brought to you by Manchester’s Business Improvement District, Manchester City Council and Manchester Markets.
