The best things to do in Manchester this Christmas season
We’ve hand-selected some of the most recommended winter activities in Manchester for 2024, so you can make the most of this holiday season.
We know a thing or two about relaxing and unwinding during the winter months, so if you’re searching for the best activities to do in Manchester this Autumn and Winter, we’ve hand-picked our favourite seasonal outings that you won’t want to miss out on. Located in the city centre, Dakota Manchester offers you the perfect base for embracing the season’s merriment while having a cosy retreat to return to after a day of exploring. Elevate your experience by booking one of our Dakota Manchester specials and enjoy luxury overnight stays, delectable dishes in the Dakota Grill, and even more benefits – only available when you book directly with us.
1) Enjoy a traditional Sunday roast
If you’re planning to visit Manchester during Autumn or Winter, you should not miss the chance to treat yourself to a traditional Sunday roast. The Dakota Grill in Manchester offers a warm, intimate, and cosy atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to escape the chilly weather of Autumn. Indulge in your choice of succulent beef, roast chicken, or nut roast, served with all the classic sides you’d expect from a traditional roast but with a signature Dakota twist. We believe in doing the simple things brilliantly. Take a look at our full Sunday roast menu and tantalise your taste buds this fall. Make a reservation and experience the perfect way to end a busy day of adventuring in Manchester city centre.
2) Explore Dunham Massey’s Christmas Light Trail
Christmas at Dunham Massey is back this year from 15th November to 1st January and has been widely recognised as a festive must-see, if you enjoy enchanting light displays and wholesome winter walks, Dunham Massey’s Christmas light trail is sure to be a hit. A beautiful experience to enjoy as a couple, with friends, or as a family – traditional refreshments are on hand throughout with pop-up food and beverage stalls located around the site for your convenience. Unleash your inner child as you let loose on the festive fairground rides and create memories to last a lifetime. When you’re full to the brim of festive fun, Dakota Manchester is just a 30-minute drive so that you can relax and unwind in the comfort of luxury in no time.
3) Enjoy the perfect winter date night at a Candlelight Concert
There’s a certain enchantment that comes with the flickering glow of a candle on an Autumn evening, multiply that magic by a thousand and pair it with a symphony of strings reimagining contemporary classics, and you’re in for a night that will linger in your memories for a lifetime. Candlelight concerts have been hugely popular date night destinations since they came to Manchester, with viewers describing them as enchanting and mesmerising. For the ultimate date night experience, why not make a full night of it? Our Simply Dakota: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast includes a delectable dinner in the Dakota Grill, an overnight stay in one of our luxurious rooms, and a full-cooked breakfast before you leave. It’s the epitome of perfection.
4) Wrap up and get your ice skates on at Cathedral Gardens
Get your ice skates ready because Skate Manchester is returning to Cathedral Gardens this year after proving to be a huge success the past few years with guests of all ages. Manchester’s iconic skate rink is open from Friday 8th November right through to the 1st January 2025, so there is plenty of time to enjoy some fun-filled memories on the ice. Dakota Manchester is just a short walk from Cathedral Gardens, with an array of festive stalls peppered along the streets on the way, so when it’s time to hang up the skates and head back home, we’re the ideal place to stop and unwind for the evening.
5) Indulge at the famous Manchester Christmas Markets
The iconic Manchester Christmas markets are not to be missed – crowned as one of the best festive markets in the UK, with over 220 stalls consisting of handmade treasures and delectable dishes from around the world, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Spanning 7 different locations across the city, Dakota Manchester makes the perfect base to relax in between your festive explorations – you can read even more about this year’s Manchester Christmas markets, here.
6) Celebrate New Year’s Eve in true Manchester style
Manchester is renowned for its nightlife and vibrant atmosphere and New Year’s Eve is certainly no exception – with events happening across the city, Christmas lights lining the streets, and delectable dining experiences at your fingertips, you won’t be short of things to do when spending a New Year in Manchester. For a truly elevated New Year experience, indulge in the ultimate Dakota experience and pave the way for a truly wonderful start to 2025. Enjoy an overnight stay in one of our luxurious rooms, savour our exquisite dining offerings in the Dakota Grill, and a full-cooked breakfast to ensure you’re feeling rejuvenated the following morning. Book your New Year’s Eve Stay at Dakota Manchester
7) Be entertained at the Manchester Palace Theatre
When the weather turns brisk, Manchester offers a variety of indoor events to keep you warm and entertained. The Palace Theatre is the perfect venue for enjoying seasonal musicals and extravagant pantomimes. With shows ranging from Wicked and Chicago to Elf, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste this winter season. Make your visit to Manchester extra special with an overnight stay in one of our luxurious rooms. Dakota Manchester is just a short 15-minute walk from the Palace Theatre, making us the ideal location for a nightcap and a restful evening.
8) Shop ’til you drop
As the festive season approaches, it’s time to start checking off those Christmas lists, and Manchester is the perfect place to start. With the Arndale Centre, Exchange Square, and the Trafford Centre at your disposal, it’s a shopper’s paradise. You’re guaranteed to find the perfect gift for them, and you might just find a treat for yourself too. If you need a break amidst the shopping chaos, the Dakota Bar offers a serene retreat from the bustling streets of the city, providing a peaceful moment to relax.
9) Experience the magic of Christmas with a night at the pantomime
Experience the magic of Christmas with a night at the pantomime. This year, the Opera House Manchester brings the classic tale of Cinderella to life with comedian Jason Manford as Prince Charming. With fun costumes, laugh-out-loud moments, and plenty of audience participation, it’s the perfect festive outing for the family. Running from 14th December 2024 to 5th January 2025, it’s a short stroll from Dakota Manchester, making us the perfect destination for a sumptuous pre-theatre meal or a cosy nightcap after the show.
There you have it, our top recommendations for things to do in Manchester this festive season.
Just looking to get away from it all?
We understand that the holiday season can be overwhelming for some, so if you’re just looking for a place to unwind and relax, we can offer you just that. Our luxurious amenities and outstanding service guarantee that you won’t have to leave the hotel unless you want to. Book your staycation with Dakota Manchester, and allow us to take care of you.
