The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Manchester - including Tinsel Town, Santa’s Grotto & Christmas Markets

Christmas festivities are underway here in Manchester, and plenty of events are taking place across the city to celebrate the most magical time of the year.

We have compiled a list of the top activities to do and things to see in our ultimate guide to Christmas in Manchester:

The Grotto

First up, the Trafford Centre has a number of festive events to take part in over Christmas, including a very special trip to The Grotto.

Wander through an immersive wonderland where dreams come true as you journey through the Candy Cane Land and Enchanted Forest in search of Santa's Merry Mailroom.

The Grotto can be found near the Dolphin Fountain on the ground floor of the centre until December 24, and there are festive treats to eat and drink, and colourful face painting to get you in the Christmassy spirit.

Tinsel Town

The Trafford Centre has also opened its annual Christmas fairground Tinsel Town, with exhilarating rides and tasty treats available until January 1.

From the exciting Snow Jets to the thrilling Starflyer and Don Sapo, as well as plenty of family friendly rides for the little ones, there’s something for everyone.

Skate at Tinsel Town

Inside the fairground you can also find Skate at Tinsel Town where you can take to the ice on a shimmering covered rink for a 45-minute skate session.

There's twinkling lights and festive music perfect for celebrating the christmas season.

Manchester Christmas Markets

Next up, the Christmas Markets are back again for their 25th year in nine areas of the city centre and were recently voted Europe's number one Christmas markets.

Whether you fancy mulled wine and delicious pastries in Winter Gardens, or bratwurst and festive trinkets from King's Street and St Ann's Square, there are plenty of stalls to wander around this festive season.

Porky Pig is bringing back its popular Yorkshire pudding wrap in Exchange Square - a highly anticipated Christmas treat.

Skate Manchester

Cathedral Gardens is yet again welcoming people onto the festive-themed ice rink at the heart of the city centre.

The Christmassy skating wonderland will be open all the way up until January 2, so there's plenty of time to get onto the ice and enjoy the lights, and music and festive food and drink.

Manchester's big Santa

Manchester's iconic and much-loved big Santa has arrived back in front of Central Library on St Peter's Square to oversee all things Christmas in his favourite festive city.

A whopping 12-metres high and weighing over 2.3 tonnes, Manchester's giant Santa is powered by low energy LED lightbulbs and is a firm favourite of festive fun seekers.

He will be keeping a watchful eye on everyone for his naughty and nice lists throughout Christmas and into the New Year.

Winter Island & The Twilight Trail

And finally, Freight Island has been transformed into Winter Island - the UK's largest heated indoor and outdoor winter festival running until Sunday December 24.

Next door and new for this year, Mayfield Park will be lit up with The Twilight Trail - an enchanting winter light show taking place until Sunday the December 31.

The Twilight Trail is the first event of its kind at Mayfield Park and has been designed for people of all ages, from families, couples, groups, and everyone in between.

Manchester is full of events celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.

You can find out more about what's going on each week in our weekly what's on guides.