Snowman Trail
Start the countdown to the festive season and take a wintery walk around Wild in Art’s sculpture trail inspired by Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book, The Snowman. Marketing the 40th anniversary of the popular children’s story, the public art trail will feature 12 professionally painted giant snowmen, scattered across Salford Quays to encourage a stroll out in the fresh midwinter’s air until 6th January 2019.
Lightwaves
Salford Quays is in the spotlight for 10 days this month, inviting visitors to see how the waterfront glows from the unmissable Lightwaves. Highlights include an interactive chain of large hoops activated by sound and a towering hooded sculpture which processes messages from the audience and depicts them as illuminated news streams.
Lighting up the dark winter nights, the annual free festival will showcase until 16th December 2018.
Chill Factore
Don your woolly hat and slide into December down a giant ski slope on the Downhill Donuts or brave the Snow Luge at the Chill Factore. Head down to Santa’s magical Grotto to meet the man himself and his helpers to receive a special gift dispatched straight from The North Pole.
Catch the man in red every day this month until Christmas Eve before he has to head out on his trusty sleigh.
Doctor Dolittle
The stage production of Leslie Bricusse’s family favourite, Doctor Dolittle, takes to the stage until 15th January 2019 at the Lowry Theatre in Salford. The eccentric Doctor and his sidekicks are set to entertain theatregoers over the festive season whilst on their extraordinary quest to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat and have your eyes opened by the animal kingdom.
Christmas Markets
What better way to get into the festive spirit other than dusting off your mulled wine mug and heading over to Manchester’s infamous Christmas markets, decked out in full seasonal splendour. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around and soak up the sights of the festive season whilst browsing an array of delicious food, indulgent drinks and carefully crafted Yuletide gifts.
With more than 300 traditional wooden chalets and beautifully festooned stalls located across Manchester city centre, the markets are in walking distance of each other and are free to all.