Manchester really does sparkle during the festive season, and with so much to see and do to get you in the Christmas spirit, we’ve put together our top 4 things to do in the city on a budget this festive season.

Manchester city centre thrives over the winter period, with all you could possibly imagine happening right on your doorstep. From Christmas Markets to walk-through light shows, we have your festive bucket list covered to hit the city right this winter.

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Manchester Christmas Markets

Image Source: @pillorooms

What better way to celebrate the run-up to the 25th than to visit a Christmas market, right? This year Manchester will be hosting its 25^th yearly markets and hundreds of stalls will shoot up across the city centre – literally so much to feast your eyes (and your mouth!) on.

With a mixture of unique present ideas, some fantastic food, and even an ice rink, what more could you want to start off the festive season? Grab a bratwurst and a mulled wine and settle yourself into the heart of the city's most popular attraction – we know we will be, and we are so excited about it.

Running from the 10^th of November until the 21^st of December, it gives us all over a month to explore the markets and find our favourite presents for our loved ones.

Dunham Massey

Image Source: @hywelowen

Who doesn’t love a festive walk around a country park? Well, we do! As well as keeping that dopamine level high in the winter months, having some outdoor time with friends is really good for the soul, don’t you think?

So, why not head down to the National Trust spot, Dunham Massey – just a quick tram ride away from the city centre – for a festive walk around their grounds? From a light show in the evening to feed their resident reindeer, this is such a wholesome activity to do with your friends and loved ones.

The winter activities are running from the 17^th of November until the 31^st of December, so you and your mates have loads of time to catch this amazing show – we’re definitely going to be there.

Twilight Trail – Mayfield Park

Image Source: Mayfield Park

Mayfield Park is Manchester's first city centre park in over 100 years, and this year you can experience the park after dark during the festive season. This year the park is hosting its first festive light show where you and your friends can experience the wonder of the lights for under a tenner – a no-brainer if you ask us.

With a variety of light displays over 6.5 acres, why not wrap up warm and head out for a lush evening of light displays to get the festive feelings flowing this year?

Following the park after-dark experience, you can also head to the stalls surrounding the park for something to warm you up – including some traditional Christmassy food, a scrumptious hot chocolate, and even a little shop around the stalls selling a wide range of products.

Miracle on Cross Street

Image Source: @miracleoncrossstreet

Oh, and did we mention that in Manchester, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year? Well, to celebrate, why not head down to a Miracle on Cross Street where you can step into the winter pop-up and treat yourself to some stunning festive drinks, Christmas décor, and a whole heap of festive cheer?

Serving a delicious selection of festive food and drink, we’re sure the drinks will be flowing just like the festive cheer in this place – and it even has a Christmas tree that Scrooge would love.

So jingle, jingle all the way down to Miracle on Cross Street with your friends this year and see the festive cheer for yourself.

Why not get a step into Christmas in Manchester this year and see the delights that the city has to offer? As we said before, the city thrives at Christmas so you may as well thrive with it.

Let us know of your favourite festive places and tag us on socials if we’ve missed any crackers.