{"id":598335,"date":"2025-11-28T02:22:23","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T02:22:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/598335\/"},"modified":"2025-11-28T02:22:23","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T02:22:23","slug":"shaun-the-sheep-sculpture-trail-appears-across-manchester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/598335\/","title":{"rendered":"Shaun the Sheep Sculpture trail appears across Manchester"},"content":{"rendered":"

Art & Culture<\/p>\n

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 1 \u2013 7 December 2025<\/p>\n


\n \"Emily
\n Emily Sergeant
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

We did it, we made it to the end of the year \u2013 December is finally here.<\/strong><\/p>\n

With less than a month to go until Christmas Day, Greater Manchester<\/a><\/strong> is looking as festive as ever now. There\u2019s dozens of light trails and Christmas events to be getting involved with, not to mention the iconic Manchester Christmas Markets have kicked off for 2025 too, so there\u2019s loads to do throughout our region this week.<\/p>\n

Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We\u2019ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our \u2018what\u2019s on<\/strong><\/a>\u2018 guide.<\/p>\n

Both free things and those that\u2019ll set you back a few pennies are featured.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Manchester Christmas Markets 2025<\/p>\n

Manchester City Centre<\/p>\n

Monday 1 December \u2013 onwards<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nManchester Christmas Markets 2025 \/ Credit: Manchester City Council<\/p>\n

It\u2019s that time of year once again\u2026 Manchester Christmas Markets are here for 2025.<\/p>\n

The iconic annual event is an absolute staple in Manchester\u2019s festive events calendar, and always draws in thousands of visitors from all across the globe \u2013 with hundreds of stalls across several sites now lining the streets of our city this year.<\/p>\n

Visitors can tuck into a wide range of festive foods and drinks, and shop for Christmas gifts from countless independent traders.<\/p>\n

\n

Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 here<\/a><\/strong>, and check out the full round-up of drinks prices from all the traders here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Northern Lights<\/p>\n

Heaton Park<\/p>\n

Monday 1 \u2013 Wednesday 31 December<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"Northern
\nNorthern Lights \/ Credit: Supplied<\/p>\n

Heaton Park has been transformed into a glowing world of wonder, as one of the UK\u2019s most celebrated festive light trails has made its Manchester debut.<\/p>\n

Already a hit in other major northern cities such as Leeds and Newcastle, Northern Lights \u2013 the acclaimed light trail from the team behind established music festivals Kendal Calling and Bluedot \u2013 has descended on our city\u2019s largest park, bringing its cinematic visuals, choreographed soundscapes, and festive atmosphere along with it.<\/p>\n

\n

The mile-long route features 16 large-scale installations, each synchronised to bespoke soundtracks creating a 90-minute experience like no other. <\/p>\n

Find out more and book your tickets here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Skate Manchester 2025<\/p>\n

Cathedral Gardens<\/p>\n

Monday 1 December \u2013 onwards<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nSkate Manchester 2025 \/ Credit: Supplied<\/p>\n

What\u2019s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?<\/p>\n

Back once again for 2025, ready for families, friends, and festive fun seekers to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas, Skate Manchester is festive staple in Cathedral Gardens.<\/p>\n

Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink for another year.<\/p>\n

\n

This year, there\u2019s also a giant turbine by\u00a0Octopus Energy that\u2019s\u00a0partially-powering the rink too, and you can skate around it while enjoying the ski scene in the globe.<\/p>\n

Find out more and grab tickets here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Lanterns and Light 2025<\/p>\n

Chester Zoo<\/p>\n

Monday 1 December 2025 \u2013 3 January 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nLanterns and Light 2025 \/ Credit: Chester Zoo<\/p>\n

The dazzling Lanterns and Light trail has returned to Chester Zoo for the winter.<\/p>\n

Over the past couple of years, Lanterns and Light has proved to be such a success that it\u2019s developed into one of the North West\u2019s biggest and longest-running festive light trails, and all profits from the event support the zoo\u2019s charitable mission to prevent wildlife extinction.<\/p>\n

The zoo has transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland with colour-changing forests, glowing animals, show-stopping puppets and, brand-new for this year, a host of new immersive installations.<\/p>\n

Find out more here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Santa Specials<\/p>\n

East Lancashire Railway<\/p>\n

Monday 1 \u2013 Wednesday 24 December<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nSanta Specials \/ Credit: ELR<\/p>\n

East Lancashire Railway\u2019s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas.<\/p>\n

Running right through until Christmas Eve, ELR\u2019s \u2018Santa Specials\u2019 are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make \u201cenchanted memories\u201d that last a lifetime.<\/p>\n

The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of\u00a0Christmas\u00a0for many\u00a0families\u00a0in the North West, and there\u2019s still some tickets left available.<\/p>\n

\n

Find out more and grab ticket here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Christmas at Dunham Massey 2025<\/p>\n

Dunham Massey<\/p>\n

Monday 1 December 2025 \u2013 Sunday 4 January 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Christmas<\/p>\n

\"There's
\nChristmas at Dunham Massey \/ Credit: Supplied<\/p>\n

A magical illuminated trail has made it returns to the historic Dunham Massey, filling the grounds with twinkling lights and dazzling installations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Christmas at Dunham Massey has become one of the North West\u2019s most popular festive light trails, created by award-winning light trail producers, and for 2025, there\u2019s a whole host of brand-new installations to see.<\/p>\n

Visitors will get to walk through multicoloured landscapes of laser beams, while a projection on the facade of the historic house at Dunham Massey will narrate festive stories.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Find out more and book your tickets here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

The Grotto 2025<\/p>\n

Trafford Centre<\/p>\n

Monday 1 December \u2013 onwards<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nThe Grotto 2025 \/ Credit: Supplied<\/p>\n

The Grotto has returned to the Trafford Centre for the festive season.<\/p>\n

This year, the shopping centre is taking things up a notch too, as The Grotto is described as being a \u2018joyful\u2019 and \u2018interactive\u2019 adventure where you\u2019ll become part of a magical mission \u2013 saving Christmas cheer.<\/p>\n

To make the experience accessible to all, specially-tailored\u00a0Whispering Winter\u00a0sessions with softer lighting, quieter music, and fewer visitors will create a calm and inclusive environment for every child to enjoy the magic of Christmas.<\/p>\n

Find out more and get tickets to The Grotto here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Believe! The Polar Express Experience<\/p>\n

Victoria Warehouse<\/p>\n

Monday 1 \u2013 Wednesday 31 December<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Believe! The Polar Express Experience has landed in Manchester.<\/p>\n

Having taken over Victoria Warehouse, this is an immersive walk-through experience, inspired by the timeless Christmas classic. You\u2019ll be taken through the story in its entirety, stepping into the Polar Express carriage as a passenger and arriving to a festive Northern Lights display at your final destination \u2013 the North Pole, of course.<\/p>\n

Photo opportunities are available throughout the experience too\u2026 yep, even with the big guy himself, so make sure to get snapping.<\/p>\n

Find out more and book tickets here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Yuletide 2025<\/p>\n

Tatton Park<\/p>\n

Monday 1 December \u2013 onwards<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Wild<\/p>\n

\"Yultide
\nYuletide at Tatton Park \/ Credit: Tatton Park \/ Emma Croman<\/p>\n

One of winter\u2019s top events, Yuletide, has returned to Tatton Park\u2019s Gardens.<\/p>\n

The magical winter adventure has, once again, brough a glittering light trail and theatrical, immersive performance to the famous beauty spot.<\/p>\n

This unique fusion of Christmas light trail and winter family festival is now in its third year, and will debut brand-new features and performances for 2025. As visitors wander the Yuletide event, they\u2019ll be treated to everything from sparkling light installations to impressive fire juggling shows.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

Audiences are invited to step into a world of winter folklore, filled with live music, cosy campfire stories, and plenty more.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Find out more and get tickets here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Land of Lights 2025<\/p>\n

Gulliver\u2019s World<\/p>\n

Monday 1 December \u2013 onwards<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Land<\/p>\n

\"Land<\/p>\n

\"Land
\nLand of Lights at Gulliver\u2019s World \/ Credit: The Manc Group<\/p>\n

The magical Land of Lights has returned to Gulliver\u2019s World once again.<\/p>\n

After proving to be a huge success the past two years, the one-mile trail showcases a huge array of lanterns and displays, creating a wondrous, wild, and magical atmosphere that\u2019s suitable for all ages, and this year, there\u2019s even some new additions. <\/p>\n

\n

Alongside returning favourites, visitors can now experience all-new lanterns filled with light and colour inspired by the wonders of nature.<\/p>\n

Find out more and book tickets here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

The Curling Club<\/p>\n

New Jackson<\/p>\n

Monday 1 December 2025 \u2013 28 February 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"LuxuryThe Curling Club \/ Credit: Justin De Souza (Supplied)<\/p>\n

A pop-up curling rink has opened right beneath the skyscrapers in Manchester city centre for the winter.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Already a top attraction in London, The Curling Club has now arrived launch at the foot of the Deansgate Square towers, and as well as the state-of-the-art curling lanes, where Mancs can slide and shove their stones along the rink to giant bullseyes, there\u2019ll be plenty more entertainment for the party season at the alpine-themed winter village.<\/p>\n

The Curling Club has also brought apres-ski bars to the New Jackson district too, with DJs, dancers, and festive food.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Find out more and get your tickets here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Winter Island & Twilight Tales<\/p>\n

Freight Island<\/p>\n

Monday 1 \u2013 23 December<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Christmas has taken over\u00a0Freight Island, as Winter Island and Twilight Tales open for the festive season.<\/p>\n

Twilight Tales is a brand-new outdoor immersive light and story experience, with interactive installations, marshmallow toasting, a Moth Drinks bar, and more. <\/p>\n

While Winter Island has returned for another year, bringing you the most delicious festive comfort food from traders like Nell\u2019s, Ornella\u2019s Kitchen, the all-new V. Goode Pies, and Oh My Cheesecake to finsih things off and satisfy your sweet tooth.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

GRUB On The Docks: Christmas Crossover<\/p>\n

MediaCity<\/p>\n

Monday 1 \u2013 Tuesday 13 December<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Wholesome<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Manchester\u2019s award-winning street food market GRUB has returned for a festive takeover with a lineup of tasty vendors.<\/p>\n

GRUB On The Docks: Christmas Takeover has transformed the On The Docks site into a cosy, seasonal hub for residents, workers, and visitors.<\/p>\n

Taking place now across three long weekends from Wednesday to Saturday right up until 13 December, you can expect great food, winter drinks, festive entertainment, a selection of community-led experiences curated in true GRUB style, and even a mini Christmas market.<\/p>\n

Find out more here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Lightwaves Salford 2025<\/p>\n

Salford Quays<\/p>\n

Thursday 4 \u2013 Sunday 7 December<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nLightwaves Salford 2025 \/ Credit: Dave Sloan | Liz West<\/p>\n

After having successfully lit up MediaCity like never before in recent years, and going on to become an undeniable winter season highlight in Greater Manchester, Lightwaves Salford is set to return this weekend.<\/p>\n

Presented by Quays Culture, the popular festival is returning for its twelfth year, and there\u2019ll be 12 illuminated artworks\u00a0along a 1.5km fully-accessible trail around MediaCity and Salford Quays.<\/p>\n

The mesmerising immersive experience will include installations of different scale, all making use of light, sound, and technology in innovative ways.<\/p>\n

Find out more here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

FOODIE FEASTS<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a selection of the tasty new and returning traders that you NEED to check out at Manchester Christmas Markets this year.<\/p>\n

From comfort food, to sweet treats, and everything in between.<\/p>\n

Fancy a proper good pie?<\/p>\n

\n

Our piggy little prayers have been answered \u2013 you can finally get your hands on proper British pies at the Manchester Christmas Markets.<\/p>\n

You may know that Great North Pie Co have been a staple at the Markets for years, but it\u2019s always been with pies you take home to heat for your tea\u2026 not this time though, as this year they\u2019ve got an actual pie and mash bar.<\/p>\n

They\u2019re currently serving up their award-winning bakes on a bed of fluffy mashed potato, with lashings of steaming hot onion gravy.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Partial to some cheesy pasta? Aren\u2019t we all.<\/p>\n

\n

Everybody\u2019s favourite pasta from a cheese wheel is back this year.<\/p>\n

Pasta Claus is the Italian themed pop-up serving all the classics. We\u2019re talking the OG carbonara, cacio e pepe, and a pesto burrata number \u2013 the options are endless. There\u2019s even thick cut slices of Lasagne too, with layers of beef rag\u00f9, b\u00e8chamel sauce, and lashings of parm.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re dreaming of a cheesy Christmas, get this one added to your list.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Is piping hot goulash in a bread bowl more up your street?<\/p>\n

\n

When we\u2019re after comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty stew or a warm bowl of roasties, right?<\/p>\n

Enter Roasties Haus, brought to you by the team behind Drip Haus.\u00a0We\u2019re talking fluffy roasted tatties piled high with all the festive trimmings, and of course, a big tub of gravy to pour, dip, and devour every last bite.<\/p>\n

But wait, they\u2019re not stopping there. These legends are also serving Austrian goulash in a bread bowl, because nothing screams comfort and warmth like a hearty, loaded soup and crusty bread.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Is your sweet tooth craving tiramisu? Ours certainly is.<\/p>\n

\n

These gorgeous little boxes of tiramisu have been going viral on TikTok, so we made a beeline to the Manchester Christmas Markets to grab one for ourselves.<\/p>\n

Misu Tiramisu have brought nine different flavours of their handcrafted Italian desserts to Piccadilly Gardens.<\/p>\n

You can tuck into flavours including classic, pistachio and lemon, as well as festive flavours like Black Forest, gingerbread, and orange chocolate, all served in these beautiful little boxes.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Featured Image \u2013 Chester Zoo | The Manc Group | Dunham Massey<\/p>\n