First day of Christmas celebrations

Manchester is adding a little sparkle to its streets this Christmas with its first ever First Day of Christmas celebrations, filled with a magical line-up of family-friendly entertainment across the city centre.

Organised by Manchester Business Improvement District, the city-wide event will see more than 50 performers appear on the city’s streets throughout the day as they help Manchester celebrate the first day of Christmas, bringing festive joy to all.

Taking place on Saturday 13 November 2021 to surprise and delight, the day after the city’s popular Christmas Markets open, visitors will be transported to a winter wonderland like no other, filled with festive characters, illuminations, live music plus lots, lots more.

Bringing true Scandinavian magic to the streets of Manchester, visitors can meet the beautiful puppet Aurora and her Arctic Fox in an unmissable roaming performance on Exchange Square by Global Grooves, whilst stilt walking reindeers will also be making their way into the city centre.

Be transported to Narnia at The Royal Exchange Manchester and meet the Ice Queens at Photo Corner and don’t miss The Living Lamp Posts as they illuminate Manchester’s finest shopping streets.

See something spectacular this Christmas and visit Manchester’s very own life-size Snow Globe Queen as she entertains crowds on St Ann’s Square and be ready to waddle your way through the city centre with The Penguin Family and Crumpet the Elf as they try to find their way back to the North Pole.

Families can also get in the festive mood with live brass music in the afternoon with Bloco Brass Band and in the evening SPARK! Band’s one of a kind light up Christmas Music Show and don’t forget to encounter performers from our Winter Circus as they welcome you into the city off Deansgate and onto Market Street.

The event is free and locations and times of acts may change on the day. For event updates, visit www.visitmanchester.com