Almost everything, including major shopping centers like the Manchester Arndale, is closed on Christmas Day in Manchester. While most shops and supermarkets are shut, some specific restaurants (such as Indique, Toby Carvery, or Shoryu) and convenience stores may open, www.thefork.co.uk, Employment New Zealand. Public transport, specifically Metrolink, does not operate on Christmas Day.
Our Armadale flagship store will be open every day (including Mondays) right up until Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but our online store will remain open for all your festive shopping needs.
Click here for the full timetable and to see which services. Metrolink: Except Christmas Day, trams will run at least every 15 minutes every day between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve trams will run every 12 minutes with the last trams departing Manchester city centre at around 1am.
What day do the Manchester Christmas Markets close?
Manchester's Christmas Markets will open across the city on Friday 7 November and close on Monday 22 December, except for A Taste of Christmas on Albert Square and the stalls at Cathedral Gardens which will remain open throughout the Christmas period until 4 January 2026.
Visiting ALL 10 Manchester Christmas Markets in a Single Day!
Do Christmas markets stay open after Christmas?
Yes, many Christmas markets stay open after Christmas, often until New Year's Eve or the first week of January, though some traditional ones close by December 23rd or 24th. Major cities like London, Edinburgh, Prague, and various French/German locations frequently run markets through the holiday period, sometimes rebranding as New Year's markets. It's essential to check specific market dates, as they vary widely.
What is the most Christmassy street in Manchester?
🎄 For the past 5 years, Chestnut Drive has been the ultimate M33 Christmas lights destination and 2025 is no different! Once again, the residents are raising much-needed funds for Mission Christmas Cash for Kids and Karen's Kitties Stray and Feral Rescue. 🎥 David Thompson-Jones.
Yes, taxis generally run on Christmas Day, but with significantly reduced availability, higher holiday rates (often double or more), and a strong recommendation to book well in advance, as they become the primary transport option when public transit shuts down. Expect fewer drivers, higher demand, and premium pricing, so pre-booking is essential to ensure you get a ride, according to www.eaglecarsuk.com and www.supremetaxis.co.uk/christmas-taxi-service-in-oxfordshire/.
Manchester is a city full of life but Christmas takes the energy to another level. This was the UK's first city that hosted a Christmas market in 1999. The event becomes grander every year and has around 300 stunning stalls. From handicrafts to jewelries, to food items, there are a variety of things that you can buy.
There are no trading restrictions for hospitality, meaning cafés, restaurants, bars and takeaway outlets can open on Christmas Day. However, many shut their doors to give staff the day off. Several major fast-food chains open a handful of stores on Christmas Day under select hours.
On Christmas Day, almost all major shops and supermarkets in the UK (like Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, M&S, Morrisons) and big retailers (Target in the US) are closed due to mandatory closures for large stores and general practice, though some smaller convenience stores, petrol stations, and pharmacies might have limited hours. It's best to check your local store's website as exceptions exist, especially for smaller branches or locations in travel hubs like motorway services.
Christmas Day activities range from relaxing at home with movies, games, baking, and gift opening to getting out for winter walks, attending services, enjoying festive city tours (like London's lights), visiting historic homes decorated for the season, or catching a ballet like The Nutcracker. Volunteering, like helping at a community meal for the elderly, offers a meaningful alternative.
Yes, many Wetherspoons pubs are open on Christmas Day, but typically with limited hours (around 11 AM to 3 PM) and for drinks only, with food usually unavailable except in airport locations. You'll need to check the specific pub's listing on the JD Wetherspoon website or local news for exact times and confirmation, as not all branches participate.
Several national restaurant chains usually operate on Christmas Day, though hours vary by location. Commonly open options include Starbucks, McDonald's, IHOP, Waffle House, Dunkin', Denny's, Krispy Kreme and select fast-food chains. Many locations run shorter hours, so checking online before heading out is key.
December is a good time to visit Manchester. The weather is usually cold and slightly windy, with temperatures ranging from 36—44°F (2—7°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Manchester during this time.
No, most buses in the UK do not run on Christmas Day (December 25th), with Transport for London (TfL) confirming a complete shutdown in the capital, and other operators like Stagecoach also stopping services, though some smaller operators or specific routes in certain areas (like Portsmouth or parts of Surrey/Bucks) might offer very limited services, so always check local operator websites for specific details.
Uber surge pricing is when the company increases its fares for certain rides due to a shortage of drivers. Another reason is to attract more riders. Uber pricing increases by a certain percentage during rush hours or on occasions like New Year's Eve, Christmas, and other holidays.
No, trains do not run in the UK on Christmas Day (December 25th); it's a nationwide shutdown for National Rail services, with stations closed and no trains operating, though some limited services might run on Boxing Day (December 26th) and a reduced timetable typically resumes on December 27th, so always "check before you travel".
Crowned the least Christmassy town in the UK was… Luton. The city scored the lowest on the festive spirit score, making it home to the Grinchiest of souls in the country. Second place went to Bradford, followed by Southampton in third.
"Rough" areas in Manchester, known for higher crime and anti-social behavior, often cited include Moss Side, Longsight, Cheetham Hill, Harpurhey, and Wythenshawe, with neighbouring Salford also noted; however, safety can vary greatly by street, even within these districts, with regeneration efforts constantly changing local dynamics.
