Manchester's Christmas Parade is set to return this weekend, bringing festive cheer to the city streets on Sunda (7th December), and it's set to be bigger and better than ever.
The celebration, which has become a beloved December tradition since launching in 2022, welcomes back all its favourite characters whilst introducing exciting new additions for its fourth year. Organisers are inviting local community groups throughout Manchester to participate, helping inject authentic Mancunian character into what they're calling the UK's premier Christmas parade.
Spectators can look forward to Manchester's signature Elf Express making its return, complete with Santa himself aboard en route to the North Pole, supported by his dedicated team of elves. The parade will feature Nutcracker-themed Toy Soldiers gliding through on segways (and happy to pause for photos), an impish roaming Christmas tree, giant reindeer accompanied by elf handlers, a beautiful Arctic Fox, and Jack Frost with his troupe of frosty performers.
Making its debut this year is the Festive Fantasy Candyland Castle - a spectacular three-metre-tall rotating structure adorned with candy canes that promises to captivate young spectators with its magical fairytale design.
Returning fan-favourite, the Snow Queen, will once again enchant crowds from within her giant snow globe as she glides through the streets.
Music fills the entire route, with live performances from groups including the Bloco Band delivering Christmas favourites, the Fianna Phadraig Pipe Band offering festive renditions, and Elton Wrong providing piano entertainment and sing-alongs from his mobile stage.
Additional surprise festive activities will pop up throughout the city centre on the day.
Manchester City Council is collaborating with partners, including outdoor arts specialists Global Grooves, Walk the Plank, Handmade Parade, and Fools' Paradise, to ensure the 2025 parade surpasses all previous years.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: "There's nowhere that does Christmas quite like Manchester and our Christmas Parade has fast become a favourite in the city's festive calendar with Mancunians and visitors of all ages.
"Seeing the joy and wonder on the faces of everyone as they watch the parade would melt even the hardest of hearts and this year we're going all out to put on an unmissable parade that makes memories for children and families that last a lifetime."
This year's Manchester Christmas Parade will follow a route that starts and ends at Manchester Cathedral:
Manchester Cathedral - Victoria Street - Deansgate - John Dalton Street - Cross Street - Market Street - St Mary's Gate - Deansgate - Victoria Street - Manchester Cathedral
Exact timings of the parade will be confirmed nearer the parade date.
For more information about Christmas in Manchester visit manchester.gov.uk/christmas