The start of November means Christmas time is just around the corner and for towns and cities across the North West the celebrations are starting to emerge.
From Christmas light festivals, to markets full of cheerful delights and train rides to visit the big man there’s something for everyone in the lead up to the holiday season.
Greater Manchester has an abundance of fun and festive events with the Christmas markets in central Manchester beginning on Friday the 7th of November promising to showcase local vendors selling various foods, drinks and ornaments. The markets will be held in several locations around the city centre including Market Street, St Ann’s Square and Exchange Street.
The Lightwaves festival returns to Salford again this year with illuminations sweeping the Quays from the 4th until the 7th of December. The free event will include immersive, illuminated artworks as well as installations of different lights, sound and technology across a 2km trail.
Up in Bury, light switch on takes place on Saturday the 8th of November with The Rock on Goodall Street set to become the centre hub for festive excitement within the town. Chugging into the East Lancashire railway station will also be Santa’s special Christmas train which will give children a chance to visit Father Christmas and his magic Elves.
Lights up on Wilmslow on the 15th of November as from 10am until 8pm celebrations are held in the town centre during their annual Christmas lights switch on. Tameside is also set to hold a light parade entitled Northern Lights Winter Parade in Stalybridge on the same day.
The Trafford Centre has plenty to offer over the holidays. On the 15th of November, a Christmas parade is being held for families to attend at either 11:30am or 2:30pm at The Orient. Alongside this, they also have a festive ice skating rink from the 22nd of November until the 4th of January, meaning families have something to keep them occupied all season. Their big Ferris wheel also stands tall from October until January.
Bolton town centre sets to display immersive installations, vibrant street entertainment and light displays with their Put Big Light On Festival which takes place from the 22nd until the 23rd of November.
Finally, on the 7th of December, the Gately Green Christmas Lights Switch-On event takes place from 1pm until 5pm promising to give the community live music, a local business-led market place and a visit from Father Christmas himself!