Here at Manchester Arndale, there are loads of fun festive activities to enjoy over the Christmas period. Whether you’re wanting to entertain the kids over the holidays or take a well-earned break from your hectic work schedule, we’re here for you.
1. Santa’s Sleigh Ride
If you haven’t experienced this magical 4D virtual reality sleigh ride yet then you are missing out big time! Brand new to the Arndale this year, this is the perfect family attraction to enjoy with the little ones. Open until Christmas Eve, book your tickets now.
2. Send your letter to Santa
There’s still time to post your letter to Santa and receive a reply from the man himself. Help your children write their wish list and post it through Santa’s very chatty post box. Letters posted up until 17 December will receive a reply via post. Letters posted between 18-24 December will receive a reply via email.
3. Pop Up Curators Craft Market
Shop small this Christmas and visit the pop up Curators Craft Market inside Next. Their shelves are stocked with a wide range of unique handcrafted products, from Manchester-based candle makers, jewellery designers, print artists and more. Support small independent businesses and find a local, handmade gift you will fall in love with this Christmas.
4. Decorations
This year, as always, we’ve jazzed up the centre with sparkly and dazzling Christmas lights and decorations. Take a selfie or two under our brand new Merry & Bright neon bauble archway. The perfect Instagrammable spot to snap a few photos when you’re Christmas shopping. Don’t forget to share and tag us in your photos!
5. Electric Gamebox
Entertain the whole family by booking your slot at Electric Gamebox. This immersive group gaming experience is a fun and active way to keep the kids engaged. With games like Block Smash Mania, Psychedelic Mansion and more, you are guaranteed to have the best time.
6. Roxy Ballroom
We couldn’t create this fun and festive list of things to do over Christmas without including festive drinks at Roxy Ballroom. After all, it is the time to be merry. Book your slot online via their website and enjoy plenty of ballgames and even more booze.
7. Festive feast
Christmas is the time for indulging in festive food and sweet treats and at the Arndale, we have plenty of restaurants and cafes to do just that. Head to Costa Coffee and try out their range of festive drinks like their Gingerbread Latte or Blackforest Hot Chocolate. Or take a seat at PizzaLuxe and try their limited edition festive pizza!
8. Shop glam for Christmas and New Year
We have umpteen fashion and beauty stores stocked with everything you need to look and feel glamorous this Christmas and New Year. Head to Debenhams.com Beauty, Morphe and KIKO Milano and shop the best makeup and fragrances from iconic beauty brands, or shop sparkly dresses, smart suits and dazzling accessories in Next, River Island and New Look.
9. Build a festive bear at Build-A-Bear
Head to Build-A-Bear this Christmas and build an extra festive furry friend to cuddle on Christmas morning. This fun activity will see you naming, dressing and adding scent and sound to your personalised bear for you to treasure and love forever.
10. Mission Christmas
And finally, Give back this Christmas! We are still taking donations for Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas campaign until 19th December. It’s super easy, just pick up a gift (in any store) and drop it off at any Next till point, where a lovely member of their team will be waiting to collect your donation. Don’t worry, you won’t need to queue. Or if you spot one of our helpful elves on the mall this weekend you can pass your donations to them!
