The Spirit of Christmas is here
This Christmas, there’s something special for everyone to enjoy at the Arndale.
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Visit Candy Cane Central to enjoy free and low-cost activities or donate gifts to help others in your local community. You can also enjoy amazing food and drink, shop to your heart’s content, or visit one of our leisure venues – and don’t forget to snap selfies along the way under our disco-themed decorations!

The Spirit of Christmas
Take a whistlestop tour of Christmas at the Arndale this year and see how we’re helping others. Watch our brand-new Christmas video, The Spirit of Christmas, before planning your visit!
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All Aboard Santa’s Sleigh
Santa’s virtual reality sleigh ride is back, offering the perfect family attraction during the Christmas period! Once aboard Santa’s Sleigh, you’ll be seamlessly transported into the sky for a fully immersive 4D experience and a truly festive feast for the eyes!
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Send your letter to Santa
After your magical trip on Santa’s Sleigh, pay a visit to Santa’s Postbox to send your letters to the main man himself. Enjoy the rest of your visit to Manchester Arndale and then head home to wait for your reply from Santa!
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Free events for the kids
We know Christmas can be an expensive time, so we’ve put together a schedule of FREE festive events to bring magic to your little ones! Head to Candy Cane Central in the lead up to Christmas to enjoy a whole host of activities, whether it’s our pop-up cinema and festive craft classes, or storytelling with Santa and Christmas dance lessons with Eli the Elf!
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Giving Grotto
We’re helping our local community this Christmas by taking donations on behalf of our charity partner Mustard Tree. From warm clothing to children’s toys, we’ll be accepting items from 22 November to 24 December at the Giving Grotto. Please read more to see how you can help.
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Real Change MCR
You can also help Manchester’s homeless community by donating cash directly to Real Change MCR. Read more about the charity and their work and learn how to donate.
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A Feast For The Eyes
We’ve done a spot of redecorating to bring a bit of extra sparkle to your shopping trip this Christmas.
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