Details for this year’s Manchester Christmas Parade confirmed

Plans for this year’s Manchester Christmas Parade have been confirmed, with the festivities set to return for the fourth year.

The procession will be making its way through the city centre on Sun 7 Dec, welcoming the return of the Elf Express, Santa and his trusty team of elves.

Also joining will be segway-riding Nutcracker-inspired Toy Soldiers, a mischievous roaming Christmas tree, a pair of gentle giant-sized reindeer escorted by elves, a stunning Artic Fox, and Jack Frost himself, accompanied by a troupe of frosty dancers.

Brand new for this year will be the fantastic Festive Fantasy Candyland Castle. Standing over 3 metres tall and surrounded by candy canes, the whimsical fairytale turreted castle slowly rotates as it glides along. The fan-favourite Snow Queen will be back, too, sitting in her giant snowglobe and sliding through the city’s streets.

A whimsical soundtrack will feature live music from the likes of the Bloco Band, the Fianna Phadraig Pipe Band and the Elton Wrong piano man.

This year, organisers are inviting community groups across the city to be part of the parade. Those wanting to get involved are encouraged to get in touch here before Mon 27 Oct.

The city council is working with a range of partners, including outdoor arts organisations Global Grooves, Walk the Plank, Handmade Parade, and Fools’ Paradise, promising the parade’s biggest edition yet.

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.”

Manchester Christmas Parade route

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.