The Manchester Christmas Parade is set to light up the city on Sunday 8th December 2024, kicking off at 1pm from the iconic Manchester Cathedral. This free, family-friendly event will bring festive cheer with hundreds of participants, including dancing mice, stilt-walking elves, and even a giant polar bear, creating a spellbinding visual spectacle.
The parade will wind its way through some of Manchester’s most famous streets, including Deansgate, Market Street, and Cross Street, before looping back to the cathedral. To ensure the safety of spectators and participants, several key roads will be closed from 8am, with a scheduled reopening around 5pm. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the closures:
Major Road Closures for Manchester’s Christmas Parade
The closures will begin from 8am to prepare the road, with roads expected to reopen between 4pm and 5pm once the parade has passed.
- Deansgate:
- Closure: Deansgate, from Victoria Bridge Street to Cathedral Approach
- Time: 8am to 5pm (all day)
- Victoria Street:
- Closure: Victoria Street, between Deansgate and Cathedral Approach
- Time: 8am to 5pm
- Market Street:
- Closure: Market Street, from Cross Street to Exchange Street
- Time: 11am to 3pm (during the parade’s passage)
- St Mary’s Gate:
- Closure: St Mary’s Gate, from Exchange Street to Deansgate
- Time: 11am to 3pm (when the parade is passing through)
- Cateaton Street:
- Closure: Cateaton Street, between Deansgate and Exchange Square
- Time: 11am to 3pm
- John Dalton Street (part of the parade route):
- Closure: John Dalton Street, between Deansgate and Cross Street
- Time: 11am to 3pm
Temporary Closures During the Parade
As the parade progresses through these streets, there will be temporary closures between 12pm and 2:30pm to allow the procession to pass safely:
- Deansgate (from John Dalton Street to Victoria Bridge Street)
- Cross Street (from John Dalton Street to St Mary’s Gate)
- Victoria Bridge Street (sections near Deansgate)
Suspension of Parking
To accommodate the parade’s setup and smooth execution, on-street parking will be suspended along the route starting at 6pm on Friday 6th December, until 5pm on Sunday 8th December. This applies to the streets directly affected by the parade, as well as surrounding areas where spectators are likely to park.
Metro and Tram Disruptions
- Metrolink trams between St Peter’s Square and Exchange Square will be suspended from 12pm to 2:30pm to ensure the parade can pass through without hindrance.
- Visitors are strongly encouraged to use alternative transport, especially park-and-ride options, as traffic disruptions are expected around the city centre.
Tips for Visitors
As Pat Karney, Manchester City Councillor, points out, this parade is “an absolute treat for families and little ones.” Spectators are encouraged to join the crowds and enjoy this magical event. There will be accessible viewing areas set up, including outside the Roxy Ball Room and Be At One on Deansgate, as well as near the benches outside Boots on Cross Street.
To ease traffic congestion, parking suspensions will begin at 6pm on Friday 6th December and will last until 5pm on Sunday 8th December. Visitors are strongly advised to use public transport, given the anticipated increased congestion. In fact, local authorities predict journeys by car will take around 30 minutes longer than usual, particularly between 2pm and 8pm.
Transport Alternatives and Safety Measures
Manchester is already a bustling hub during the festive season, with the Christmas Markets and other holiday events taking place. Local authorities, working closely with Transport for Greater Manchester, have urged visitors to consider using park-and-ride services or taking alternative routes to avoid the busiest areas. Peak traffic times are expected between 2pm and 8pm, so plan accordingly to avoid delays. Trams will run with increased capacity for the event.
A Family Event Not to Be Missed
The Manchester Christmas Parade, which debuted in 2022, has quickly become a must-see fixture in the city’s festive calendar. As Pat Karney rightly notes, it’s the perfect opportunity for families to experience a true Christmas spectacle in the heart of the city. Last year, thousands of people flocked to watch the parade, making it a real highlight of the Christmas season. With its colourful costumes and festive atmosphere, it’s no wonder that attendance continues to grow year-on-year.
The Manchester Cathedral remains the focal point of the celebrations, and with an expanded road, this year’s parade promises to be even more immersive. It’s the perfect moment for both young and old to enjoy the magic of Christmas, with performances and floats that will captivate the entire family.
Most Important Points to Remember:
- Date: Sunday 8th December 2024, starting at 1pm
- Start Location: Manchester Cathedral
- Road Closures: Starting at 8am, reopening around 5pm
- Trams Suspended: From 12pm to 2:30pm (St Peter’s Square to Exchange Square)
- Transport Advice: Use public transport and park-and-ride services
- Accessible Viewing Areas: Roxy Ball Room, Be At One, and near Boots on Cross Street
Local authorities are reminding everyone that the event draws in large crowds each year, so it’s advisable to plan your journey in advance to make the most of the day. More information about the Manchester Christmas Parade here.
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