December on Oxford Road

There are loads of things to do around Oxford Road this December, from opera’s biggest party to some of the best gigs in Manchester and more yuletide fun than you can shake a Red-Nosed Reindeer at.

There’s plenty of Christmas cheer to found around Oxford Road this December with theatre, classic cinema, Melanin Markets and much more. We’ve wrapped up some of the best Christmas on the Corridor suggestions in a handy guide below.

Parking that sleigh to one side, there are plenty more things to do around Oxford Road this December. The seventh edition of the HOME Artist Film Weekender gets the month off in fine style with a weekend inspired by the idea of worldbuilding – highlighting artists that envision alternate futures, build speculative worlds, and expand our imagination of the possible.

It’s another huge month in RNCM’s 50th-anniversary celebrations with their artists-in-residence Manchester Collective’s latest performance, Places We Know, featuring generational violinist Pekka Kuusisto. The college then welcomes Sir Stephen Hough for an exciting exploration of his works for voice and piano with students from RNCM School of Vocal Studies and Opera. Then, join RNCM for a night of farce, laughter and sensational music as their students perform Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, a rip-roaring comedy filled with deceit, betrayal, and champagne. Lots of champagne.

This month’s musical highlights include rescheduled shows from Max Cooper and Working Men’s Club. British rapper Rimzee plays at The Deaf Institute, and The Snuts have a sold-out gig at Gorilla. Ending the year in style, Jane Weaver brings festive celebrations to YES.

There are no new exhibitions this month, but Nina Chua and Daniel Silver at Castlefield Gallery, Brigitte Jurack’s Fieldnotes at HOME, Slip.Stream.Slip Part 2 at Modal Gallery and Althea McNish: Colour is Mine at The Whitworth are all well worth your time.

Here’s our pick of the top things to do this December…

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External shot of The Lass O' Gowrie one of the many pubs and bars on Oxford Road
Bars and Pubs on Oxford Road

Oxford Road is packed with a great range of bars and pubs where you can get your fill of cocktails, spirits and any other liquor you can think of. 

People laughing on University Green one of the many parks and green spaces on Oxford Road
Green Spaces

Oxford Road Corridor has a number of historic parks and contemporary green spaces to enjoy.

Food and Drink on Oxford Road

The food and drink in Manchester is some of the best in the UK with many of the finest offerings found here on the Oxford Road Corridor.

More things to do in December

exhibition At Home with the Pankhurst Family
The Pankhurst Centre | 29 August 2021 – 31 August 2025

The transformation of the Pankhurst Centre exhibition space is incredible thanks to its new permanent exhibition, At Home with the Pankhurst Family.

See what’s on
View of Circle Square from the pavilion at Symphony Park
Circle Square

Circle Square is an exciting multi-million pound, mixed-use neighbourhood, created on the site of the former BBC building on Oxford Road.

Back of Engels statue at First Street Manchester
First Street

First Street is a vibrant neighbourhood between Oxford Road and Deansgate, it is home to a number of businesses and is a popular spot for food, drink and culture.

HATCH Manchester
Hatch

Hatch is Manchester’s pop-up retail, food and drink destination on Oxford Road with something for just about everyone. It is a place to shop, eat and drink, 7 days a week at over 30 independent traders.

Where to stay

The lobby of Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester's Oxford Road Corridor
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel offers an unforgettable stay on Oxford Road Corridor in one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings.

Midland Hotel Lobby Manchester Oxford Road Corridr
The Midland Hotel

The Midland Hotel is one of the most famous places to stay in Manchester, and one of Oxford Road Corridor’s most lavishly decorated hotels.

Image of the chandelier at Holiday Inn Express Oxford Road
Holiday Inn Express

The Holiday Inn Express on Oxford Road is a centrally located hotel that offers visitors great value for money.