Step into Christmas at The Royal Exchange Manchester and behold a magical shopping experience. The iconic arcade has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland, with white Christmas trees lining the walkway, festive floral arches welcoming visitors at both entrances and a sleigh installation providing the perfect setting for a festive photo. The Royal Exchange is the destination for all shopping needs this Christmas, with its world-renowned designers, high-street fashion and chic boutiques you won’t find elsewhere.

Donation Appeal

It’s the season of giving and The Royal Exchange are encouraging shoppers to kindly make a donation to Lifeshare, a local charity who work tirelessly to help homeless and vulnerable people in Manchester and Salford. A QR code can be found on posters located around the destination to make donating as quick and easy as possible. Visitors who enjoyed the Christmas decorations can make a one-off contribution from £5, which buys a breakfast for one, to £57.50 that covers the cost of a Christmas Dinner for a whole table. The same Lifeshare project served a staggering 2,500+ meals last Christmas, so The Royal Exchange are determined to help the charity do the same or even better this year.

You can donate what you can to help. There are multiple options available:

• £5 – One Breakfast
• £11.50 – One Christmas dinner
• £20 – A month’s worth of breakfasts
• £57.50 – Buy Christmas Dinner for a whole table

You can donate HERE

Christmas Activities

The Royal Exchange advent calendar is bursting with musical acts to entertain guests and get toes tapping throughout the festive season. On Sunday 26th November, The Victorian Carol Singers will be returning to perform a selection of classic Christmas carols in beautiful festive harmony from 12:30-4pm. Award-winning ensemble, Northern String Quartet are set to delight shoppers on Sunday 3rd December from 12-4pm with festive favourites. A harpist will be serenading guests on Sunday 10th December from 12-4pm and a saxophonist will be captivating shoppers on Sunday 17th December between 12-4pm.

Festive Sundays

The musical acts coincide with the various events taking place across the city, including St Ann’s Square. As well as the Manchester Markets where guests can enjoy food, drinks and crafts, Festive Sundays are back and bigger than ever. Expect everything from a giant snow globe and arctic fox puppet, to enchanted walking trees and living lampposts.

• Sunday, November 26th, Magical Christmas Performances will take place from 12-7pm at St Ann’s Square and other locations.
• Sunday, December 3rd, will witness Manchester’s Christmas Parade across the city centre.
• Sunday, December 10th, and 17th, a Toy Procession will take over St Ann’s Square at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm.

Brought to you by CityCo, Manchester is coming together to celebrate the festive season. Find out more HERE.

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Individual store opening times at The Royal Exchange vary.