Feeling festive? With this stellar line-up at The Bridgewater Hall, Christmas 2023 promises to be an absolute cracker.
Raymond Gubbay is bringing its Manchester Christmas Festival to The Bridgewater Hall from December 10 to January 3 (tickets are on sale now) and it has something for everyone.
Get into the party spirit with pop, ballads and traditional tunes galore at the glitzy All I Want for Christmas... Live! Jazz it up with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, or belt out those seasonal classics at the Christmas Carols Singalong.
You can also listen in awe as two of the greatest film composers - Hans Zimmer and John Williams - go toe to toe, or take the kids to the ever-popular Horrible Christmas.
Horrible Histories presents Horrible Christmas: When Christmas comes under threat from a jolly man dressed in red, it’s up to one young boy to save the day – but can he save Christmas?
And no Christmas is complete without the hauntingly beautiful ballet masterpiece, Swan Lake, brought to you with all the style and grace of the Varna International Ballet and Orchestra.
Here, we take a closer look at these unmissable shows...
Glenn Miller Orchestra
Thursday, December 28, 3pm
Step back in time to the golden era of swing with the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, as the UK’s most renowned big band transports you to the dance halls and jazz clubs of the 1940s.
Featuring timeless classics such as Moonlight Serenade, Chattanooga Choo Choo and In the Mood, the Glenn Miller Orchestra will deliver an unforgettable performance that will have you tapping your feet and swinging along in no time to their signature sound and infectious energy.
Book now:Glenn Miller, The Bridgewater Hall Manchester
All I Want For Christmas... Live!
Tuesday, December 19, 7.30pm
This brand-new show promises to bring joy and laughter to audiences of all ages. All I Want For Christmas… Live! boasts a spectacular blend of festive pop hits and traditional favourites, featuring a dazzling live ensemble band and four headline singers, dancers, lights and incredible live music.
No matter what Christmas means to you, All I Want For Christmas… Live! has it all. Unwrap the sound of Christmas with this unforgettable gift that will stay with you forever.
Book now: All I Want For Christmas, The Bridgewater Hall
Christmas Carol Singalong
Sunday, December 24, 3pm
Sing your way into Christmas as Jonathan Cohen leads you through magical Christmas songs and seasonal classics in one irresistibly family-friendly extravaganza. Belt out all those old favourites, White Christmas, Jingle Bells, Merry Christmas Everyone, Sleigh Ride, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Frosty the Snowman.
Oh, and all those classic carols, too, like Good King Wenceslas, O Come, All Ye Faithful, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Once in Royal David's City and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
And, with Louise Dearman (guest singer), Manchester Chorale and Manchester Concert Orchestra among the stellar performers, it promises to be an unforgettable evening.
Book now: Christmas Carol Singalong
Horrible Histories presents Horrible Christmas
Tuesday, December 26, 3pm & 5.30pm
Treat the kids to something horribly fabulous this Christmas as Birmingham Stage Company brings the ever-popular Horrible Histories to the stage - with a festive twist.
When Christmas comes under threat from a jolly man dressed in red, it’s up to one young boy to save the day – but can he save Christmas? From Victorian villains to medieval monks, Puritan parties to Tudor treats, join the hair-raising adventure through the history of Christmas in the company of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII and St Nicholas, as they all join forces to save the festive season.
It’s a celebration of Christmas in the most wonderful, funny and moving way you’ll ever see.
Book now: Horrible Christmas, The Bridgewater Hall
The Music of Zimmer vs Williams
Wednesday, December 27, 7.30pm
This epic concert celebrates the very best epic scores from two of the greatest film composers of all time, Hans Zimmer and John Williams. Brought to you by Manchester Concert Orchestra and conductor, Robert Emery, the concert features firm favourites including scores from ET, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight Rises, Star Wars, and many more.
Book now: The Music of Zimmer vs Williams
Swan Lake
Tuesday, January 2, 7pm
Wednesday, January 3, 2.30pm & 7pm
Varna International Ballet and Orchestra bring to life the greatest romantic ballet of all time.
From Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. Watch as Odile, the temptress in black tulles lures the prince from the spellbound swan queen, Odette.
The dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges - and, with high drama and emotion assured - don't forget to bring a hanky.
Book now: Swan Lake, The Bridgewater Hall
