A Bury Christmas To All: Your Festive Guide to Bury Town Centre
Make magical memories in Bury town centre this festive season.
Christmas is a special time to discover Bury. From the festive atmosphere of the town centre and the bustle of Bury Market to steam train adventures, family entertainment, live music and seasonal food and drink, there’s plenty to enjoy throughout November and December.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, meeting friends for a festive catch-up, enjoying a Christmas show or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Bury has plenty to put on your Christmas list.
We’ve brought together some of the best festive events, experiences and places to eat and drink across the town centre to help you plan your visit.
Christmas Events and Things to Do in Bury
There’s more than one way to celebrate Christmas in Bury. Take a festive steam train journey with the East Lancashire Railway, enjoy a family pantomime at The Met, discover seasonal activities at Mill Gate and The Rock, or enjoy live music and Christmas markets across the town.
From traditional carol services and creative workshops to special family experiences and nights out, there’s something happening throughout the festive season.
Here’s what’s coming up, with events organised by venue to help you plan your visit.
Alfred’s
Alfred’s 5K Santa Run
Sunday 20 December | 09:30 – 11:30. Register for free at Alfred’s website.
Get festive with Alfred’s Run Club for a Christmas 5K. Every registered participant with receive a Santa hat and exclusive medal! All abilities welcome.
Brunch with Santa
Saturday 5, 12 and 19 December | From 9.30am
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, festive activities and a special visit from Santa.
More information: alfreds-restaurant.co.uk
Bury Art Museum
Art, Heritage and Creative Sessions
Christmas Crafts, Talks and Storytime
4–23 December | Enjoy Cosy Crafts, family Christmas crafts, Christmas card-making, an aluminium decoration workshop, a Christmas Past talk and Christmas Storytime.
Most activities are free; the aluminium workshop costs £29 including refreshments. Some sessions require booking and have age restrictions.
More information and booking: Visit buryartmuseum.co.uk/What-s-On or follow Bury Art Museum on Facebook and Instagram for dates, times, age guidance and how to book.
Essential building works may restrict access to some areas.
Bury Market
Primary School Christmas Choir Performances
2, 4, 9, 11, 16 and 18 December | Morning and afternoon performances
Enjoy the sounds of Christmas as local primary school choirs bring festive carols to Bury Market.
More information: burymarket.com
For Bury Market’s Festive Pop-up on 28 November, see Casewells below.
Bury Parish Church
Enjoy some traditional Christmas music and seasonal services at the heart of the town.
Bury Hospice Light up a Life
Wednesday 2 December | 7.30pm
A special service to remember loved ones. Dedicate a light in their memory, with online dedications supporting local hospice care.
Bury Grammar School: Carols by Candlelight
Tuesday 8 December | 6pm–7pm
Annual Carol Service
Thursday 17 December | 7pm–8.30pm
Bury Parish Church Choir Christmas Concert
Friday 18 December | 12.30pm–1.30pm
Friday lunchtime concerts cost £6, payable at the door, with refreshments available from 11.15am. Check booking requirements for other services and concerts.
More information: buryparishchurch.com/upcomingevents
Casewells
Bury’s newest event, food and drink venue is opening its doors with a weekend of live music, food and independent traders.
Opening Weekend
Thursday 26 – Sunday 29 November
Celebrate with live music, food and independent traders.
Thursday 26 November: Billy Bibby (5pm), followed by Queen Live (8.30pm).
Friday 27 November: Rain City Roses and Captain Atlantic.
Saturday 28 November: Dom Morgan (1pm),Lewis Lloyd-Evans (7pm) followed by Stella Supernova (8.30pm).
Bury Market Festive Pop-up
Saturday 28 November | 10am–4pm
Curated by Bury Market, this festive pop-up brings a special market experience to Casewells as part of its opening weekend.
More information: casewells.co.uk and Instagram @casewells_socials.
East Lancashire Railway
Make Christmas extra special with a festive journey aboard one of the East Lancashire Railway’s steam trains. With seasonal decorations, entertainment and a visit from Santa, it’s a memorable experience for all ages.
Santa Specials
28–29 November; 5–6, 12–13 and 19–24 December | Multiple departures
Begin your experience at Bury Bolton Street Station with a winter-wonderland walk-through before boarding an approximately 80-minute steam train journey. Enjoy festive characters, a brass band, seasonal refreshments and a visit from Santa, with a gift for every child.
Selected services offer British Sign Language interpretation, and SEND-friendly services are also available. Advance booking is essential.
SEND Family Santa Specials
28–29 November; 5 and 22 December
An approximately 80-minute festive steam train journey designed for families and groups accompanying children and young people aged 0–17 with special educational needs and disabilities.
British Sign Language interpretation can be requested for SEND and standard Santa trains on these dates. Email events@eastlancsrailway.co.uk to arrange this before booking.
Choose your departure time when booking.
More information and booking: eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Flight & Green
RR Golf Junior Christmas Party
Sunday 13 December
A festive get-together featuring golf, darts, games and friendly competitions. £10 per person; advance booking recommended.
Christmas Party Packages
Looking for something a little different for your Christmas get-together? Flight & Green’s festive party package is ideal for work parties, groups of friends and teams.
More information and booking: rrgolf.co.uk | flightandgreen.com
The Fusilier Museum
Museum Visits and Seasonal Activities
Discover the history of the Lancashire Fusiliers and Royal Regiment of Fusiliers through the museum’s collections. Check ahead for seasonal activities, opening hours and admission information.
More information: fusiliermuseum.com
Hollywood Bowl Bury
Build-Your-Own Christmas Party
Add a little friendly competition to your Christmas celebrations at Hollywood Bowl at The Rock.
The Build-Your-Own Christmas Party package includes a festive activity, one drink per person, Santa hats and a winner’s trophy. Festive food and additional drinks are also available.
More information and booking: hollywoodbowl.co.uk/bury/groups-parties
The Met
There’s plenty of festive entertainment to enjoy at Bury’s much-loved live entertainment venue, The Met, this Christmas.
Jack and the Beanstalk
Saturday 5 – Monday 28 December | Multiple performances
Enjoy a classic festive pantomime, packed with family entertainment and Christmas magic.
A Winter Union
Thursday 10 December | 8pm
A Christmas Night Out
Friday 11 December | 7pm
St Agnes Fountain – Silver Jubilee Tour
Thursday 17 December | 8pm
More information and booking: themet.org.uk/whats-on
Check ticket prices, the complete performance schedule and accessibility information online.
Mill Gate
There’s plenty of festive fun for families at Mill Gate this Christmas, with colourful characters, creative activities and opportunities to get into the seasonal spirit.
Frozen Elf Circus Performers
Saturday 28 November | 11am–4pm
Enjoy festive circus antics, entertaining performances and Christmas cheer for the whole family.
12 Days of Christmas Online Giveaway Competition
Tuesday 1 – Saturday 12 December | Online
Snowball Bar Crafting Workshop
Saturday 5 December | 11am–4pm | Outside TJ Hughes
Get creative with a festive bauble-decorating workshop for little ones.
Bury Blind Society Gift Wrapping Service
Thursday 10 – Thursday 24 December
Saphira the Ice Dragon
Saturday 12 December | 11am–4pm
Meet the spectacular Saphira the Ice Dragon for a magical family encounter.
More information: millgatebury.co.uk/events
The Rock
There’s plenty to enjoy at The Rock throughout the festive season, from seasonal food and family entertainment to music and a free land train ride.
Christmas Food Fair
Late November – early January 2027
Enjoy a selection of festive food and treats, including the German sausage swing grill, Donut and Creperie Cottage, The Little Chocolatier and Christmas Grill House, alongside children’s rides.
Santa’s Grotto – Free
From Friday 4 December
Step into a fully accessible, candy cane-themed grotto, complete with elves and festive decorations. Every child receives a chocolate lolly, and visitors can take their own photographs.
Local Bands and Choirs
Every Saturday in December
Enjoy live festive music as a different local band or choir performs each week.
The Rock Express Land Train – Free
Saturday 12 – Thursday 31 December, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Take a festive ride between St John’s Square and Bury Parish Church. Donations are welcome in support of Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary.
More information: therockbury.com/whats-on
Vue Bury
Enjoy a festive trip to the cinema at Vue Bury, with family favourites and special seasonal screenings.
CBeebies Panto 2026: Treasure Island
From 21 November
Royal Ballet and Opera Cinema Season 2026–27: The Nutcracker
From 1 December
For the latest family films and festive screenings, check the cinema listings.
More information and booking: myvue.com/cinema/bury-the-rock/whats-on
Wax and Beans
Apollo Junction – Live and Stripped Back
Friday 11 December | 7.30pm
Christmas comes early with a special festive party featuring Apollo Junction at Bury’s independent record shop and café, Wax and Beans.
More information and tickets: waxandbeans.co.uk/pages/events-wax-and-beans
West Ivy
Paint & Sip
Thursday 26 November | 7pm
Get creative with a guided floral painting class, including canvas and materials, plus a glass of Prosecco, 0% Prosecco or a soft drink. Enjoy 10% off food before or after the event.
Live Music with Imogen Paige
Saturday 5 December and Thursday 24 December | From 12.30pm
More information and booking: westivy.co.uk
Support Bury Hospice
Bury Hospice also has a programme of festive fundraising events taking place at its premises on Rochdale Old Road, outside the town centre. If you’re looking for ways to support a valued local charity this Christmas, take a look at what’s planned.
Christmas Quiz
Friday 4 December | 6.30pm
Light up a Life
Sunday 6 December | 4pm
A service to remember loved ones and dedicate a light in their memory.
Frozen Comes to Bury Hospice
Wednesday 9 December | 1pm–3pm
More information: buryhospice.org.uk. Check individual event and booking details. For the separate town-centre Light up a Life service on 2 December, see Bury Parish Church above.
Event details can change and new activities may be added throughout the festive season. Always check with the organiser before setting out.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Christmas is also a time for getting together, and Bury has plenty of places to make an occasion of it.
Whether it’s a festive lunch with colleagues, a family meal, a Christmas Day celebration or drinks with friends, you’ll find a choice of restaurants, cafés and bars across the town centre. There are seasonal menus and special offers to enjoy, alongside familiar favourites and independent places serving everything from traditional festive dishes to something a little different.
For a special Christmas experience, you can even enjoy lunch or dinner aboard a heritage train with the East Lancashire Railway.
Here’s a taste of what’s on offer.
East Lancashire Railway
Christmas Lunch
25–27 November; 1–4, 9–11 and 16–18 December | Boarding from 12.10pm; departs 12.30pm; returns approximately 3pm.
Enjoy a three-course festive lunch aboard a restored Pullman-style carriage, complete with tea or coffee and a mince pie.
Christmas Dinner
28 November; 5, 12 and 19–23 December | Departs 7pm; returns approximately 9.30pm. Boarding from approximately 6.45pm.
Celebrate with a four-course, silver-served festive dinner while travelling through the beautiful Irwell Valley. For over-16s only.
Advance booking required. Check live availability online.
More information and booking: eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Barista
Festive Set Menu
Sunday 15 November – Thursday 24 December | Two courses £29.95; add dessert for £5.
Enjoy a choice of starters followed by festive favourites such as roast turkey, beef brisket ragu, seabass or bangers and mash. Finish with a delicious dessert, including cheesecake, chocolate ganache tart or sticky toffee pudding.
New Year’s Eve Sip & Social Brunch
Thursday 31 December | Bookings 1pm–3pm; tables allocated for two hours.
See in the New Year with a main course and three premium drinks for £37.50, with alcohol-free options, table decorations, complimentary coffee and chocolates.
Choose from brunch plates, burgers, lasagne or a festive turkey, Brie, bacon and cranberry melt.
Booking only, with a £5 deposit required.
More information and booking: baristacafebar.co.uk/events | 0161 763 4161
Racconto Lounge
Festive Menu
19 November – 31 December, excluding 25 December
Located at 4 Clerke Street, Racconto Lounge is serving a two- or three-course festive menu, including turkey with a Lounge twist and pigs-in-blanket mac and cheese, alongside vegetarian and vegan choices.
Closed on Christmas Day.
More information and booking: thelounges.co.uk/christmas | 0161 763 1344
PizzaExpress
Festive Dining – The Rock
Enjoy festive celebrations with a starter and main for £20.
The festive lunch offer includes a selected main and drink for £12, while seasonal pizzas include the Christmas Crackler and Festive Five Cheese.
The £12 lunch offer runs from 3 November – 11 December, Monday to Friday until 3pm. Menu items vary by region.
More information and booking: pizzaexpress.com/christmas | 0161 763 3655
The Firepit
Christmas Day Dining
Friday 25 December | Adults £95; children £50
Celebrate Christmas Day with a three-course menu featuring traditional turkey, vegan Wellington and signature steak choices.
Full payment and pre-orders are required by 1 December.
More information: thefirepitrestaurant.co.uk/locations/bury
More Places to Eat
Alongside the seasonal menus and special offers, Bury has plenty of places to enjoy a meal or take a break during your festive visit.
Alfred’s, The Rock
Enjoy modern British dining in Bury town centre during your Christmas shopping trip or seasonal get-together. Contact the restaurant about festive dining options.
alfreds-restaurant.co.uk | 0161 302 4006
Nando’s, The Rock
Enjoy PERi-PERi favourites during your festive shopping trip. Online eat-in bookings are not available.
nandos.co.uk/restaurants/bury-manchester | 0161 762 0409
West Ivy, 2 Rock Place, The Rock
Gather for hanging skewers, steaks, burgers and comfort dishes, or enjoy the restaurant’s signature afternoon tea. Contact West Ivy about seasonal dining and group celebrations.
westivy.co.uk | 0161 376 8316
Thai Smile, 93 The Rock
Spice up your celebrations with a visit to Thai Smile. Its festive and New Year’s Eve menu includes tamarind duck, tamarind prawns, scallops and fish dishes.
thaismile-restaurant.co.uk | 0161 222 8282
Panko & Sushi, 103 The Rock
Enjoy hand-rolled sushi and pan-Asian street food for a shopping break or town-centre meal.
Fratelli Della Pizza, at The Met, Market Street
Enjoy New York-style pizza and sides before a show or as part of your town-centre visit.
Jewel in the Crown, 102 Bolton Street
Enjoy Indian cuisine in Bury town centre. Contact the restaurant about Christmas parties and Christmas Day dining.
jewelinthecrownbury.co.uk | 0161 764 2211
Details are supplied by individual businesses and may change. Book directly and confirm dietary, accessibility and cancellation requirements.
Make a Night of It: Bury’s Bars and Pubs
The festive fun doesn’t have to end when the shops close. Bury has a varied selection of traditional pubs, lively bars and independent venues where you can catch up with friends, enjoy a few drinks or make a night of your Christmas celebrations.
Discover Broad Street Social for a beer-focused bar, The Two Tubs, The Bank, The Robert Peel and The Old White Lion for traditional pub character, or Murphy’s on Silver Street.
Marketside Tavern also hosts live music and events, while The Trackside offers a railway-platform setting at Bury Bolton Street Station.
For cocktails and late-night party vibes, head to Monkey House, Sky Bar or The Dog House.
Whether you’re planning a Christmas get-together or looking for somewhere to continue the celebrations after a show or meal, there’s plenty of choice.
Explore more local venues: discoverbury.co.uk
Make a Day of It in Bury
Why not turn your festive visit into a full day out?
Start with a wander around Bury Market, where you can browse the stalls and pick up Christmas treats and gifts. Take in the festive activities and entertainment at Mill Gate and The Rock, before stopping for lunch or a warming seasonal drink.
If you’re visiting with family, there’s plenty to keep younger visitors entertained, from the East Lancashire Railway’s Santa Specials to the pantomime at The Met and festive activities around the town centre.
For an afternoon or evening visit, catch a show, enjoy some live music or settle in for a festive meal with friends.
With shopping, attractions, entertainment and places to eat and drink all within easy reach, it’s easy to combine a few different experiences into one visit.
Plan Your Festive Visit
Bury town centre is well connected by Metrolink tram, bus and road, making it easy to plan a festive visit from across Greater Manchester and beyond.
Many of the events and performances featured in this guide require advance booking, particularly the Santa Specials and popular theatre productions. Check individual venue websites for ticket availability, opening times, accessibility information and any changes to their programmes before travelling.
For more inspiration, local business information, what’s on listings and ideas for things to see and do, visit Discover Bury.
Come for the magic. Stay for the memories.
From family adventures and festive entertainment to great food, independent businesses and a warm welcome, there’s plenty to discover in Bury this Christmas.
Make time for a visit, support the businesses that make our town special and enjoy everything Bury has to offer.
Have a Bury Merry Christmas!
Festive activities and events across Bury are supported by Bury BID and the businesses of Bury town centre.
