A Bury Christmas To All: Festive fun, family events and seasonal celebrations coming to Bury
From Santa Specials and Christmas markets to pantomime, live music and festive dining, Bury town centre is getting ready for a magical Christmas.
Bury town centre is gearing up for a festive season packed with family entertainment, seasonal experiences, live music, Christmas shopping and plenty of opportunities to eat, drink and celebrate.
Under the campaign A Bury Christmas To All, visitors can look forward to a packed programme of activities and events throughout November and December, with something for all ages to enjoy.
Whether it’s taking the family on a magical steam train journey with the East Lancashire Railway, enjoying the Christmas pantomime at The Met, discovering festive activities at Mill Gate and The Rock, or meeting friends for a seasonal meal or night out, there’s plenty of reason to make Bury part of your Christmas celebrations.
Festive events and family fun
Some of Bury’s best-loved attractions are getting into the Christmas spirit, with a mix of traditional festive experiences and new activities taking place across the town centre.
The East Lancashire Railway’s popular Santa Specials return on selected dates from 28 November, offering families a winter-wonderland experience, complete with a steam train journey, festive characters, seasonal refreshments and a visit from Santa. SEND-friendly services and selected journeys with British Sign Language interpretation are also available.
At The Met, families can enjoy this year’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, running from 5–28 December, alongside a programme of live music and festive performances.
Mill Gate will welcome festive circus performers, host a children’s bauble-making workshop and introduce visitors to Saphira the Ice Dragon, while The Rock will offer a free Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas food fair, live performances from local bands and choirs, and its free festive land train.
There’s also plenty of traditional Christmas entertainment, with local primary school choirs performing at Bury Market on selected dates throughout December, and seasonal services and concerts taking place at Bury Parish Church.
Christmas markets, music and more
Bury’s festive programme also includes opportunities to discover local businesses, enjoy live entertainment and experience something a little different.
Casewells, Bury’s newest event, food and drink venue, will celebrate its opening from 26–29 November with live music and independent traders. On Saturday 28 November, Bury Market will bring a special festive pop-up to the venue.
Visitors can also enjoy live music at venues including Wax and Beans, West Ivy and Casewells, while Bury Art Museum and The Fusilier Museum offer opportunities to explore the town’s cultural and heritage attractions.
For those looking to add a little friendly competition to their celebrations, Hollywood Bowl and Flight & Green have festive activities and party packages available.
Festive food, drinks and nights out
Christmas is a time for getting together, and Bury’s restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars are preparing to welcome visitors with seasonal menus, special offers and festive celebrations.
From traditional Christmas dining and festive set menus at venues including Barista, Racconto Lounge, PizzaExpress and The Firepit, to independent favourites such as Alfred’s, West Ivy, Thai Smile, Panko & Sushi and Jewel in the Crown, there’s plenty of choice for a festive meal.
For something a little different, the East Lancashire Railway is also offering Christmas lunches and evening dining experiences aboard its heritage trains.
And when the meal is over, there’s no need to head home. Bury’s pubs and bars offer plenty of options for a festive get-together, from traditional pub surroundings and live music to cocktails and late-night celebrations.
Make a day of it in Bury
With shopping, attractions, entertainment and places to eat and drink all within easy reach, it’s easy to make a full day or evening of your visit.
Explore Bury Market, discover the festive activities at Mill Gate and The Rock, enjoy a family experience or catch a show at The Met before stopping for a meal or drinks with friends.
Bury is well connected by tram, bus and road, making it easy for visitors from across Greater Manchester and beyond to join in the celebrations.
Plan your Christmas visit
With so much happening throughout November and December, there’s plenty to look forward to in Bury this Christmas.
Some events and experiences require advance booking, particularly the East Lancashire Railway’s Santa Specials and performances at The Met. Visitors are encouraged to check individual venue websites for ticket availability, opening times, accessibility information and the latest event details.
Discover the full festive programme, find places to eat and drink and plan your visit at discoverbury.co.uk.
A Bury Christmas To All is part of Bury BID’s work to promote the town centre, support local businesses and encourage more people to discover everything Bury has to offer.
Come for the magic. Stay for the memories. Have a Bury Merry Christmas!
