Whether you’re studying abroad or are just away from family traditions, making Manchester feel like home this Christmas could feel challenging. However, with the right approach, it can also be an opportunity to create new memories and embrace the festive season.
The University of Manchester is known for hosting a diverse environment, as it welcomes students from all around the world. Around 45% of its students are international, not including exchange students who approach the figure of 500 each semester. This means that a significant group of people spend Christmas away from their families, but even though the holidays are known for being spent at home with loved ones, it’s possible to have a great festive season while being away from them and is a key opportunity to have an authentic English Christmas experience!
From activities organised by the SU to fun festive stuff to do around the city, Manchester can feel like home. And here is everything you need to know!
UoM during Christmas
The University will close for Christmas at 5pm on Friday 20th December 2024, and reopen on Thursday 2nd January 2025. During the university’s closure period, there will be student support systems for mental health systems, safety support, among others. Find out more here.
The Students Union has planned activities along with some of the societies of the university. The International Society, to name one, has planned activities that go from day-trips to craft activities. These will take time between the 16th and the 20th of December. More information about this can be found on their Instagram account @internationalsociety.
The SU’s Advice Service will close for the Christmas break from 4:00PM on Friday the 20th of December, and will reopen on Thursday the 2nd of January at 10:00AM. Information about their support over Christmas break, from academic to mental health issues, can be found here.
Staying in your accommodation
Halls of residences operate as normal all year round, so you can stay comfortably in your accommodation during the Christmas break. Events will be run in each one of the university’s halls, from Christmas crafts sessions to a special gathering on the 24th of December. You can find more information about the activities here.
British Christmas traditions
If you’re looking to have a British Christmas experience during your time here for the holidays, here are some traditions that will help you achieve it:
In the UK, Christmas adverts have become a cherished tradition for the festive season. These highly anticipated commercials, produced by major retailers like Marks & Spencer, and Sainsbury’s, are more than just advertising, they are an integral part of British holiday culture.
Christmas Pantomimes are also a British tradition. Also known as “pantos”, these musical comedy shows, performed during the winter months, are popular among families and often draw inspiration from classic fairy tales or fables like Cinderella or Aladdin. Their jokes, lively songs, and performances make them special and an essential part of Christmas celebrations in the UK. Information about Pantomimes in Greater Manchester can be found here.
When it comes to sweet treats, mince pies are a must try. Despite their name, they contain no meat. They are small pastry tarts filled with a sweet mixture of dried fruits, spices, and sometimes a touch of brandy. Another essential is the Christmas pudding, a rich and dense dessert made with dried fruits, suet, and spices, traditionally steamed for hours and flambéed with brandy before serving.
Equally iconic are the Christmas crackers, festive party favors pulled apart at the dinner table with a “pop,” revealing small gifts, paper crowns, and jokes inside.
If you stay around the area, the Manchester Christmas markets are an excellent way to keep the festive spirit alive. Whether it is in Manchester or its surroundings, the variety of food, drinks and Christmas stuff offered at the markets will never fail to bring up the Christmas spirit. These will stay open until December 22nd, operating every day from 10am to 9pm.
More Christmas activities will be taking place in Manchester, like the Christmas lights trail, the ice skating rink and Manchester Christmas Parade 2024. More information about this can be found here.
