As the winter chill descends upon the bustling streets of Manchester, the city dons its sparkling holiday attire, and its vibrant nightlife scene comes alive with the spirit of the season. If you’re seeking to revel in the warmth of good company, delicious drinks, and a touch of Yuletide charm, Manchester’s Christmas bars offer a treasure trove of festive feels, from swanky rooftop bars to cosy pubs.
So, join us as we embark on a journey through the heart of this northern gem, unveiling the most spirited destinations to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. From twinkling lights to mulled wine, there’s no better way to make merry this year than by exploring the best Christmas bars in Manchester.
Be sure to check out our guide to the best Christmas bars in London, too!
7 Best Winter Bars in Manchester for Christmas 2023
The Oast House
First up on our list of the best Christmas bars in Manchester is The Oast House – an annual festive fixture of the winter months in this northern city. This tipi-shaped Manchester Christmas bar provides a warming escape from the chill of the city’s bustling streets, with everything from live music and twinkling fairy lights to steaming mugs of mulled wine and loaded pies to fuel you through last-minute gift shopping.
Inside, The Oast House boasts alpine-themed decor, complete with roaring fire pits to warm your hands and plenty of seating to share with loved ones. Chat with friends over a classic espresso martini or try something new with a blood orange spritz. Not a cocktail fan? Not to worry; this winter bar in Manchester is well-stocked with the finest ales, too, from refreshing lagers and fruity crafts to IPA’s and pale ales. And no Christmas bar in Manchester would be complete without a mulled wine or two.
All those festivities can be hungry work, so be sure to check out the food menu too. Indulge in a sharing deli board or something from the grill, or feast on their staple: loaded fries. We’d recommend trying the Northern Poutine – a hearty dish of chunky chips with bone marrow gravy and Shorrock’s Lancashire cheese – a take on the classic Canadian speciality and the perfect warming treat for a December lunch, dinner or snack.
The Whiskey Jar
By far one of the coolest bars in Manchester, The Whiskey Jar is also one of the most Christmassy. Set within a Grade II-listed restored textile mill and spread across two floors, this winter bar in Manchester has something for everyone. With two separate bars, you can choose to be in with the party or have a quiet drink tucked away in a cosy corner. Inside, the decor is rustic and boasts tons of festive decor, from a red-bow decorated tree to twinkling fairy lights and wreaths hung against the exposed brick walls.
When it comes to the drinks, as the name might suggest, this Manchester Christmas bar specialises in whiskey. In fact, with 50 tipples to choose from, The Whiskey Jar is the largest purveyor of American whiskies in the city. Whether it’s classics like Jack Daniels and Jim Bean or lesser-known micro-distilleries, there’s something to suit all palettes. While you drink, enjoy live music from some of the city’s most talented musicians.
Bar Hütte
If you’re looking for an alpine retreat to kick-start your holiday season, Bar Hütte might just be the best Christmas bar in Manchester for you. Having become an annual feature of Great Northern Square, this winter Manchester bar is a firm favourite among local and visitors alike. Made up of a bunch of rustic outdoor huts, a trendy terrace bar, and a cosy indoor lodge, it’s the perfect spot for an intimate date night or catch-up with friends.
With an apres ski theme throughout, each Christmas hut is decorated as a wintry ski chalet, complete with everything from sparkling lights, toasty heat lamps, and even a karaoke machine. And this Manchester Christmas bar caters for all, including your dog. Bark Hütte is a cute doggy grotto, where your pup will be pampered with pawsecco and complimentary treats. After all, why should doggies miss out on the yuletide cheer?
As for the (human) drinks, you’ll find all kinds of festive cocktails on the menu. Our favourite was the bombardino – filled with hot rum and eggnog. While you sip on Christmassy cocktails and soak up the alpine atmosphere, why not treat yourself to one of their delicious oven-baked pizzas?
20 Stories
If you’re after festive celebrations with a view, 20 Stories is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas rooftop bars in Manchester. Situated on the 20th floor, each Christmas, this restaurant/cocktail bar transforms its rooftop terrace into a winter wonderland, under a canopy of trees and dramatic lighting. Roaring al fresco fireplaces are dotted along the terrace, creating a cosy atmosphere against the magnificent backdrop of the Manchester skyline.
When it comes to the menu, all the cocktails are inspired by the wintry months. Alternatively, pick a mug of mulled wine, a beer, or a mocktail, or even a hot chocolate- there’s something for everyone. Going with a group? Why not book out one of their giant snow globes, which come complete with snug blankets and heaters.
Albert’s Schloss
This Bavarian-inspired bar sure knows how to do Christmas right, and it starts at the entrance. Complete with two huge Christmas trees, you’ll be welcomed into a cosy space with real fires, a network of beer pipes, and hordes of adoring punters. So, if beer’s your thing, this might be the best Manchester Christmas bar for you. If it’s not, don’t worry; Albert Schloss also has a range of delightful Alpine cocktails, homemade Schnapps, a good wine list, and ‘push for prosecco’ buttons on every table.
Be sure to sample their food menu, too! Serving up indulgent alpine dishes from their Cook Haus, you’ll find hearty traditional European dishes that are sure to hit the spot. From Tyrolean schnitzel to Spatzle and fondue and many many more, you can enjoy your winter feast alongside roaring fires and live performances.
Ramona
If pizza’syour festive treat of choice, look no further than Ramona, one of the best Christmas bars in Manchester for cocktails and slice. Having only opened in 2021, this Manchester winter bar quickly cemented itself as one of the city’s favourites, no matter the season. Settng up a stunning ‘Winter Village’, guests can retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city streets to their tipi and warm up by the open campfire.
Drinks-wise, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmassy cocktails. But it’s the Detroit-style pizza, served by the square slice, that really steals the show here. The toppings are kept fairly basic but they pack a punch, so no need to complicate things; think the classic Margherita, mushroom, pepperoni, ham & pineapple, and Korean BBQ jackfruit. If that wasn’t enough, there’s plenty of live music to enjoy, too.
The Black Friar Salford
Dating back to 1886, The Black Friar is a beautifully restored English pub that offers one of the best places in Manchester for Christmas drinks. Around the back of the pub is a large, open courtyard which, come the winter months, hosts a pop-up winter tavern, complete with open fires, fluffy blankets, and stunning candle-lit feasts.
When it comes to their Christmas menu they’ve got plenty of festive favourite to fill your boots. Think wild mushroom truffle soup and ham hock & root veg terrine for starter; Cheshire turkey ballotine or seasonal vegetable stew for main; and tiramisu yule log, apple crumble, or orange and almond olive oil cake for dessert. The drinks menu features a good range, whether you want wine, beer, spirits or cocktails.
Now you’ve discovered the best Christmassy bars in Manchester, be sure to check out our guide to the most Christmassy pubs in London, too!
Techno-Mads 
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