A work Christmas party can turn even the cheeriest of people into Scrooge or the Grinch. So why not avoid the clichés and arrange your own? Here are some ideas to make sure yours goes with a bang and will ensure that you and your colleagues are left full of festive cheer.

Christmas Markets

Perhaps not the most obvious party location but you won’t find a more Christmassy setting than the popular Manchester Christmas Markets. The main market is located in fairy light covered Albert Square with a giant Santa looking down from the Town Hall. Plus, there’s plenty to do (and drink), with several bars serving beers from Germany, France and beyond and enough mulled wine to get the festive spirit in full flow. You could even shop for your Secret Santa while you’re there at the many gift stalls or if you are in a rush take some inspiration from Groupons Christmas Gift Ideas.

(Read more about the Christmas markets in Manchester in Christmas Markets in Manchester)

The Lowry

The Lowry theatre on Manchester’s Salford Quays hosts Christmas parties with impressive views of the surrounding Quayside. They include live music and magicians. Food is suitably festive with dishes including parsnip soup, squash cranberry & walnut tart and of course roast turkey with all the trimmings, yes that includes sprouts!

For a more sophisticated gathering there’re VIP Theatre Packages that combine an evening of festive theatre with delicious dining.

(Read more about The Lowry in The Lowry - Comedy Preview)

Jingle Balls

Why not try a spot of Christmas bowling at either Dog Bowl or All Star Lanes. The former offers bespoke parties including Tex-Mex style Christmas dinners with dishes such as smoked pigs in blankets with maple glaze!

Whilst All Star Lanes have several options ranging from a two course festive dinner with a game of bowling to a private room with your own lane. If you have the numbers (80) you can even hire the whole place, all eight lanes and the entire restaurant! Their festive menu contains intriguing dishes like candied yam & coconut soup and eggnog crème brûlée.

(Read more about boutique bowling in Boutique Bowling in Manchester)

Old Trafford

For a more unusual setting how about an iconic football stadium? Old Trafford, home of Manchester United host unique Christmas parties in several of their suites. Featuring festive meals, DJs, dancing and more. The Manchester Suite has a capacity of up to 820 and hosts the clubs annual Player of the Year Awards, so it must be good!

The Liquorists Christmas Trail

The Liquorists hold regular events throughout the year guiding their guests around Manchester’s best bars. Stopping for several drinks along the way of course. Their Christmas trial runs regularly on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings until mid-December. This special event follows the usual formula but the drinks – five cocktails and five spirits from five different bars - will have a festive touch and there’s food to match. What’s more there will be a chauffeur driven car to take you door to door. Christmas fancy dress is a must with prizes for the most Christmassy.

(Read more about The Liquorists in My Love for Liquor)

For a more conventional gathering there are all sorts of restaurants offering special festive menus but they belong in a post of their own...click Best Christmas Menus in Manchester to read more.

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