A hidden winter forest is opening in Deansgate, which is set to feature fairy trails, snow projections, and 250 real Christmas trees, alongside a 20ft centrepiece draped head to toe in festive decorations.
The Enchanted Forest, located on the riverside square at Deansgate Square, will open this evening (December 8) and will run for two weeks. The festive display will include food and drink stalls and family activities, like decoration making workshops and lantern parades.
The centrepiece of the forest will undoubtedly be the 20ft Nordmann Fir tree, which will soar above 250 real Christmas trees. Tipis covered in twinkling lights will also be dotted along the site, serving as a perfect backdrop for wintery nights.
READ MORE: Pubs and restaurants fear spate of Christmas party cancellations due to strikes
The Enchanted Forest will feature stalls from some of Deansgate Square’s finest restaurants and local businesses. The specially-built Dirty Mac Shack will serve festive sandwiches and mac and cheese, while Nonna’s Pasta will be on hand with mulled wine pots, beer, wine and hot chocolate.
Japanese izakaya and cocktail bar Kitten will be serving up some of their most popular dishes, such as Kentucky fried calamari and sushi slatters, which will all be available for dine-in or takeaway. Atomeca will also be around to serve takeaway drinks and Irish Coffee.
General Store will offer a selection of treats as part of their Winter Drinks Menu, which will include gingerbread lattes and flavoured hot chocolate.
Salvi’s will also have a Poretti Piaggio set up, complete with cosy wooden huts with blankets to keep you warm. The pop-up will sell mulled wine, hot negronis and Poretti on draft. Visitors can also try a selection of Christmas specials, including pasta dishes like pasta e fagioli and pasta patate e provola. There will also be cups of Rum Baba and Italian pandoro served by the slice, alongside Nutella and pistachio cream.
Family friendly activities, in collaboration with Our Kids Social, will include a hide and seek trail with forest fairies and gonks, as well as a paper lantern parade led by a Christmas elf. There will also be visits from Father Christmas himself too.
The forest will be open between Wednesday to Friday from 4-10pm, and weekends from 12-10pm. The site is suitable for all, including families and those with additional mobility needs. The attraction is free, with no tickets required to attend.
Read next:
