Review Christmas Drive In Cinema Manchester Christmas City

Christmas City the Christmas Drive-In Cinema has arrived in Manchester and we were invited along to check it out. Discover what we thought in our review here. 

Park N Party’s Christmas City Drive-In Cinema is back In Manchester for 2021 with festive films and fun Christmas entertainment. We were invited along on their opening night for an honest review and you discover what we thought below. 

For 2021 the Christmas City is at a new Soccerdome Trafford location on Trafford Way just behind Chill Factore. Open from 26th November to 31st December 2021 Christmas City is showing a whole of Christmas films for both adults and kids, from Elf, Polar Express and Home Alone to The Holiday, Die Hard ( yes this is a Christmas film !) and Love Actually which is the film showing for our visit. 

Although Love Actually was not due to start until 8.00 pm we were informed that the gates would be open from 6.30pm to give us time to enjoy all the pre-show entertainment. 

On arrival at Christmas City there was a long queue of cars but relieved that this moved quite quickly and we were through the gates in no time.

Once in we were directed through the drive-in trail, where we were greeted with a dancing elf stacking presents, who stopped to say hello and to check that we had been nice and not naughty. The trail then took us to Santa’s Mail Room and to watch a small juggling show from a fun elf cheeky on stilts.  

Next, we were greeted by The Grinch who happily posed for a photo in between his funny insults. It was then time for us to make our way through the Candy Cane Forest where we managed to spot a rare Narwhal another cheeky elf on stilts who stopped to have a chat. Finally, we managed a sneak peek at Santa in his workshop. 

After the drive-in trail, we were shown where we could park for the film. We still had plenty of time left before the film was due to start so decided to explore everything else Christmas City has to offer.

Next to the drive-in trail we spotted a huge inflatable igloo where there was a lovely singer belting out Christmas carols and plenty of space for kids to have a little dance. There was also lovely Christmas scenes ideal for selfies and photo opportunities. 

For those wanting to stay in the car there was Christmas Karaoke on the big screen, messages from Santa and a laser show along with an amazing acrobatic act just in front.

Christmas City boasts a bar serving draft and bottled beers, wine and spirits costing from £3.00 and festive drinks such as mulled wine costing £5.00. You will also find soft drinks, milkshakes and Bailey’s hot chocolate (£5.00) which of course we couldn’t resist and taste as good as it sounds. 

There is also a selection of hot food with a choice of Yorkshire Pudding Wraps, Chicken and Halloumi Gyros ( £8.00), halloumi fries (£5.00) nachos (from £4.00) an array of gourmet burgers from £6.00) and hotdogs from £5.50) and plain and loaded fries from £3.00.

We went for an open greek box which included grilled flatbread, marinated chicken, halloumi, fries and salad for £9.00. It was a great size portion and all delicious. 

For those with a sweet tooth, you will find freshly made crepes, sugar doughnuts, sweets, ice cream, candyfloss and popcorn with prices starting at £2.50. We of course couldn’t watch a film with a treat and crepes with Nutella, strawberries and oreo crumbs were calling our names. 

Before we knew it was time for the film to begin. The films are played on a huge screen which could be seen from all areas and to hear the sound you simply tune into it on the car radio. As we watched Christmas characters wandered around the cars adding a little extra sparkle. It was a great way to watch one of my favourite Christmas films.

However, I will say that the subtitles for Colin Firth Portuguese scenes were cut off the bottom of the screen although this didn’t spoil my or my friend’s experience, as we know it word for word. It also shouldn’t affect any other film.

Christmas City is so much more than just a drive-in cinema. Not only can you watch one of your favourite Christmas films on the big screen, but you can also enjoy lots of fun festive entertainment and lovely food whilst doing so. It makes a Christmas great day out which we highly recommend.  

Check out more information and how to book Christmas City Drive-in Cinema here.