MEDIACITY’S NEW FESTIVE WATERFRONT DESTINATION

GRUB On The Docks, The Christmas Takeover

Launching Wednesday 26th November 2025

Open Wednesday to Saturday weekly, 26th November to 13th December

GRUB, Manchester’s leading independent street food and events collective, is teaming up with MediaCity to bring a brand new festive activation to the waterfront this winter. GRUB On The Docks: Christmas Takeover will run from 26 November to 13 December and will transform the On The Docks site into a cosy seasonal hub for residents, workers and visitors. Expect great food, winter drinks, festive entertainment, a mini Christmas market and community led experiences curated in true GRUB style.

Across three long weekends, the site will come alive with a rotating street food line up, Christmas specials and festive moments throughout the takeover. The core trader line up includes CAFF, Above and Beyond, Baby Mayhem and Wholesome Junkies. Baby Mayhem will launch a brand new dessert exclusive to MediaCity. Wholesome Junkies bring the award winning vegan cooking that has been featured on Netflix and on BBC’s Million Pound Menu. The festive GRUB bar will serve a bespoke seasonal drinks menu and Christmas Tree Collection will run throughout the full three week run.

This takeover is just the start. GRUB and MediaCity are developing a long term partnership that will bring even more food, drink and cultural experiences to the waterfront. In 2026, GRUB will expand its programme in MediaCity with a refreshed calendar of events and activations, with more details coming soon. Joshua McAllister, Senior Events Manager at MediaCity said: “Partnering with GRUB for the GRUB On The Docks: Christmas Takeover is an exciting step as we continue to evolve the experiences on offer at MediaCity. With a focus on independent talent, great Manchester food tenants, seasonal drinks and relaxed festive moments, this collaboration reflects our aim to create vibrant, inclusive spaces. We are confident GRUB will bring a warm and enjoyable addition for everyone to discover this winter.”

What’s On

Week 1: Festive Kick Off (26–29 Nov)

• Classic Christmas cheer with a GRUB twist.
• CAFF serving nostalgic winter comfort food, Above and Beyond bringing restaurant quality burgers and loaded sides, Baby Mayhem creating indulgent festive treats including an exclusive MediaCity dessert and Wholesome Junkies delivering award winning vegan street food.
• The festive GRUB bar pours mulled wine, spiced cider, Babycham, advocaat and sparkling cocktails. Christmas Tree Collection available throughout the takeover.

Week 2: Christmas Market (3–6 Dec)

• In addition to the core food trader line up, a cosy festive market will arrive featuring artisan makers and producers from across the North West. Expect treats, gifts and stocking fillers, plus seasonal specials from the core GRUB traders.

Week 3: Apres Ski Party (10–13 Dec)

• A festive send off with DJ sets and live entertainment using the container booths. The bar levels up with a fizz bar and stout tap takeover. A lively winter weekender made for celebrations.