There’s absolutely no way to deny Christmas is right around the corner now.
We’re into our last full week of November, and it won’t be long before we’re waving goodbye to this month and welcoming ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ with open arms, so it’s absolutely no surprise that the Greater Manchester events calendar is absolutely pack with all sorts of festive celebrations and activities to get stuck into.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, luckily, we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide this week.
Here’s some of our recommendations.
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2023
Manchester City Centre
Monday 20 November – Thursday 21 December
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 / Credit: Manchester City Council | Flickr
It’s that time of year once again… Manchester Christmas Markets are officially open for 2023.
The iconic annual event is an absolute staple in Manchester’s festive events calendar, and always draws in thousands of visitors from all across the globe – with more than 225 stalls across nine sites now lining the streets of our city this year.
Visitors can tuck into a wide range of festive foods and drinks, and shop for Christmas gifts from countless independent traders.
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Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 here.
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Skate Manchester
Cathedral Gardens
Monday 20 November – Sunday 31 December
Skate Manchester 2023 / Credit: Skate Manchester
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
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Back once again for 2023 with twinkling lights, the smell of gingerbread, and Christmas songs playing on repeat, Skate Manchester’s stunning outdoor ice rink is in the heart of the city at Cathedral Gardens right up until the new year.
With the covered rink’s convenient roof allowing everyone to enjoy the ice, whatever the weather, visitors of all ages are invited to glide over the ice and admire the glorious Christmas tree right in the centre.
Land of Lights has transformed Gulliver’s World in Warrington into an immersive winter wonderland with 12 “vivid dreamworlds” full of dozens of gigantic lanterns that are inspired by animals, mega monuments, and wonders of the natural world.
As the sun goes down and the nights draw in, visitors to the North West attraction can explore an amazing array of light installations as they walk all around the park.
One of the most successful musicals of the 21st century is now on stage in our city.
After taking Broadway and the West End (and the world) by storm, Hamilton – the multi-award winning musical created by Lin-Manuel Miranda – has been captivating and engaging audiences like no other for close to a decade now, and now it’s touring the UK – with Manchester one of only two lucky cities chosen to stage the smash-hit spectacle.
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Despite absolutely unprecedented demand, there’s still a handful of tickets available for different nights over the course of the show’s run in our city, and you can get your hands of them now if you’re interested.
Bar Hütte’s legendary karaoke cabins are back, and they’re bringing Alpine vibes, cosy furnishings, twinkling lights, live music sessions, and flowing drinks.
And this year, there’s not one, but two locations in Manchester city centre.
While Bar Hütte at Great Northern Square is heading back to Deansgate, with 15 cosy private hüttes neatly-positioned under a heated stretch tent and twinkling lights, Bar Hütte at Kampus will also see a new outdoor terrace, comprising of eight snug, wooden karaoke hüttes nestled beneath the trees, and an ‘Aprés Ski Bungalow’ serving as an indoor alpine bar.
Manchester’s newest city centre park, Mayfield Park, has been transformed into a festive ‘Twilight Trail’ for the first time ever this Christmas.
Now open and running right through until the new year, this brand-new immersive experience is made up of several spectacular light displays, unique lantern installations, and a captivation sound-scape dotted around the pristine new park, with each circuit estimated to take around half an hour.
Fancy trying out some new bars, and restaurants that are opening in Greater Manchester this month?
It feels like we say this every month, but November genuinely might be our biggest month for new Manchester restaurants of the year so far.
There’s some huge national names like Six By Nico and Gail’s Bakery opening brand new sites, some local favourites like Seven Brothers launching new ventures, and a couple of totally new brands joining the fray.
As we do every month, we’ve rounded up the best new bars and restaurants opening in Greater Manchester this month, and there’s some really good ones to look forward to as we head into the most wonderful time of the year.
Christmas at Dunham Massey / Credit: National Trust
Dunham Massey’s legendary light trail is back once again this Christmas, and it’s brought even more festive magic to Greater Manchester.
Having returned to the grounds of the massively-popular Altrincham-based National Trust property for what is the seventh year running now, Christmas at Dunham Massey is described as being a “must-see magical festive trail”.
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Just as it does every year, the trail has brought the garden to life with “a million twinkling lights” and “seasonal sounds”.
Escape to Freight Island’s highly-popular “festive extravaganza” has now opened down at Depot Mayfield, just in time to get you in the mood for the festive season, and is promising loads of a whole host of Christmas events and activities for everyone of all ages and interests to get involved with.
There’s everything from a Santa’s Grotto, wreath-making classes, and live entertainment, to different Christmas workshops, pop-up markets, and all the festive food and drink you could hope for on the lineup this year.
A brand-new immersive experience has opened at Chester Zoo for the festive season this week.
Lanterns and Light gives visitors the chance to explore captivating light installations and be transported into enchanting lands filled with colour and festivity, all while meeting orangutans, lions, dolphins, and woolly mammoths as they make their way along the trail.
There’s also colour changing displays stretching as far as the eye can see, birds and stars adorning the zoo’s winding paths and trees, and a spectacular Winter Cathedral tunnel of lights.
Did you know you can get a pass to visit loads of National Trust sites across the UK for FREE this autumn?
Autumn in Greater Manchester is a wonderful thing, and and our region is filled with places to appreciate the beauty of this much-loved season – but if you were looking for a reason to travel a little further afield to experience everything nature has to offer and see the leaves change colour, then it doesn’t get much better than this.
This is why the National Trust wants to give people the chance to “experience the awe of the season” at no extra cost.
Autumn at the National Trust / Credit: National Trust
The pass allows free entry for two adults and up to three children, one adult and up to four children, or just two adults on their own.
Find out more about how to claim the limited-time offer here.
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Black Friday ‘Double Your Money’ Reward
Printworks
Monday 20 – Thursday 30 November
Black Friday ‘Double Your Money’ Reward / Credit: Printworks
Black Friday is fast approaching, and in a bid to properly celebrate the event, Printworks has launched an exclusive ‘Double Your Money’ sale offer that gives those who download the app the chance to bag half-price gift cards.
Running right up until Thursday 30 November, the offer is available on a first come first served basis, and newbies who download the app can now get themselves a £20 gift card for just £10 – which basically means you’ll have double the money to spend on whatever you want at your favourite Printworks bar, restaurant, or leisure venue.
East Lancashire Railway’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas.
Starting this weekend, and running right through until Christmas Eve, ELR’s ‘Santa Specials‘ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make “enchanted memories” that last a lifetime.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West, and there’s still some tickets left available.
Manchester’s ‘Festive Sundays’ are making a comeback this Christmas after thousands flocked to see the enchanting events last year.
After proving to be a smash-hit success during the inaugural year in 2022, the city centre’s main shopping streets will be filled with “captivating” parades and performances that are set to “surprise visitors of all ages”.
Organised by Manchester BID, the free event series starts on Sunday 26 November and will see roaming performers and illuminated acts take to the streets across St Ann’s Square, King Street, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, and Manchester Arndale every following Sunday until 17 December.
Find out more about on the ‘Festive Sundays’ lineup here.
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Featured Image – Manchester BID | Manchester Markets | ELR
What's On
Trafford Centre announces HUGE summer festival with K-pop, West End, and country music stars
Emily Sergeant
Performances from K-pop, West End, and country music stars are on the lineup at the Trafford Centre this summer.
With the days getting lighter and the temperatures warming up, Trafford Centre has now announced that a whole new festival and events lineup is coming this summer, as Live@TC is set to transform the shopping centre’s outside space with a series of high-energy live shows and family-friendly entertainment.
Taking place in a supersized big top on the overflow car park (opposite John Lewis), Live@TC is aiming to offer ‘a fresh twist’ on traditional festival lineups – with acts including K-pop Superstars, performers from the West End, and country music stars.
The festival event – taking place across to weekends in June – promises a packed programme of amazing acts, fairground rides, face painting, a silent disco, character appearances, and so much more.
Let’s break down this lineup a little bit then – first up, K‑pop Superstars will bring the infectious energy of Korea’s biggest pop icons, paying tribute to global K‑pop heavyweights such as K‑pop Demon Hunters, BTS, and BLACKPINK.
Then, prepare to be dazzled by some of the biggest West End stars for a show‑stopping celebration of musical theatre, featuring unforgettable songs from Wicked, SIX, The Greatest Showman, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and many more iconic productions.
Finally, it’s time to dust off your boots and shine up those belt buckles, as the one-day country extravaganza promises unforgettable live music from the hottest acts – including Nathan Carter, Kezia Gill, Twinnie, Janet Devlin, Harleymoon Kemp, and more.
Away from musical performances, you can also expect star-studded lineup of children’s TV stars, like Bluey, Bingo, and more, to make appearances, and Jurassic Earth – the UK’s original and best live dinosaur show – will also be stopping by, so you can meet a spectacular cast of jaw-droppingly-realistic dinosaurs and learn a thing or two while you’re at it.
The Trafford Centre has announced a HUGE summer festival with K-pop, West End, and country music stars performing / Credit: Supplied | Gary Lake
And as always, there’ll also be plenty of delicious food and drink options to choose from across the two weekends too.
Live@TC will take place from 13-14 and 20-21 June, with two live shows on 13, 14, and 20 June, and one mega show on 21 June.
Tickets are free for under twos, and £40 (+ booking fee) per person for general entry.
This includes live performances, fairground rides, face painting, character appearances, and much more to be announced. VIP tickets are also available for £80 (+ booking fee) per person and will include fast-track entry, private seating, waited service, and a private bar.
Find out more and get tickets here.
Featured Image – Trafford Centre
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 2 – 8 March 2026
Emily Sergeant
A new month is here, and we’re starting to see the first signs of spring popping up.
March is here, and as the days get lighter and the temperatures a little warmer, we’re really not short of exciting events and activities to be getting up to right across Greater Manchester this week – with everything from world-class theatre shows, family science festivals, and so much more happening this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 2 March – onwards
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
Looking to escape the elements and have your mind boggled this spring? Sounds like a trip to Museum of Illusions is on the cards then.
It’s time to let your competitive side out – get ready to experience the city’s most unique attraction like never before. Race through the vortex, create the best mirror image, and complete the brain gym the fastest to win the dazzling trophy at the end.
Whether you’re team building with your work lot, or taking your mates for a bit of healthy competition, it’s a great one to have a go at.
Mean Girls The Musical has arrived in Manchester, kicking off its UK tour in our city and landing on the legendary Manchester Opera House stage last week.
Just like the film, the musical follows Regina, Gretchen, and Karen, otherwise known as ‘The Plastics’ of North Shore High, as they meet homeschooled new girl, Cady Heron, as finds out that high school is a whole new level of savage.
When Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung.
Expect iconic characters, razor-sharp wit, and killer songs.
L.S. Lowry’s iconic masterpiece ‘Going to the Match’ is being brought to life right before your eyes in this brand-new exhibition now open at The Lowry.
LOWRY 360 is an immersive experience forming part of the legendary The Lowry theatre’s 25th anniversary programme, and it means that, for the first time ever, you can see one of Manchester’s most famous paintings by, arguably, the city’s most famous artist come to life through sight and sound.
Better yet, after you’ve immersed yourself in this incredible experience, then you can then see the actual painting in the full gallery – Modern Life: The LS Lowry Exhibition.
Ski season is officially here, the Winter Olympics have well and truly entertained us, and people are jetting off to the slopes left, right, and centre. But if you’ve never been skiing before, and you’re heading on your first ski holiday, luckily you can learn the ropes here at Manchester’s very-own Snow Centre first.
Over a two-hour beginner lesson here, you can learn everything from how to get your skis on, to snow ploughing… and even getting back up again after falling over.
Our Amy’s currently on her first-ever ski holiday this week, so we took her for her initial lesson👇
NEW OPENING – Le Coq Boutique / Credit: The Manc Group
Le Coq Boutique has just landed in the Northern Quarter, and it’s doing one thing and one thing properly.
And that ‘thing’ is 24-hour brined, butter-basted roast chicken, cooked to perfection and finished with your choice of sauce.
Our personal favourite was the Buffalo, but there’s everything from chicken jus, to herby butter, and so much more to pick from. And then for sides, think crispy, fluffy hash browns topped with pecorino foam, labneh carrots. Divine.
And yes… you can wash it all down with chicken wine, because they’ve got bottles of the stuff. If you’re bored of basic roasts and dry chicken, then this is your upgrade.
A huge jacuzzi pool, sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and lounge pods – and all a five-minute walk from Manchester Victoria? Jayde Spa has just opened to the public for the first time, so you can quite literally float away from your daily grind.
There aren’t a whole lot of spa spaces in Manchester city centre, but this one is a real escape from the madness of town.
If you’re ready to relax, get yourself booked in here.
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Bubble Planet Experience
Depot Mayfield
Monday 2 March – onwards
Manchester has welcomed a ‘dreamlike world’ filled with giant colourful bubbles, as Bubble Planet Experience is now open.
Bubble Planet Experience has already been visited by more than four million people in cities across the globe, but now it’s time for its first trip to Manchester, where it has now popped up inside Depot Mayfield, so visitors can explore 10 themed rooms, each one offering a different surreal landscape that will ‘blur the boundaries between dream and reality’.
Here we go again… one of the most iconic stage musicals of all time, Mamma Mia!, is coming back to Manchester this week, and it’s taking to the Manchester Palace Theatre stage for an extended stay throughout the month.
There’s absolutely no denying that Mamma Mia! has millions of fans right across the globe, after all, when you take all of ABBA’s greatest hits and put them into one all-singing all-dancing show, it’s no wonder it’s so popular.
Going from the West End to becoming a global phenomenon, this irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world for more than two decades.
Find out more and get your last-minute tickets here.
Families are invited to enjoy a free fun-filled weekend full of different interactive and hands-on science activities, as FunLab takes over the Trafford Centre this weekend to mark the launch of British Science Week.
The weekend-long celebration is hosted by the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Manchester.
You can expect robots, dinosaurs, experiments, and interactive activities to be brought to life for visitors of all ages, and for completely free of charge.
Emily Sergeant -
20th November 2023 
