November is in full swing now, and so is the festive season.
There’s officially no escaping from it now, Christmas is fast approaching, so as you can imagine, there’s absolutely no shortage of things for the whole family to be getting up to across Greater Manchester throughout this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though?
We’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide, so here’s some of our recommendations.
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2024
Manchester City Centre
Monday 11 November – Sunday 22 December
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2024 / Credit: Manchester City Council | Flickr
Manchester Christmas Markets are now back open for 2024.
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 hundreds of stalls across several sites all lining the streets of our city centre.
Visitors are able to 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 2024 here.
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Skate Manchester 2024
Cathedral Gardens
Monday 11 November – onwards
Skate Manchester 2024 / Credit: Matt Eachus (via Supplied)
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
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Back once again for 2024, Skate Manchester is festive staple, and this year, skaters can glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
Families, friends, and festive fun seekers will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
A brand-new festive light trail has arrived in Greater Manchester for the winter, transforming the hidden Wilderspool Woods at the Trafford Centre into a twinkling wonderland.
The 4.5-acre event running until early 2025 has brought dozens of jaw-dropping light and interactive illuminations to the woods, filling paths and treetops with festive magic, from giant overhead shooting stars to huge illuminated presents.
There’s also an impressive selection of festive street food on offer curated by Freight Island too.
The UK’s largest animation festival, and celebrating its tenth edition this year, the festival is taking over HOME in the heart of the city centre for the week, and promises to offer audiences and the industry alike with the incredible opportunity to experience some of the world’s best animated film content.
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Featuring international guests, premieres, masterclasses and panels, there’s something for everyone on the jam-packed programme.
The Oast House’s legendary Christmas has returned to Spinningfields for the festive season.
Bound to be popular spot for locals and those who’ve finished a hard day at work during the colder months, The Teepee officially reopened last week and is made up of three tents joined together with a huge open hub, complete with two roaring fires, twinkling fairy lights, faux fur throws.
NEW OPENING – Archie’s Atomic / Credit: The Manc Group
Beloved Manchester-founded burger brand Archie’s has now revealed its latest venture… an all-pink roller rink, diner, and arcade called Archie’s Atomic.
This exciting addition to Greater Manchester over at Trafford Palazzo includes the north’s largest leisure roller rink, geared towards skaters of all abilities, and you can rent a pair of Archie’s Atomic roller skates before going for a spin beneath a huge spinning disco ball on the bespoke bright pink rink.
A major Jurassic World exhibition that’s been mesmerising visitors all over the world has now arrived here in Greater Manchester, and it’s recently been announced that it’ll be sticking around until the new year.
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Based on the beloved blockbuster film franchise, this official award-winning experience is one of the fastest-selling exhibitions in history.
Manc visitors will be able to walk through the iconic Jurassic World gates, explore some richly-themed environments, and encounter a life-sized Brachiosaurus, Velociraptors, and the most fearsome dinosaur of all, the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Taking over one of Manchester’s most prestigious stages, and set to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year nice and early, Elf The Musical at the Palace Theatre takes one of the best-loved Christmas films and turns it into an all-singing, all-dancing stage production.
Join Buddy the Elf as he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity.
The Big Manchester Bake / Credit: Big Bakes | Brydn Webb
The Big Manchester Bake has landed, and believe us when we tell you it’s one of the best ways to spend an evening in the city.
Baking enthusiasts and novices alike can indulge in the enjoyment of the Big Bakes experience, with step-by-step instructions allowing you to bake your way through the 90-minute timed task and be crowned ‘star baker’ (or…not).
Bar Hütte’s legendary karaoke cabins are coming back to Manchester once again this week.
Bringing Alpine vibes, cosy furnishings, twinkling lights, live music sessions, and flowing drinks to two city centre locations from this Thursday onwards, dozens of cosy private hüttes neatly-positioned under twinkling lights will open down at both Kampus and Great Northern Square.
There’s also a handful of other events on the lineup throughout the festive season, including live music and DJs, wreath making workshops, and movie nights.
Manchester Art Fair is returning to our city centre this weekend, and there’s so much to look forward to.
Founded back in 2008, and going on to become one of the largest and most significant art fairs in the UK, Manchester Art Fair has cemented itself among the most celebrated cultural events in Greater Manchester‘s annual social calendar.
It’s known and loved for bringing together a wide range of artists, galleries, and artist studios along with a full programme of talks and art classes.
See everything you need to know about Manchester Art Fair 2024 here.
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The Dashing Dachshund Pup-Up Cafe
Revolution Parsonage Gardens
Saturday 16 November
The Dashing Dachshund’ Pup-Up Cafe / Credit: The Pup Up Cafe
The Dachshund Pup Up Cafe is back in Manchester this weekend, and if the concept of the popular event wasn’t flipping cute enough already as it is, this time around, it’s a Christmas-themed edition, and it’s all sounding set to be the perfect festive day out in the city with your four-legged friend.
More than 250 sausage dogs and their owners will meet under one roof in a safe space to roam free and get festive.
The Grotto at the Trafford Centre / Credit: Supplied
The main man is making our northern city his new home at one of Greater Manchester’s biggest shopping centres this winter time.
Starting in this Saturday and running all the way up until Christmas Eve, Santa is swapping the cold air of the North Pole for the cloudy skies of Manchester, as he starts his annual journey around the world by making a visit to our region.
Not only is Santa travelling with his grotto, he’s also giving visitors the chance to experience the world of the North Pole as he brings the chilly destination to the Trafford Centre.
Manchester Coffee Festival 2024 / Credit: Supplied
Manchester Coffee Festival is back for 2024 this weekend.
The renowned event celebrates all things caffeine and is a must-visit for anyone in the industry, or just anyone who’s a coffee fanatic.
Visitors can work their way around the vast event at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre, where there’ll be everything from a marketplace for shopping, a tasting room where you can sample loads of different coffees, workshops to have a go at, and talks and panels with industry experts.
The magnificent grounds of Tatton Park are being transformed into a ‘glittering winter adventure’ this festive season.
Families will be whisked away into a world of folklore, enchantment, and enthralling performances as they enter the gardens of the stunning Tatton Park in Cheshire for an immersive, festival-like experience known as Yuletide.
Organisers say the captivating event promises to be a “truly magical experience” where folklore stories come to life through storytelling and live music.
Are you ready for spooky season with a fully decorated house, pumpkin spiced candles and themed PJs – or are you too busy processing the whiplash from heatwave to hot water bottles?
Either way, there are absolutely tonnes of events happening all over Greater Manchester, from scary zombie trails to Halloween-inspired museum takeovers.
You’ll even find spooky film fests, Halloween-themed nights out, and of course, the trail of inflatable monsters all across Manchester city centre.
Here is a carefully compiled list of the best activities to help get us in the spirit (get it?) for Halloween – it’s round the corner whether you like it or not.
This trail of non-stop scares operates within the abandoned Camelot theme park, offering thrillseekers a fully immersive experience. Through foggy forests, claustrophobic corridors and derelict buildings with actors waiting at every turn – this isn’t for the wimps among us.
Even the food and bar experience, ‘Rest Bite,’ offers no guarantee of safety.
Saturday 26 September – Saturday 7 November 2026 | Camelot Theme Park, Chorley
Museum of Illusions’ Weird Wonders
Halloween at the Museum of Illusions in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
The Museum of Illusions is transforming five of its exhibitions this Halloween to accommodate Weird Wonders, where nothing is quite as it seems.
There will be plenty of themed illusions throughout the museum including 3D-printed faces inspired by Einstein, Frankenstein and Count Dracula to explore alongside the Bone Throne, Web of Faces, Echo Cave, and Spider Clone Table and more.
While you’re there, why not explore the Illusion Quest? This added experience takes visitors on a trail exploring the museum, following clues and uncovering hidden surprises.
Weird Wonders is filled with twists, photo opportunities and fun for the whole family this half-term.
Every child ticket holder will leave with both a sweet treat and complimentary brain puzzle from the Illusion Shop, while adults gain a free treat upon purchasing two adult tickets.
Saturday 2 – Sunday 31 October 2026 | Market Street, City Centre
Science and Industry Museum After Hours
Ever fancied going to the museum after dark? Now’s your chance.
Be prepared, this isn’t going to be any usual trip to the museum – with out of this world performances from drag queen Anna Phylactic and the Robotic Man, huge interactive spaced themed games and the Power Up gaming experience – it’s your chance to properly be a big kid.
For one night only you can also gain after-hours, free access to the newly opened Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition, as well as the usuals including the Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery, Textiles Gallery, Revolution Manchester and Experiment.
Oh and the museum’s bar will be serving up a wide range of wines, beers, and soft drinks to enjoy while you explore, along with some delicious food to accompany too.
This event is adult-only and runs from 7pm-10pm, with tickets costing £12 each or £6 for concessions.
Thursday 29 October 2026 | Liverpool Road, City Centre
MCR Monsters Trail
MCR Monsters 2024 / Credit: The Manc Group
This October, we are celebrating The MCR Monsters turning 10, with some free monster mischief.
Throughout Manchester the public will be able to follow a trail, uncovering the giant, inflatable monsters and their inventive hiding places in some of our beloved shopping spots from the Printworks, Arndale, and Selfridges, all the way to Medlock Square, the Science and Industry Museum, and even at the AO Arena.
Whether they are up on the rooftops or down on the ground, head on over and see how many you can spot.
Don’t forget to share your pictures with or tag @HalloweenMCR#MCRMonsters.
This event is FREEto attend and no ticket is required. Click HEREto find out more.
Saturday 24 – Saturday 31 October 2026 | City-wide
You can expect all of the chaos typical to a night at Bongo’s Bingobut with a freaky twist.
Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun is promised to be a night filled with bingo (of course), dance-offs, rave rounds, crazy prizes and plenty of Halloween themed surprises.
Fancy dress is highly encouraged.
Don’t hang about – tickets are now on final release for Halloween. Get yours HERE.
Saturday 31 October | Albert Hall
CULTPLEX’s STAB Horror Film Festival
The North’s largest annual horror extravaganza has finally arrived, bringing all sorts of creepy classics to the cinema, allowing viewers to watch some hauntingly good favourites, all throughout October.
That’s right – CULTPLEX’sSTAB Horror Film Season is upon us, so if you’re too much of a scaredy cat to watch horror films alone, this is your chance. Their carefully crafted programme, includes films from a range of genres, to keep all of you fear fanatics happy.
Nothing quite gets you in the mood for Halloween like watching back-to-back horror films on the big screen, to gain that all-round eerie experience, that only surround sound can truly provide.
Go on, book your tickets and hide behind your hands with some other fellow horror lovers.
Tickets are now on sale for £6.66 (rather fitting!)
Check out the full film line-up and book your ticketsHERE.
Thursday 1 October – Saturday 31 October | Green Quarter
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Credit: Avery Brunkus
Disney classic, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas light trail, is coming to the UK for the first time ever and it’s set to completely transform Arley Hall and Gardens into a Halloween Town, this autumn.
Amongst the historic grounds, visitors are invited to step inside the beloved film, through an immersive light display. This experience promises to bring iconic Tim Burton characters to life, through a combination of music, 3D-printed sculptures, interactive video projections, and over 1,700 light installations.
This illuminated trail filled with familiar faces and spooky surprises, along with seasonal food and drinks, is bound to get you and the family in the mood for Halloween.
It will also be running throughout the winter, making it the perfect outing for the lead up to Christmas too.
Get your tickets HERE from £32.00 for adults and discounted tickets for children and seniors.
From Thursday October 22nd – Sunday 3 January | Northwich
Scarecrow Festival at Quarry Bank
Quarry Mill has lots going on this autumn – perfect for families during the October half-term.
This year’s festival has something for everyone, with a range of activities from the Sally Scarecrow Trail, spooky storytelling and scarecrow-making workshops, to themed games and crafts, as well as the usual indoor play space for little ones.
As if it couldn’t get eerier – there will be Apprentice House Spooky Tours following a ghoul guide through the house, to uncover the stories of the ghosts that inhabit the halls, among some other surprises.
Whilst there visitors can also discover the new Stranger Folk interactive British folklore adventure, angled at children aged 7–12, with games featuring the quirky creatures lurking in the National Trust historic houses.
Albert’s Schloss Viva Slash Vegas. Credit: Supplied
Are you still stuck on how to celebrate Halloween this year? Look no further – Albert’s Schloss has got you sorted, with the ultimate Halloween party.
This year they are bringing us Viva Slash Vegas, with live music, DJs and plenty of exciting performances, as part of its signature seven nights of showtime – each with a spooky twist.
You can expect killer showgirls, shotgun weddings and casino games, along with creepy cabaret shows and their own Studio Fifty-Gore, playing plenty of twisted tracks.
No ticket is required for the event but you can book a table HERE to avoid disappointment.
Monday 26 October – Sunday 1 November | Peter Street
All aboard the Scream Train to help solve the Swamp Monster mystery.
Just when you thought the current public transport climate couldn’t get any scarier – this Halloween, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) are bringing their eerie ghost trains back, showing off their brand new haunted makeover.
Brace for heart rate rising sounds, faulty lights, creepy surprises and the odd unwelcome visitor climbing aboard. As you pass through the spectacular Greater Manchester autumnal countryside, you must help solve the mystery with the help of various spooky characters you meet along the way.
Oh but the thrills don’t start there – no, that would be far too easy. Before you reach the platform, you must pass through the Halloween Walkthrough, equipped with plenty of jump scares.
Fancy dress is encouraged for families and each child will be rewarded with a goody bag, if they make it to the end of the experience.
Science and Industry Museum announces programme of FREE ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s best museums has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular science’ activities for October half term.
With half term right around the corner and Halloween not far off either, it won’t be long before parents and carers are looking for ways to keep little Mancs occupied… luckily, the Science and Industry Museum has got you covered.
With only a few weeks to go until schools in Greater Manchester are out for October half term, the massively popular museum in the heart of Manchester city centre has unveiled a jam-packed lineup of free events.
Families are being told to get ready for ‘spooktacular’ science, hands-on activities, and loads of interactive fun, all inspired by the popular Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition.
You can storyboard and then animate your own extra-terrestrial character inside the Animation Studio, let your imagination run wild and design your own alien species, or even go on a galactic treasure hunt around the museum and build your own interstellar spaceship with a giant rocket building kit.
Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities / Credit: Science Museum Group
In the mornings, you can take a break from your cosmic adventures and enjoy family-friendly sci-fi screenings in Revolution Manchester.
You’ll also then be able to put your skills to the test with classic space-themed games on the big screen every day in the afternoon.
And don’t forget, this half term is your only chance to meet Albert Slime-stein – a larger-than-life monster who’ll be popping up in the Upper Yard as part of the annual Halloween in the City MCR Monsters trail.
If you’re planning on visiting on actual Halloween day itself, then the museum is inviting you to come dressed in your best costume so you can get properly stuck into all the spooky fun.
The unveiling of the October half term events programme comes after the museum also announced that its popular adults-only ‘after hours’ event would be returning for one night only later this month, also with a Halloween twist.
Museum After Hours is happening on Thursday 29 October from 7pm-10pm, with tickets setting you back £12 each or £6 for concessions. Find out more here.
Science and Industry Museum’s October Half Term Programme is running from 24 October to 1 November. Entry to the museum (except the exhibitions) is free of charge, but it’s advised that you book your admission in advance, as it’s expected to be busier than normal.
Emily Sergeant -
6th November 2024 
