Between the post-Christmas comedown and the failed New Year‘s resolutions, January can be a pretty depressing month. But whether you’re going dry or staying firmly off the wagon, there’s plenty going on in Manchester this month to help beat those January blues. Check out the best things to do in Manchester to liven up your January.
1. Snap up a bargain with some food and drink offers
Thought you were all carbed out after Christmas? You were wrong. Enticing us back into our stretchy pants after a season of carbs and chocolate, many bars and restaurants in Manchester have some seriously epic food and drink offers available this January – and who are we to say no? With some venues offering irresistible bargains including as much as 50% off your meal, these offers are sure to get you out the house and save you some dollar on dining out.
2. Hear some of Céline Dion’s best tracks at this Candlelight tribute concert
If you are a fan of one of the most legendary singers, then you won’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind tribute to Céline Dion. A talented string quartet is taking to the stage at Manchester Cathedral to perform classical takes on some of the singer’s greatest hits. Songs such as My Heart Will Go On, The Power of Love, and more are being reimagined during the 60-minute concert celebrating Céline Dion’s distinctive discography.
3. Head to street food spot GRUB for an ExtraVEGANza
If you’re giving Veganuary a go, Manchester’s GRUB is making that bit easier, celebrating the world of plant-based eats with the tenth instalment of its ExtraVEGANza! On January 24-26, GRUB will be wall-to-wall vegan treats from some Manchester favourites. They’ll be boasting the very best fully vegan street food traders in Manchester alongside a 100% vegan bar offering wine, cocktails, spirits, mulled wine, soft drinks and beer from the best local vegan friendly breweries.
4. Get your creative juices flowing at this Neon Brush experience
If your new year resolution is to become more creative or try new things then this immersive painting experience is for you. This one-of-a-kind event invites you to tap into your creative side under the brilliant and luminous glow of neon lights. Explore vivid colours and paint whimsical waves or whatever your inner artist tells you while sipping a drink.
5. Break Dry January with this unique prison cocktail experience
Not one for a January challenge? Spice up this month’s night out with Alcotraz’s unique drinking experience – which leads guests into incarceration at Cell Block Three-Four. Smuggle in your own booze while avoiding the watchful eye of the guard and enjoy contraband cocktails in your very own private cell. Orange jumpsuits included.
6. Let out the January Blues with a bit of axe throwing
Feeling a bit of pent-up frustration after the tiring festive season? Whistle Punks is one of the most unique experiences Manchester has to offer, allowing guests to try out a bit of axe throwing in a safe environment. Whether it’s with your other half or a day out with mates, guests can enjoy 70 minutes of throwing, with high stakes as Whistles Punks searches for its axe-throwing King or Queen.
7. Try out a new fitness class
Whether you’re a complete novice, or simply wanting to get back to the gym, January is never an easy time to restart your health and fitness regime. But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. From fun ballet-style classes to boxing, here’s our guide to some of the best fitness classes in town.
8. Tuck into a pie for a tenner as The Black Friar’s pie festival returns
The Black Friar in Salford has brought back its popular festival dedicated to the magnificent pie for two months (and the coldest ones of the year too) so soothing and tasty that it might just convince you to put your shoes on, grab your coat and head out for some proper pub grub. The Salford pub and restaurant claims to have the best pies in the city, all of which will be showcased on their specially-curated pie menu. Plus if this isn’t enough to get you out the door and battling the elements, all of the pies at the festival are just a tenner, meaning you can enjoy that hearty pastry-covered goodness on a budget.
9. Be mesmerised by this candlelit performance under the wings of a Concorde plane
Taking place under one of the few remaining Concordes in the world, you can listen to a unique Candlelight concert at Manchester Airport’s Concorde Conference Centre. Bask in the glow of thousands of candles dotted around this enormous airport hangar while talented musicians play beautiful renditions of your favourite songs from not one one but two artists. Hear the likes of Fix You and The Scientist by Coldplay as well as Shape of You and Shivers by Ed Sheeran and let the January blues melt away.
10. Watch Monsters Inc at an immersive eat-along screening
As one of the coldest months of the year, indoor activities are high up on the agenda. Taste Film is a great option if you’re looking for something to do with your pals or partner, with or without alcohol. Pairing brilliant food with iconic on-screen moments, Taste Film is truly a feast for all the senses. Giving a whole new meaning to ‘watch what you eat’, the immersive experience combines two of life’s greatest joys: food and film. If you’ve ever found yourself wanting to reach out and grab a bite of whatever’s on screen, then you can do exactly that, with this month’s movie being Monsters Inc.
11. Sample some of the best brews in the country at GRUB’s Winter Beer Fest
Street food venue GRUB is here to brighten up the cold month with their annual Winter Beer Fest. Taking place from January 16-18, the festival will bring together some of the best breweries in the UK, serving a selection of their best winter brews. The street food destination will feature pop-up brewery bars and will also be running tasting events over the weekend, alongside an independent street food market, a mulling bar and more.
12. Get stuck into some proper good vegan grub (that even meat-eaters will love!)
In the spirit of Veganuary, we’re trading our love for the carnivorous diet for something a little more eco-friendly: veganism. Proving the plant-based diet is so much more than all things green and healthy, Manchester’s vast array of vegan restaurants are serving up some seriously tasty dishes – from Neapolitan pizzas to saucy, juicy burgers that rival even those made of beef. Trust us.
13. Begin 2025 with a bang at this Britney-inspired bottomless brunch
If there’s anyone who can make an epic comeback it’s Britney and this brunch should give you plenty of inspiration for yours this 2025. This bottomless brunch pays tribute to the platinum-blonde queen of pop Britney Spears, revisiting the star’s iconic repertoire with sparkling performances from the UK’s top Britney Spears impersonator and tribute, not to mention a host of dazzling drag queens. Also on the agenda are games, top DJ Billy Andrew, juicy burgers and, of course, an hour of bottomless bubbles. By the end, you’ll be begging for them to gimme more of these timeless Britney bops.
14. Kickstart the Lunar New Year celebrations at Manchester Museum
Start the celebrations for the Year of the Snake with an evening of music, dance and friendship at Manchester Museum on January 22. To reflect the diversity of this colourful celebration, our festivities will feature a range of exciting performances, from a lion dance, traditional Chinese dance and choirs to K-pop, C-pop and more. There will also be an acrobatics display, try-on costume sessions and activities for everyone to get stuck into throughout an evening packed full of joy and energy. If you get peckish, you’ll be able to nibble on Malaysian and Taiwanese food, while enjoying a boba tea.