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. Head to Aviva Studios for an immersive space journey narrated by Tom Hanks
This week, Manchester is welcoming a host of brand-new exhibitions, including one that’s out of this world. Heading to Factory International at Aviva Studios in Manchester for the first time outside of London is The Moonwalkers, and it has been co-written and narrated by Tom Hanks. Running from December 16, 2025 until January 11, 2026, The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks offers a unique perspective on humankind’s past and future voyages to the moon. It provides a gripping account of the Apollo missions of the 1960’s and ‘70s at spectacular scale, blending original NASA footage and breathtaking images from Andy Saunders’ Apollo Remastered.
3. Be mesmerised by this immersive and magical concert experience at Manchester Cathedral
Luminiscence, an enchanting 360° projection-mapped experience that fuses sound, light, and magic, is heading to Manchester this January. Taking place at Manchester Cathedral, visitors can get the chance to rediscover the century-old architectural masterpiece as it turns into a vast, glowing canvas of light and storytelling. Using advanced 3D modelling and projection technology, every architectural detail is recreated with remarkable precision. The event tells a magnificent story narrated byChristopher Eccleston and is accompanied by an incredible live choir to create a goosebump-inducing experience.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Tuck into a pie for a tenner as The Black Friar’s pie festival returns
The Black Friar in Salford is bringing 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.
8. Relive Bridgerton’s most scandalous and romantic moments at this Candlelight concert
The Best of Bridgerton on Strings by Candlelight is preparing its grand entrance at the magnificent Halle St. Peter’s in Manchester this January, and word of its imminent arrival is already sweeping across the city. This enchanting collaboration between one of Netflix’s most beloved series and the world of Candlelight promises to turn the historic venue into the season’s most elegant affair. Bask in the glow of thousands of candles dotted around the stunning venue while talented musicians play beautiful renditions of songs featured in the Bridgerton series.
9. See stunning portraits of famous faces at this free photography exhibition at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
As Manchester gears up to welcome The BRIT Awards for the first time, the city’s iconic Kimpton Clocktower Hotel has revealed a new free exhibition, in partnership with celebrity photographer and filmmaker Steve Read. Having shot rockstars, rappers, royalty and leading fashion brand campaigns, Read is bringing his collection of celebrity portraits Shooting Stars Pays The Rent to Manchester for the first time. The collection features A-Listers such as Ray Liotta, Eminem, Lennox Lewis, Ozzy & Sharon Osbourne, Mickey Rourke and Michael Stipe and is open to the public now, available to view for free, on the walls of the hotel’s bar The Refuge.
10. 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.
11. Deliver justice under pressure at this gripping courtroom drama
The Stoller Hall will be converted into a fully staged courtroom on January 18, complete with authentic props and projected evidence. With professional actors delivering compelling performances, you’ll hear opening arguments, cross-examinations, and witness testimony—then it’s your turn to deliberate. Under time pressure, your sense of right and wrong is challenged in ways you’ve never experienced before – are you up for the challenge?
12. See the hit musical SIX at Manchester Palace Theatre
From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, SIX The Musical follows the six wives of Henry VIII as they take to the mic to tell their own personal tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. With a catchy musical score that blends contemporary pop with historical narrative, the show has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Since its early days as a student production in a 100-seat room at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the show has fast become a global musical phenomenon and now its back in the city, performing at Manchester Palace Theatre this month.
13. Get an insight into the process of legendary artist David Hockney at this exhibition
The landmark immersive exhibition Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) is set to allow Manchester art-lovers to marvel at the iconic David Hockney and his back catalogue of incredible work once again, it will return for a limited run at Aviva Studios this month. From December 16, 2025 − January 11, 2026, David Hockney is using the extraordinary capabilities of the vast warehouse space of Aviva Studios, to take audiences on a personal journey through 60 years of his art. The artist’s process is revealed in a cycle of six themed chapters, featuring his most iconic images alongside lesser-seen pieces and newly-created work.
14. Party the night away as Sankeys nightclub returns after nine years
After nine years away without a club in Manchester, Sankeys is finally returning home, with a venue set to open in the city centre this month. The intimate 500-capacity venue will be the first official Sankeys club in the city since the beloved Ancoats venue closed its doors in 2017. Having been voted Best Club in the World in 2010, Sankeys remains one of the most respected and influential names in global club culture — a legacy built in Manchester and celebrated across the world. The opening weekend will take place on Friday 30th and Saturday 31st January, marking the official return of Sankeys to its Manchester roots.
15. Explore Rochdale with this immersive nighttime light and audio experience
Rochdale’s streets are set to be transformed into an immersive nighttime light and audio experience this month, as Stories We Tell: Rochdale invites residents and visitors to explore the borough through the real memories, voices and lived experiences of local people. Running from Wednesday 28th January to Friday 6th February 2026, the free, guided audio walk will use large-scale projections, moving imagery and powerful 3D sound to animate buildings and streets, including Milkstone Road, Drake Street, Baillie Street and Rochdale Town Hall Square. The event is free to attend and tickets can be booked here.
16. Watch a medley of performances from iconic musicals all under one one roof and for one night only
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The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals is returning to the AO Arena on January 26th, ready to cast its biggest theatrical enchantment yet! Hosted by Jason Manford, this fifth-year spectacular gathers 11 iconic musicals for one truly unforgettable night. Expect dazzling moments from Wicked, Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Producers, I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical, and even more magical surprises to come…
17. Travel back in time to ancient Machu Picchu with this immersive VR experience
Tick Machu Picchu off your seven-wonders list with the most ground-breaking 45-minute adventure – Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City. This wonderful event in Manchester takes you on the world’s first large-scale free-roam VR expedition, where you can travel 450 years back to the ancient Inca Empire, offering an extraordinary VR journey for the whole family. The VR experience is guided by top 3D specialists and historians, ensuring both stunning visuals and historical accuracy.
