The rotting pumpkins are now feeding our plants while our trolleys are filling with sparklers and firewood… That’s right, Halloween is behind us and November is taking centre stage. It’s the month to dig out your woolly hats, pin on your poppies and start some preliminary Christmas shopping.
It’s also the time to treat yourself to a fun day out or indulge in a romantic date night before your calendar starts filling up with festive commitments. To help narrow down the endless possibilities that await in the city, we’ve rounded up some fabulous things to do in Manchester this November.
1. Visit the Christmas Markets
2. Catch the fireworks at Freight Island and Mayfield Park
The first word that springs to mind at the mere mention of November is always fireworks. You can remember, remember the 5th of November at Freight Island and Mayfield Park this year. In the absence of the city’s recently cancelled bonfire night they have decided to put on an epic firework display; lighting up the sky with a kaleidoscope of colours above their festive Christmas tree forest and cosy heated terraces. Round up your friends, swing by the bar for some mulled wine and grab a first row seat to witness the dazzling display.
3. Enjoy a fun sip and paint in the dark experience
After great success in bringing its fluorescent neon-lit ambience to cities like Paris, São Paulo, and Berlin, Neon Brush is finally coming to Manchester. 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.
4. Dive into the animated world at the UK’s largest animation festival
Returning for its tenth year, the Manchester Animation Festival will be showcasing some of the finest animation work in person, with sessions taking place across the city. Kicking off this November with over 100 events such as screenings, panels, workshops, masterclasses, Making Of and studio talks, there is plenty for animation enthusiasts to get involved in with this year’s festival.
5. Listen to a Candlelight concert playing Oasis’ best hits
Zip up your green parka and slip on your shades. All the roads that you have to walk to see this Candlelight tribute to Oasis may be winding, and all the lights that lead you there could be a little blinding, but it’ll be worth the trip. There are many things that we would like to say about this captivating concert, and, luckily in this case, we do know how. If you didn’t manage to bag tickets to see the band back together at Heaton Park next year then don’t look back in anger as this is sure to be supersonic.
6. Head out on an after-dark illuminated trail at Dunham Massey
Back for 2024 and here to lift our spirits, Dunham Massey has confirmed the return of their stunningly festive illumination trail, which is set to take place from this November. The after-dark illuminated trail will be bringing all the festive feels to the historic National Trust venue, along with three new light installations. The event, which will be its eighth run this Christmas, will transform the beautiful formal gardens and deer park with festive lights trailing throughout.
7. Enjoy a drink at this Edgar Allan Poe-inspired speakeasy bar experience
If Gothicism and horror are your genres of choice, you’ll be pleased to hear of a pop-up bar gracing Manchester for three nights only this November. The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy will come to The Bowdon Rooms on November 21–23, for evenings of cocktails and chilling retellings of Poe’s famed stories and poems. The pop-up bar, which has appeared all over the US, is set to visit the UK and Ireland next month due to its increasing popularity; it’s a must for cocktail aficionados, literature buffs, and lovers of dark tales.
8. Escape to the wilderness of Manchester’s nearby forests
Nature has had its autumnal makeover and is positively glowing with a spectrum of gold, yellow and orange, especially within the local and enchanting forests. You can swap pounding the pavement for crunching over fallen leaves this November. In a short drive you could be breathing in the fresh air of Blackley Forest, laced with a serpentine river, or catching sight of a red deer in the enchanting tangle of Macclesfield Forest. There’s nothing quite like a blustery stroll among the trees, free of the crowds and chaos of the city. Though, if you find yourself missing the city folk, there’ll be nothing sweeter than going home after; rosy-cheeked and refreshed.
9. Celebrate World Vegan Day
The first day of the month is officially World Vegan Day. As if you needed a reason to visit one of the many spots around Manchester that serve tasty vegan grub? Whether you’re someone looking to dip your toe in the world of vegan food for the first time or are a long-time vegan who is constantly on the hunt for new haunts serving delicious plant-based dishes, you are sure to find a favourite among these vegan eateries in Manchester.
10. Challenge your friends to darts at Flight Club
Tired of waiting around to use the one darts board at your local pub? But knowing in the back of your head that its far too busy to attempt even one throw without the distinct risk of catching a pint-wielding geezer? This is your answer. Flight Club’s fairground-themed bar has plenty of dart boards for you and your friends to unleash their competitive side on. Each one with fancy dart-tracking technology, digital score systems and cameras to catch you all in action.
11. Explore the magical light trail coming to Mayfield Park
This November in Manchester is expected to be even brighter as this magical light show returns in the city centre. Located in Mayfield Park, Manchester city centre’s first new public park in more than 100 years, an enchanting winter light show known as The Twilight Trail will take place from November 14 to December 31. Visitors will explore enchanting lighting installations taking over the 6.5-acre park and finish the trail at Freight Island where they are encouraged to stay for further festive experiences – from Christmas food and drink to Visit Santa Experience, and much more.
12. Pay your respects at the poppy installation at IWM North on Remembrance Day
The crimson blanket of poppies that once flooded from the Tower of London has a permanent home at the Imperial War Museum North. They can be found cascading down the Air Shard as part of Remembrance events, serving as a striking symbol of the many lives lost in the First World War and encouraging onlookers to reflect on the true impact of the battle. Put on your poppies and visit the sculpture for free this Remembrance Day.
13. Get into the festive spirit at this magical winter wonderland
Manchester’s new creative district, St. John’s, has announced its Christmas offering for the 2024 festive season, called Winter Assembly – and in keeping with its newest offering Courts Club, it’s promising activities aplenty. The bougie tennis and basketball destination will undergo a winter wonderland makeover this November, with its courts transforming into the city’s newest, fully independent ice rink, from On Ice who previously operated the Spinningfields ice rink. The festive bash will also see the opening of a handful of ‘Chalaoke’ huts – revamped log cabins decked out with karaoke machines and cosy blankets, bookable for groups of up to 10 to sing their hearts out in.
14. Get your culture fix at the Manchester Art Fair
Attention all art aficionados, painting pundits and sculpture savants. Manchester Art Fair is returning to Manchester Central between November 15 and 17, and will be the biggest to date, with even more new artists and galleries to discover. Since its launch in 2008, Manchester Art Fair has quietly become one of the UK’s largest and most significant art fairs with its aim of making viewing and buying quality art accessible and enjoyable.
15. Party the night away at this year’s Homobloc at Depot Mayfield
The legendary block party for all, Homobloc, has announced its return this November, bringing artists and performers together to present one of the greatest coalitions of the LGBTQ+ community. Taking place at Depot Mayfield on November 9, the event will feature heavyweight live acts including Christine and the Queens, Job Jobse b2b Saoirse, 2manydjs b2b Confidence Man DJs, Tiga, Shy Girl, HAAi, Moonchild Sanelly, I.Jordan, CORBAH and many more.
16. Catch up with a friend over a toasty hot chocolate
Gone are the summer days of craving a cold pint or iced coffee in the park. Now, with the autumnal chill setting in, we find ourselves with a hankering for something warm, sweet and comforting- hot chocolate, of course. There are a variety of spots around Manchester where you can find yourself clutching a frothy hot chocolate. From indulgent classics topped with cream and melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows to tempting flavour variations such as peanut butter, chocolate orange or a twist of boozy liqueur. Call your friend, you now know exactly where to meet.
17-19. Kick off your weekend with a boozy bottomless brunch
Picture it now. You’ve had a tough week at work, you send off that last email on the Friday and collapse onto your sofa to check you calendar, there, in bold letters: bottomless brunch. Your heart soars, the week is saved. A boozy excuse to see your mates and let your hair down a little is always welcome in our book and thankfully Manchester is chocka with brilliant bottomless brunches offering free-flowing drinks, delicious food and endless entertainment. Here are just a few to wet your appetite…
🎶 R&B Brunch with Bottomless Rum Punch (November 9 & 30): Get ready to dance the day away. This themed brunch takes place at Manchester Bierkeller, inviting R&B fans to boogie on down to hits from the likes of Mary J Blige, Pharrell and TLC. Street food is on offer when your stomach grumbles and it can be washed down with an hour of bottomless rum punch.
💪Buff Bingo Bottomless Brunch (November 9 & 16): Bottomless bevvies served by Boy Toy buff butlers, cut-throat sass from hilarious drag queen performers, an epic game of bingo…what more could you want? Oh, and the stone-baked pizzas don’t hurt either.
💄Absolutely Britney Bottomless Brunch (November 16): Relive the early noughties with the best tunes from Britney Spears’ brilliant back catalogue, performed by the UK’s number one Britney impersonator, ‘Absolute Britney’. There will also be games, dancing and drag artists, including the hostess-with-the-mostess Miss Blair.
20. Celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with a host of illuminating events
Diwali, which will take place between October 31 and November 1, is a major religious festival mainly celebrated in Hinduism but is also popular within many other religions including Jainism and Sikhism. With Manchester being such a richly multi-cultural place, it’s no surprise that there’s plenty to do when it comes to Diwali. This year, the festival of lights is being celebrated all over Manchester, with events, food specials and learning opportunities to take part in including candle-holder making and Dhol drummer performances.
21. Cosy up in a twinkling alpine hut with mulled wine and karaoke
Returning for 2024 to bring us a little bit of festive sparkle, Bar Hütte is bringing back its wonderful, twinkling alpine huts. However, this year Bar Hütte will not only be popping up in Great Northern Square but also Kampus too, offering Mancs two wonderful winter wonderlands to enjoy. ringing ski village vibes from November 14, guests will be able to book out their very own private ‘hütte’, perfect for getting together with friends during the colder months. Not only that, but it’s the perfect excuse to escape the chill, too, with some fantastic festive-themed drinks including hot gin, mulled wine and Irish hot chocolates on offer.
22. Glide on over to Cathedral Gardens as Skate Manchester returns
A staple of Manchester’s festive celebrations, Skate Manchester will reopen its doors to the city from November 8. Families, friends and festive fun seekers can glide across the ice for the ultimate festive experience, which includes the return of its gleaming ice path giving skaters the chance to spin around a dazzling seven-metre-tall Christmas tree while enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas in the city. The fully covered outdoor rink means skaters can take to the ice no matter what the weather – which is a particular perk in Manchester.
23. Watch the tragic story of Blood Brothers at the Palace Theatre
Whether you’re rich or poor, famous or not, young or old, life will present its own unique challenges. Blood Brothers musical explores the delicate nature of life and death, following a story of two twins separated at birth. Bill Kenwright’s award-winning Blood Brothers is coming to the Palace Theatre in Manchester between November 19 and 30. Written by Willy Russell and directed by Bob Tomson & Bill Kenwright, Blood Brothers boasts an emotional musical repertoire accompanied with excellent acting.
24. Celebrate the MTV EMAs in Manchester at this week-long music takeover
Earlier this year it was revealed that the 2024 MTV EMAs would be held in Manchester, and now more musical excitement is coming as the television channel has today announced MTV Music Week will take place in the city too. MTV Music Week will takeover some of Manchester’s most loved venues ahead of the 2024 MTV EMAs, featuring homegrown artists, unforgettable performances and industry workshops. MTV’s iconic franchises will take centre stage, including MTV Push Live, Club MTV and YO! MTV Raps, showcasing the wide offering of the brand and leaving some MTV memories in Manchester.
25. Browse over 80 fantastic stalls at this vegan Christmas market
Offering the ultimate inspiration for vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians, those thinking about going vegan or wanting to include more vegan products in their life this festive season is the Northern Vegan Christmas Festival. Taking place on November 23 at Sugden Sports Centre, the festival will exhibit with over 80 fantastic stalls and caterers throughout the day. There will be a mouth-watering array of vegan Christmas food plus stalls selling gifts including candles, toiletries, pet treats, handbags, jewellery, fashion, makeup and so much more.
26. See Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake take flight at The Lowry
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake will make a return to The Lowry, Salford this November as part of its 30th Anniversary Tour. This reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece caused a sensation when it premiered almost 30 years ago and has since become the most successful dance theatre production of all time. In celebration of that ongoing impact, Swan Lake will take flight once more in this major revival. Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake visits The Lowry, Salford from November 19 until November 30, ahead of an 8-week annual Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells.