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
Nothing gets you into the festive spirit like a trip to the Christmas markets. This November, an alpine-style wonderland will be popping up in multiple locations across the city. What better reason to wrap up and face the frosty chill than the promise of yuletide bars serving locally-brewed ales, food stalls enticing you over with the aromas of freshly cooked paella, pork rolls and triple cooked chips and ticking off your Christmas pressie list buying some quaint creations from craft sellers.
2. Show off your dance moves as the internationally-acclaimed club night Bresh heads to Manchester
If you’re into reggaeton music and nights out abroad, chances are you’ve heard of Bresh. The brand has held successful club nights in over 90 cities around the world, such as Buenos Aires, New York, and Ibiza, and now they’ll finally host their first Manchester party on November 25. Expect all the hallmarks of a classic Bresh event – bold decorations, special dancefloor treats, raucous on-stage performances, and celebrity appearances – there’ll be no holding back here.
3. 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.
4. 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, Paint in the Dark 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 coloursand paint whimsical waves or whatever your inner artist tells you while sipping a drink.
5. Dive into the animated world at the UK’s largest animation festival
Returning for its ninth 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.
6. Listen to a Candlelight concert playing Ed Sheeran’s best hits
This month, you’ll be able to hear the music of Ed Sheeran in a new way: performed by a string quartet at a Candlelight concert. On November 24, Manchester Cathedral will be transformed into an even more intimate venue, illuminated by hundreds of glowing candles, surrounding the live performers. You can expect to hear hits from the early days, like The A Team, all the way through to more recent songs, like Bad Habits.
7. Head out on an after-dark illuminated trail at Dunham Massey
Back for 2023 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 seventh run this Christmas, will transform the beautiful formal gardens and deer park with festive lights trailing throughout.
8. Head to Gorilla as the iconic music venue reopens its doors once more
Around six months ago, it was announced that one of our favourite Manchester venues would be closing for an extended period. Before that, Gorilla hosted some of the best gigs and club nights, hidden away under a Whitworth Street railway arch, in the most Manc way possible. Now, Gorilla is reopening with a bang, returning to its former Manchester glory with a big night on Friday 3 November. Gorilla will be hosting ‘Hits Different‘, a party dedicated to indie and pop bangers, to welcome the crowds back in.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Explore over 250 craft gins and spirits at this festival at Victoria Baths
Indulge in the extraordinary at the biggest Craft Gin and Spirit Festival in England taking place at Manchester’s Victoria Baths on November 17 and 18. The festival will be an Aladdin’s cave of craft spirits and will feature a range of distillers from far and wide, both established brands and exciting newcomers. You can explore over 250 craft gins and spirits including rum, vodka, tequila, gin, and more, as well as enjoy a complimentary G&T with your ticket alongside a copa glass and stainless straw to take home.
12. Watch Tony Award-winning musical Hamilton on the Manchester stage
Hamilton is coming to the Palace Theatre in Manchester this November for a 15-week run, kicking off it’s first UK tour. Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.
13. 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.
14. Explore the brand new light trail coming to Mayfield Park
This November in Manchester is expected to be even brighter as a brand new light show is set to arrive 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 17 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.
15. 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.
16. Get into the festive spirit at this magical Christmas-themed bar
Opening for the third time in Manchester, Christmas-themed bar, Miracle on Cross Street, is bringing sacks of Christmas spirit to the city this year, with OTT festive décor at every turn. The glittering venue takes refuge on Manchester’s Cross Street below Salt Dog Slim’s, offering both festive food and drink for guests to enjoy. Open from November 13, visitors can snuggle up by the fireplace while taking in the twinkling Christmas lights, with huge Christmas trees, boughs of holly, dashes of faux fur and more.
17. 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 17 and 19, and will be the biggest to date, increasing its footprint by 35% on 2022 and 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.
18. 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 4, the event will feature heavyweight live acts including 2023 Mercury Prize nominated artist Jessie Ware, Australian indie electro pop band Confidence Man, and Canadian electroclash producer Peaches. Further massive headline DJ sets include The Blessed Madonna, Romy, David Morales, Avalon Emerson, Horse Meat Disco, LSDXOXO, salute, and SHERELLE b2b I. Jordan.
19. 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.
20-22. 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 11 & 25): 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 4, 11 & 18): 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 18): 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.
23. Tuck into a fine feast at this new Greek-Mediterranean restaurant
FENIX is the hotly anticipated addition to the burgeoning Manchester dining scene, bringing high-end contemporary Greek-Mediterranean food and culture from Mykonos to Spinningfields. The stylish and opulent new venture, from the same team behind dining destination, Tattu, will launch in November. The new opening is led by two celebrated chefs recruited from Greece bringing modern techniques together with traditional ingredients and flavours.
24. Witness top grime star Skepta headline an epic Warehouse Project show
We are now fully in Warehouse Project season and to make it even better pioneer of the UK grime scene and eclectic selector, Skepta is heading up a massive line-up for the Warehouse Project Circoloco showcase. Worldwide event series and record label Circoloco closes a packed-out summer of parties at DC10 in Ibiza. However, they will be making their return to Manchester for the first time since 2018 for a special showcase at The Warehouse Project with Skepta headlining on November 25.
25. See the ‘Northern Lights’ and the Moon up close at this festival of light in Bolton
Headlining this year’s Christmas festivities is a mesmerising festival of light, aptly named ‘Put Big Light On’, taking place across Bolton town centre from November 30 to December 21. Bolton will be transformed for six ‘magical’ winter evenings, where visitors can experience the mysterious Northern Lights over Victoria Square, see the moon up close at Bolton Library and Museum and immerse themselves into a world of colourful and interactive artwork across other key locations.
26. Dig through vinyls at this pop-up record store
The New Cross is hosting an independent record store day with the finest local selectors in tow on November 12, from 12pm to 6pm. You can shop the selections of floating record shop specialising in electronic music, Rubber Ducky Records, as well as Round Sound, Haunted Dancehall and Dub Merchants, all under the roof of the converted garage. The artist line-up includes Joey T, Rhod Parry & Scott Forrest, Una and Fairhurst & Mark Hanson. Plus, customers who spend over £25 on records will receive a free beer courtesy of Manchester Union Brewery.
27. Celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with a host of illuminating events
Diwali, which will take place between November 10 and 14, 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.
28. Cosy up in a twinkling alpine hut with mulled wine and karaoke
Returning for 2023 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 8, 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.
29. Explore this second-hand, vintage haven in MediaCityUK
Charity Super.Mkt, the UK’s first multi-charity pre-loved fashion store, will be strutting its stuff for the first time in the North when it opens in Quayside MediaCity this weekend. From the most vibrant of vintage clothing, to the best of band tees, forgotten football tops, desirable denim, and everything in between, the pop-up will offer a curated collection of the most appealing second-hand apparel from charities, with in-store DJs at the weekends and more events to come.
30. 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 19 at Bowlers Exhibition 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.