Remember remember…there’s so much more to November than Bonfire Night.
November can be a difficult month, it’s cold and dark and still a bit too early to start on the mulled wine… Unless you live in Manchester where Christmas starts as soon as the markets arrive, which means it’s totally acceptable to have a mulled wine on your lunch break. And if you’re not quite ready to get in the festive spirit, there’s a whole host of cold-weather friendly events happening in Manchester this month.
1. Visit the Christmas Markets (from November 8)
The time is almost upon us. Traders from across the North West and Europe are preparing to descend on Albert Square, as Manchester is set to transform into the UK’s Christmas capital next Friday (November 8). The markets will see the city filled with international food and drink, provided by Manchester’s finest street food vendors and crafters. As well as more than 300 stalls, beautifully festooned (any excuse to use that word) chalets which will be spread across the city centre and the famous windmill bars. Click here for more information. Albert Square.
2. Have a drink at the tiki bar in the Ice Village (from November 8)
Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens will be transformed into an Ice Village this Christmas, complete with ice sculpture cave, frozen tiki bar, ice rink and Santa’s grotto. Take a trip to the village’s South Pacific themed icy paradise for an unforgettable frozen bar experience at -10 degrees! It’s the perfect place for a ‘chilled’ date night, a get together with friends or an alternative space for a work Christmas night out! Click here for more information. Cathedral Gardens
3. Visit the Trafford Centre’s Peter Rabbit Grotto (November 14 – December 24)
The Trafford Centre has announced the theme for this years Christmas grotto and it’s so heartwarmingly nostalgic I can barely type. Beatrix Potter’s most loved character, Peter Rabbit, will be brought to life in an immersive Christmas grotto experience that will be outside the Great Hall throughout the festive period. Click here for more information. The Orient, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AA.
4. Indulge in some festive treats at the Alpine Village (November 8)
Treat yourself to a visit to the Alpine Village, arriving outside the Great Hall in the Trafford Centre on November 8. Explore the huge tepee and snuggle up by the fire pit, enjoy festive entertainment and sip warming hot chocolate. Click here for more information. The Orient, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AA.
If you’re currently planning a wedding, I’d wager you’ve got scrapbooks and Pinterest boards coming out of your ears by now. THE UN-WEDDING SHOW is your escape for the day, a place of freewheeling inspiration that’s perfect for the bride and groom-to-be. Expect an absolute avalanche of modern, refreshing ideas that’ll make your wedding day stand out from the rest. Get your tickets here.
6. Banish your inner Grinch at the Whoville-inspired Christmas market (November 21)
Be transported into a world inspired by Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas as The Makers Markets undergo a makeover suitable for Augustos Maywho. Producers from across the North West will take up residence outside on the Plaza, where they’ll be a range artisan food, drinks and gifts available to buy – from Who Puddings including Grinch Macaroons to Roast Who Beast. The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ.
7-15). Head To The Pictures And Escape The Cold
Some hotly-rated movies are ready to land in Manchester cinemas this month – and remember that we’ve got discounted tickets for all ODEON cinemas 
Here are our top picks:
Nov 1: Sorry We Missed You, a British drama following family man Ricky’s (Kris Hitchen) new chapter as a delivery driver
Nov 8: The Irishman, a epic crime movie based on the 2004 book ‘I Heard You Paint Houses’
Nov 8: The Good Liar, an American thriller featuring Ian McKellen as a career con-artist and Helen Mirren as his love interest
Nov 8: Midway, a war film based on the tragic story of Pearl Harbour and the Battle of Midway
Nov 12: Lady & the Tramp, the live-action remake of the 1955 classic
Nov 15: Last Christmas, a festive rom-com written by Emma Thompson, starring Emilia Clarke and featuring the music of late artist George Michael
Nov 22: Frozen II, the highly anticipated sequel to the Disney favourite
Nov 22: 21 Bridges, an action thriller following the story of an NYPD detective who joins a cmanhunt for two cop killers
Nov 29: Charlie’s Angels, a reboot featuring a new generation of angels, starring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska.