Struggling to plan a fun-filled weekend in Manchester? Come rain or shine (in this city’s case mainly rain), we’ve got you covered when it comes to what’s on this weekend in Manchester. From brunches to gigs, there’s something for everyone, including some activities for the kids, on our list of things to do in Manchester this weekend.
1. Nibble your way around the city with the Manchester Cheese Crawl
If you camembert the thought of not doing anything this weekend then this is one of the tastiest things to do in Manchester to get involved in. Manchester Cheese Crawl gives cheese lovers the opportunity to discover some of the delicious dairy delights that can be found around the city. This two-hour walking tour will take you around Manchester’s cheesiest spots: meeting cheese mongers, tucking into cheese and crackers (and just maybe a bit of vino) and, of course, being treated to a fantastic selection of cheese-based puns.
2. 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. Bringing ski village vibes, 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.
3. Enjoy bottomless pizza and drinks alongside the best tunes from the 2000’s
Manchester based hangout, Brickhouse Social has announced the return of its 00’s themed brunch that will run every Saturday in November. Brickhouse Social invites music lovers to enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless pizza slices, fizz, bottled beers and select cocktails on their secret rooftop terrace with resident DJ playing all the best tunes from the 2000’s ranging from Britney Spears through to Beyonce. There are two sittings available on Saturdays: 1pm – 3pm and 3:30pm – 5:30pm, so go on, let your hair down and reminisce!
4. Have a mooch around the Manchester Christmas Markets
Nothing gets you into the festive spirit like a trip to the Christmas markets. Back in Manchester for another year, 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.
5. Sing your heart out at a silent disco
Who wouldn’t want to start the weekend with a silent disco? Join the Silent Adventures Team for a musical journey through Manchester’s streets with funky moves and pop star voices on display. Experience a flash mob, silent disco and rhythmic riot through town with hi-tech headsets filling your body with beats. Get ready to dance and sing on this walking tour! Plus, if you’re concerned about being embarrassed you needn’t worry as you’ll be part of fab group people all after a great time.
6. 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.
7. Visit the world’s smallest house party at just 2×2 metres
You just can’t beat a good house party, and now White Claw is bringing the World’s Smallest House Party to Crazy Pedro’s in Manchester to allow Mancs to catch up with friends in a more intimate (and cheap) environment. House party stalemate, White Claw, is behind the once-in-a-lifetime experience, with the ‘World’s Smallest House Party’ set to tour the UK, stopping off at London, Manchester, and Liverpool. The new experience takes the shape of a mini-house just three metres tall, two metres wide, and two metres deep – in spite of its size, remarkably, six people can squeeze into the space.
8. Witness a dazzling Christmas lights switch-on event at Manchester Printworks
Printworks is set to light up Manchester this festive season by hosting its first-ever Christmas lights switch-on event. Showcasing brand new screen content on Europe’s largest digital ceiling, the celebration kicks off with a festive street party and will feature a special guest. From 6pm to 8pm on November 29, Manchester’s Printworks is set to come alive with festive entertainment for all ages, featuring a thrilling drummer show, live DJ, percussion and sax sets, and high-energy stage dancers. Guests can also immerse themselves in captivating digital entertainment, including a dazzling laser show synchronised with the ceiling screens, creating a 360-degree experience.
9. Watch an incredible magic show at Manchester’s luxurious hotel The Midland
Combining mesmerising magic and a stunning setting, Magic at The Midland is an unforgettable experience. Witness the incredible magic of Steve Price, one of the UK’s best magicians, and prepare to be amazed, entertained, and left wondering how he does it all. Don’t blink or you might miss the magic unfold before your eyes in the luxurious Lancaster Suite at The Midland Hotel.
10. 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 eight-week annual Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells.
11. Get into the festive spirit as the Yankee Candle Christmas bus pulls into Manchester
The Yankee Candle Express is set to stop off in Manchester next week where people can hop on board and experience a ‘magical fragrance sensorium’ as the festive season gets underway. The Yankee Candle Express will be set up at Piccadilly Gardens between November 29 and December 1, which is currently home to the Manchester Christmas Markets‘ Winter Gardens, the renowned candle brand will be making things smell a bit more festive. Think, cinnamon spice and festive tree pines expected to fill the Manchester air.
12. Sip your way around the city on this craft beer walking tour
Calling all craft beer lovers! Prepare for things to get boozy as you hop along on this craft beer walking tour around Manchester. Sip on 10-12 beers (1/3 pints) of superb craft beer locally brewed in Manchester, with each one very unique. At each venue a brewer or a tasting expert will give the full lowdown on what makes these craft beers un-brew-lieveable. Get your steps in on this craft beer tour and be rewarded with an epic pint– what more could you want?
13. Shop independent retailers all under one roof as The Pop-Up Club arrives at Manchester Arndale
The Pop-Up Club is bringing its innovative retail model to Manchester as it returns to the city to bring small businesses and independent traders to shoppers this Christmas. The store inside Manchester Arndale will be open from 10am until 7pm Monday to Saturday and 11am until 5pm on Sundays. Shoppers will be able to choose from the carefully curated traders on offer including independent retailers such as beautifully hand-painted watercolour illustrations from By Tilly, celestial and nature inspired jewellery by Sian Mellor designs and beaded bracelets from That Wild Feeling. It’s also helping to promote local talent as it shares the work of Manchester based unique printed homewares from Lydia Meiying.
14. Experience fire cookery and great wines at Stow
Owners of the much-loved, long-standing, Northern Quarter staple, Trof, are opening a brand new restaurant and cocktail bar on Manchester’s Bridge Street on November 22. Stow will have a menu cooked entirely over live fire, as well as a great wine list and a short selection of both classic cocktails and their own variations. The owners’ plans centre around the “simplicity of great ingredients cooked over open fire with very little faff” whilst creating a warm and welcoming environment perfect for quick lunches, group nights out and intimate dinners. Think low lighting, bar seats, candles and carafes.
15. Tuck into a slice at the new Rudy’s restaurant in Prestwich
It’s been around nine years since Manchester-born pizzeria Rudy’s stole our hearts for the first time. Five since they expanded to Peter Street. And now, Rudy’s is set to secure their reign over Greater Manchester once and for all, by heading north of the city to open a brand new pizzeria in Prestwich. Rudy’s will be taking over the former Barclays bank building on Bury New Road, which has stood vacant since August 2022, and transforming the bank into a 3,000 sq ft venue offering 150 covers, including a 30-seat covered courtyard to retain the charm of the building’s original features.
16. Watch an enlightening ballet performance at The Stoller Hall
We Call It Ballet in Manchester is flipping any signs of an esoteric script for a performance designed to appeal to everyone, ballet expert or not. An enlightening introduction, narrator, and the use of LED lights are part of this modern take on the ballet experience. Taking place at The Stoller Hall on November 30, this bewitching ballet show is dramatic, playful, and charming. As well as emphasising ballet’s lyrical steps and complexity with whimsical lights, the captivating show has a story to tell – the story of The Sleeping Beauty featuring Tchaikovsky’s breathtaking music.
17. Feel festive as the North’s largest heated outdoor and indoor winter festival Winter Island returns
Manchester city centre’s beloved Winter Island returns to Freight Island this Christmas season, transforming the venue into the North’s largest heated outdoor and indoor winter festival. This enchanting experience is set to run until Christmas Eve, promising a season filled with holiday magic for all ages. Winter Island has become a must-visit destination during the festive season, for locals and visitors alike in Manchester, offering a spectacular blend of Christmas-themed attractions.
18. Take a wander around RHS Garden Bridgewater in the crisp, autumn weather
Opening just a few years ago in Worsley, the RHS Garden Bridgewater gates lead to a beautiful, nature wonderland – and it’s the perfect place to catch a literal breath of fresh air. Featuring multiple areas throughout to explore, including the ‘crown jewel’ of the site – the 11-acre Weston Walled Garden – visitors won’t be at a loss for beautiful sights, with tons of greenery, blooms, a peaceful lake and a number of lovely little ponds to potter around, as well as seasonal flowers and plants that transform throughout the year. Escape the city and witness nature doing its thing at this scenic garden.
19. Head out on an after-dark illuminated trail at Dunham Massey
Back for 2024 and here to lift our spirits, Dunham Massey has confirmed brought back their stunningly festive illumination trail 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.
20. Shop local at Ramsbottom’s Christmas market
Ramsbottom’s annual Christmas market, known as Ramsbottom Christmas Cracker, will be returning to the Greater Manchester town this weekend – perfect if you’re looking for unique Christmas gifts and also supporting local businesses. Taking place on December 1 between 11am to 3.30pm, there will be a Makers Market in the Civic Hall, Santa and his friends will be around the Urn and the Dickensian Market will be based in St Paul’s Gardens. Ramsbottom Civic Pride will be holding their Dickensian stall and will be holding a tombola with a range of prizes on offer.
21. Watch the sparkling panto alternative I Wish starring Le Gateau Chocolat
Following glittering runs at Unicorn Theatre, London and New Victory Theatre, New York, I Wish is heading to HOME from November 29 and will be presented for the very first time starring the show’s co-writer and co-creator, internationally acclaimed theatre artist and singer, Le Gateau Chocolat. In many a fairy-story there are wishes granted and fairy-tale endings – but what if your wishes come true in surprising ways? What if those ever-afters weren’t so happy after all? Meet the fabulous Wish Giver, Effie, who sashays into a fairy-tale world of hopes, dreams and unintended consequences… This fantastical, playful one-person show, filled with glorious song, style and sass (and more sequins than Strictly), tells a new fable for our times – one of self-discovery, acceptance and joy.
22. Get your Christmas shopping sorted at Victoria Bath’s Festive Winter Fair
The Festive Winter Fair at Victoria Baths returns from 11am – 4pm on Sunday 1st December, where you can browse 50 specially-selected stalls, selling a fantastic variety of unique and handmade artwork, jewellery, ceramics and food. Tea Room volunteers will be serving sandwiches, cakes and hot and cold drinks – not to mention mulled wine and mince pies, and the Gift Shop will also be open, selling a great variety of items including tea towels, mugs and handmade items to support the work of Victoria Baths Trust. Get the festive feeling with performances from local choirs, and whilst you’re at it, you might fancy a tour of this fascinating building.
23. Enjoy a night of wine and cheese at Ancoats Deli
Tucked away on Ancoats’ second courtyard and hidden suntrap, just off Murray Street, Ancoats Deli, is hosting a cheese and wine party this weekend – after all, ’tis the season! You can expect great drinks from the likes of Yapp, Top Cuvée and Modest Merchant and moreish cheese from some of their excellent suppliers from the UK and Europe. On November 30, grab a selection from their wine list for just £5 a glass, and a plate of cheese also for £5 and enjoy.
For more brilliant weekend ideas, check out these fantastic things to do this December.