You know the weird in-between time after Christmas and before New Year? Well, it’s called Twixmas. Derived from the word ‘betwixt’, meaning ‘between’, Twixmas is often an uneventful blur, filled with leftovers, binge watching TV, and not much else. Well, we’ve put together a guide on how to make Twixmas 2022 less ‘meh’ and more ‘hell yeah!’ There are still loads of opportunities to stretch out the magic of the season that little bit longer (the Christmas decorations are still up on the tree after all).
1. Venture into Harry Potter: The Forbidden Forest Experience
Watching Harry Potter at Christmas is practically an age-old tradition now so why not experience memorable moments from the movies yourself during Twixmas? Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience brings creatures from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises to Arley Hall in Cheshire (around an hour’s drive from Manchester). Guests will be able to make their way through the magical winter trail, uncovering Hippogriffs, Centaurs, and even Aragog and his family, along the way. If that wasn’t all, there’s also a fantastic village at the end of the trail, where you can fill up on food and drink, too.
2. Visit Dreamland Imaginarium, the mesmerising multisensory experience for kids
Looking to keep the little ones entertained over Twixmas? Well, luckily there’s a brand new interactive experience for all of the family to take part in. Dreamland Imaginarium is aimed at children aged 2–10, bringing birds, fish, flora and friendly monsters from the realms of their imagination to life. An abundance of sights, sounds, scents and texture are incorporated throughout the Imaginarium’s four ‘worlds’ to encourage development in a fun and exciting way.
3. Hear the best classical hits at this candlelit concert at Manchester Cathedral
Celebrate the end of the year in style with the Piccadilly Sinfonietta at Manchester Cathedral. This dynamic orchestra features some of the UK’s most outstanding young professional musicians who will be performing a selection of the greatest classical music ever written. If you don’t consider yourself ‘in the know’ about Vivaldi, Corelli or Chopin, fear not as this Twixmas time performance in Manchester is a great choice for first-time goers of classical concerts.
4. Get your game on at Immersive Gamebox
Top immersive experience, Immersive Gamebox, is the perfect activity for those forgettable days between Christmas and New Year. The unique experience invites players to adventure into the worlds of Netflix’s Squid Game through to Rovio’s Angry Birds all from the comfort of a private Gamebox. Encouraging shared gameplay and working as a team with just a hint of healthy competition, guests at Immersive Gamebox can dive into a stellar line-up of games.
5. Sit back and relax watching a film at your local Vue or ODEON cinema
It’s still cold outside so if looking for indoor Twixmas plans, the cinema calls. Whether you’re near to an ODEON or Vue cinema, both are showing the latest blockbuster films for you to sit back and enjoy. Plus, Fever has an incredible deal for all you film buffs and means you can spend more money on popcorn and sweets! Check out the listings and film times at participating cinemas in Manchester, grab your Fever ticket, and treat yourself to any movie, on any day, at any time!
6. Sample food and drink from some of the best new bars and restaurants in Manchester
Fancy trying something new during Twixmas? With time off and the year coming to a close, it’s a great opportunities to go to bars and restaurants you always said you would and also discover new and exciting openings. From eateries serving Asian flavours to some of the coolest spots to grab a bite to eat on the go or tuck into some great comforting food, there are plenty of new restaurants, cafés and bars to try in Manchester.
7. Unleash your competitive side with a bit of axe throwing
Whether there’s some pent up anger after a Christmas Brussels sprouts dispute, or you just like throwing stuff, go head to head with your siblings, parents, partner, or friends with a spot of axe throwing at Whistle Punks. Demonstrate your absolute bad-assery, as you hurl axes to score points on a target – after some training from the professionals. Losers have to buy the drinks at the onsite bar after, right?
8. Say “cheers” to the end of the year at a bottomless brunch
Bottomless brunch is a winner year round, and Twixmas is no exception. Doing things a little differently than the traditional sit-down session, on Boxing Day (December 26), Bierkeller will host a Nineties and Noughties-themed brunch with live DJs, street food available for purchase, and one hour of bottomless rum punch. So, Re-Rewind to the late 90s/early 00s, get dancing, and continue the festive celebrations!
9. Get an adrenaline rush at this indoor skydiving experience
Whether you want to make memories over the Christmas period or finish the year with a bang, take the plunge and head to iFLY Manchester this Twixmas. Safely float in an 800-horsepower vertical wind tunnel that generates a wall-to-wall cushion of air commonly used by professional skydivers without having to jump from a plane (making it a little less scary and risky). Feel the adrenaline rush as you float at wind speeds reaching 130 to 175 mph, which is bound to leave you a little windswept.
10. Be dazzled by these twinkling light trails in and around Manchester
Looking to brighten up the dark nights over the Twixmas period? From twinkling street lights to huge lit-up installations, there are plenty of places to see festive lights in Manchester. See the beautiful grounds of Dunham Massey, Heaton Park and RHS Bridgewater all aglow.
11. Discover the spookiest spots in Manchester on this unique ghost tour
The days between Christmas and New Year can be a little scary as you sit twiddling your thumbs in between two highly-anticipated, climatic events. But if you’re in search of even more of a fright then wrap up warm, get outdoors and roam the city to discover the spookiest spots with this Manchester ghost tour and exploration game. Suitable for all ages, you and your friends or family can embark on a quest around Manchester by solving clues that will take you to the most haunted places in the city, all with the help of your smartphone.
12. Dance the night away at this Moovin In event at Ramona
Christmas may be over but the party certainly isn’t! The team behind Moovin Festival in Stockport are hosting a Moovin-In event at Ramona on December 28 which is sure to get you and your mates off the sofa and moovin. Free to enter from 4pm on on a first come first served basis, guests can expect some of the Moovin Festival crew in attendance such as Huey Morgan, Danuka, Herbie Saccani, Andrea Trout, Ste Mac and James Lyons. And in true Ramona-style you can expect plenty of delicious margaritas to sip on.