If you’re heading to Manchester this Winter or Christmas, then you’re likely going to be looking for some fun things to do for you and your family. Here we’re going to look at 10 different activities and things to do for couples, kids, friends and family in and around Manchester!
I’m a big fan of the UK staycation. There’s lots of such wonderful places in the UK to explore and all cities are so different and have a variety of things to offer.
Most of us are familiar with London of course. I lived 20 minutes from London for 30 years, so I’ve done my fair share of exploring that big city. I’ve recently moved to Lincolnshire and the city of Lincoln is a vastly different kettle of fish but I’m enjoying the quiet and quainter side to the city.
We also just got back from a trip to York which, again, is so different to everything else I’ve experienced.
If you’re heading to Manchester, The Capital of the North, a vast city, steeped in rich history and fame, here are some fun things to consider adding to your itinerary.
And if none of these tickle your fancy or you want even more options, Events in Manchester have everything you could possibly need!
10 Things To Do in Manchester This Winter:
Manchester Christmas Market
You can’t have a Winter to-do list without a Christmas market really can you? With over 225 stalls to ponder and enjoy, the Christmas market is the perfect way to spend a day in Manchester this Christmas.
It’s also a special year for the Manchester Christmas market, as 2023 marks it’s 25 year anniversary, since it first came to the city in 1998. So go and treat yourself to a hot chocolate and some Christmas goodies.
The Grinchmas Brunch
Food, fun and bottomless Christmas cocktails? What more could you want to help celebrate the festive season? The Grinchmas Brunch offers JUST that, plus entertainment for 90 minutes.
Hosted at Impossible Manchester, for £50 a head you can enjoy a delicious brunch, cocktails and live themed entertainment, a great idea for a Christmas get-together with friends.
Ghosts of Christmas Past – Evening Ghost Hunt
Not quite over Halloween yet? No problem! Let’s combine the two and go on a ghost hunt – ooooh! Taking place in Salford’s Ordsall Hall, this Grade 1 listed building has a rich history with the paranormal.
Their ghosts are typically quite active during ghost investigations, so if you want a creepy experience, this is definitely the one for you! What will you experience?
Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience
Although not strictly a Christmas-themed experience, the Faulty Towers Dining Experience is an absolute scream, especially if you’re heading into the city with a group of friends who all loved the classic show Fawlty Towers.
We were offered press tickets for this in London last year and it was absolutely fantastic. A whole night of laughter, with fantastic actors who brought the lively and lovable characters from John Cleese and Connie Booth’s show to life.
Wreath Making Workshop
Getting a bit more low key now for the next activity. If something quieter and more tasteful is your cup of tea, then perhaps the Wreath Making Workshop at Freight Island would be more up your street.
This would be a lovely idea to do with a group of your girl friends or perhaps and Mum and daughter day out and you’ll come away with a beautiful handmade wreath that you can use in your home!
Paint & Sip Bauble Painting
Paint and sip events have risen in popularity in the last few years and they’ve become a really fun bonding activity for groups of friends, so if you’re after something like this but with a Christmas twist, try the Paint & Sip Bauble Painting.
Hosted in the Garten Bar, this fun evening will allow you to unleash your creativity and paint baubles, whilst sipping and chatting and making friends.
Manchester Craft Beer Experience
Love beer? This one is for you! Manchester’s Craft Beer Experience with The Rambling Beer Co. is the perfect opportunity to visit some hidden craft beer gems across the city.
You can sample beer across every stop, handpicked by your guide. This intimate guide is the perfect cozy Winter activity to explore Manchester and drink some amazing beer.
YO! Sushi School
If you love sushi as much as I do, then this activity will be right up your street. Yo! Sushi School offers you the chance to learn the history of sushi, knife cutting skills and how to roll your own sushi.
These two hour classes are run by a sushi master and of course, you can eat your creations throughout the workshop as well. A perfect evening for foodies.
Dunham Massey Christmas Lights Trail
A perfect night for the entire family now and that’s the Dunham Massey Christmas Lights Trail. Enjoy twinkling displays of light and sound installations, colour projections and the tunnel of stars.
A romantic evening for couples, a magical night for the kids and the perfect Christmas photo opportunity for you and your girl friends!
Skate Manchester at Cathedral Gardens
And finally, there’s no Christmas in any city without ice skating and you can get your skates on and whizz around the rink at Cathedral Gardens this Winter.
A lovely activity for the whole family, which also includes dedicated fancy dress skate evenings if you want to be really extra!