Our top tips for making the most of the week ahead, with brilliant things to do across the whole of Greater Manchester… For even more ideas, visit our What’s On page

Jodrell Bank

Charitable Carols at Manchester Cathedral

Join Manchester Cathedral for an evening of Carols by candlelight on Tuesday 20 December. Home Instead Charities are convening to celebrate the incredible work of the people and community groups that work to end loneliness and isolation in ageing adults. Rock Choir will also be performing alongside a choir from Together Dementia with tickets starting from £15 and all proceeds going to support ageing adults in 2023.

Big Queer Christmas at Feel Good Club

Celebrate togetherness this week with Feel Good Club and their Big Queer Christmas for a winter celebration on Wednesday 21 December. From 7 pm, the festive season will be in full swing with a selection of ‘feel good tunes’ accompanied by a DJ, winter cabaret and some of the best drag, burlesque and dance performances in Manchester. You will also be able to try your hand at making your own bauble and visiting a mini-Christmas market. Tickets start from £8.

Celebrate the Winter Solstice at Jodrell Bank

Visit Jodrell Bank on Wednesday 21 December for a one-off evening celebrating the Winter Solstice. Enjoy beautifully animated astronomical illuminations on the façade of the spectacular new First Light Pavilion and relax in the immersive space dome to marvel at the night sky. The celebration promises to be a memorable evening and marks the launch of Jodrell Bank’s new cultural programme. Tickets start from £12.

Celebrate Cinema at Christmas with HOME

HOME are offering up a cinematic selection box of festive favourites this week to help you escape the cold days in the city. Their Christmas line-up includes classics such as It’s a Wonderful Life and The Muppets Christmas Carol alongside some other family favourites from the minds of Roald Dahl and Tim Minchin with Matilda, as well as Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.

Explore the animation exhibition at Waterside Arts

Celebrate 30 years of one of Greater Manchester’s greatest animation studios, Mackinnon & Saunders, with a free exhibition at Trafford’s Waterside Arts Centre. With work featured in some of TV and film’s biggest hits such as the Corpse Bride, Fantastic Mr Fox and Guillermo Del Toro’s new version of Pinocchio, the exhibition highlights some of the studio’s original pieces as well as a series of black and white behind the scenes photographs highlighting the production process.

Book now: New Year's Eve celebrations

It’s the most magical night of the year and the perfect excuse for a party! Across Greater Manchester, there are plenty of events to help you wave goodbye to 2022 in style, whatever your ideal evening may be. Whether you want to dance the night away with friends or are looking for a more family-friendly affair, our list will help you find the best places to be when the clock strikes midnight.

Explore the City in the new year

This year, four of the world’s biggest tourism accolades have named Manchester as a must-visit city on a global scale and for UK visitors, so there’s no better time to be spending the New Year in the city exploring one of the many great new hotels or restaurants. We've got some great January offers to make one of the world’s best cities more affordable. With discounts on hotels, food and drink, experiences and transport, you'll find offers here to fill your entire stay.