1. Journey through spectacular festive lights at Mayfield Park
There is a brand-new light show in Manchester’s stunning Mayfield Park. Opened on 17 November, you can now explore the twinkling Twilight Trail, where immersive light and sound installations which will be lighting up the park until the end of the year. The trail has over 50,000 lights and is certain to be an enchanting adventure for the whole family. Complimentary marshmallows to roast on open fires are available, and there are plenty of stalls including a mulled wine bar, hot chocolate hut and candy floss, doughnuts and more. Afterwards, you can also stop by Freight Island and discover their Winter Island, where you will find plenty of festive food and drink to warm you right up. Tickets start from £9.
2. Set out on an adventure around the North of England and Wales
Looking to go on more adventures but not sure where to start? The BusyBus Sightseeing Day tours are just what you need. With Adventure Day tours to North Wales, the Lake District and Yorkshire departing from Manchester Airport, you don’t need to worry about planning the whole trip yourself. The tours are all fully escorted and narrated by an experienced tour guide driver. Tours begin from around 9AM, and bring you back to Manchester by 7PM. The tours run a few days a week, so make sure you check their timetable! Tickets start from £59.
3. Santa officially opens Christmas season with a magical lights switch-on
A new glittering weekend event is arriving in Rochdale to celebrate the Christmas lights switch-on. This Saturday and Sunday, 25 and 26 November, the Rochdale Town Hall gardens will be transformed into the Ignite Fire Festival, where you will find over 25 incredible fiery illuminations from national and international artists. This free experience will be open from 4PM to 8PM on both nights and features performances from the Travelling Light Circus and Drum Machine. Stop by for some festive drinks ahead of the official lights switch-on on Sunday 26 at 5.30PM, led by none other than Father Christmas.
4. Step into a captivating candlelight setting at Manchester Cathedral
Manchester Cathedral brings you a stunning selection of classical music this Saturday 25 November. Whether this is your first classical concert or you’re an avid fan, the magical setting of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight is sure to enchant you. Performed by virtuoso pianist Daniel Grimwood, you will hear Beethoven’s haunting melody alongside Chopin’s Raindrop Prelude and other timeless pieces in the impressive surroundings of Manchester’s gothic revival Cathedral. Tickets start from £19.
5. Discover what lies behind Alice’s looking glass in Tatton Park
Opening this week, Tatton Park turns into a real-life fairytale. From 21 November, Welcome to Wonderland: The Christmas Mansion brings you into the magical world of Lewis Carroll. Explore the Magical Forest, run into the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and make your way through to the Queen of Heart’s kitchen – a sweet festive treat will be waiting for you. Storybook characters will be ready to meet you along the way, during selected dates until the 31 December. Tickets start from £14.
Win an exclusive box for 6 people to see the incredible stage production 'Life of Pi' at The Lowry
Based on Yann Martel's award-winning novel, Life of Pi is a breathtaking adaptation of a young boy's extraordinary journey at sea. It's a story of survival, hope, and the power of imagination that will leave you speechless. Head over to our instagram page to enter:
New restaurant opening of the Week: Fenix
St. John’s neighbourhood welcomes one of the most anticipated openings of the year this week. Officially opening Monday 20 November, Fenix brings a Greek-inspired menu to life, from the minds behind the much-loved Tattu. The high-end restaurant promises to ‘bring Mykonos to Manchester’ with mouthwatering mediterranean food and stunning light installations that will transport you to the idyllic islands.
Book Now: Celebrate the holidays at Peter Street Kitchen
Elevate your holiday celebrations with Peter Street Kitchen. Enjoy a five-course Christmas Day Luncheon inside the historic Free Trade Hall and treat your tastebuds to seared scallop and a decadent Valrhona chocolate fondant or kick off 2024 with their New Year’s Eve dining experience, featuring four delectable courses complete with Moët & Chandon Brut. Make your reservation now here.