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.

Royal Exchange Arcade

Explore great venues to watch the FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is back and football fever is taking over Greater Manchester once again. The tournament this year looks a little different. While we’d usually spend the summer months in a beer garden cheering on the team, this year it’s being hosted in winter which means fans will probably want to take to indoor venues. Luckily, you don’t have to miss any of the action or the atmosphere, as Greater Manchester has some incredible plans to help you enjoy the beautiful game in style.

Winter arrives at The Trafford Centre

Trafford Centre’s spectacular Christmas show on ice, Snow Storm 2 – Ice Kingdom, returns this week in Gandeys Heated Theatre Big Top. From 25 November – 2 January, guests can expect to see 16 top ice skaters, an all-new production with new circus acts and characters, and some of the best international circus stars. Tickets start from £11.99

Go shopping in Greater Manchester for Black Friday

With nights growing colder and darker, there’s no doubt the Christmas season is just around the corner. Make the most of all the winter deals on offer with Black Friday this week and explore some of Greater Manchester’s shopping centres, from high-end luxury to discount fashion, there is something for everyone.

Celebrate the festive period with ‘Festive Sundays’

Manchester city centre will be getting into the Christmas spirit with its series of Festive Sundays - six consecutive Sundays of sparkling street performances to delight and surprise families in the run-up to Christmas. On Sunday 27 November, families can enjoy an illuminating early evening, with enchanting Ghost Caribou, a night-time street act with giant creatures, part caribou, part human who tell their story through music, song, and shadow.

Visit Mr Claus this week

It isn’t Christmas without paying a visit to Santa. Part of the magic of the festive season is taking your little ones to meet Father Christmas, seeing their faces light up and letting them tell him everything on their Christmas list. Luckily, in the run-up to his busiest time of year the man himself is taking some time out to stop by some Greater Manchester Grottos, so you won’t have to travel too far to find him. You can find some of the best Santa's Grottos and Father Christmas experiences in Manchester here.

Focus on food: Winter at Tattu

Permanently unique and ever the innovator, this festive season, Tattu will be offering a special seasonal dining experience. In keeping with the Chinese lunar calendar, Tattu will be transformed into a fresh icy haven specially designed to welcome the time of year for reflection and joy with friends, family and loved ones. Reflecting the Chinese proverb ‘a fall of snow gives promise to a fruitful year’, the breath-taking restaurant will be artfully created into a snow-dusted delight.

Book Now: Tatton Park Fearne Cotton

Described as the ‘Woodstock of Wellness’, Happy Place returns to Tatton Park in 2023. Fearne Cotton is excited to announce Happy Place festival 2023 with one clear ethos and ambition - to offer something for everyone to help clear the mind, bring simple joy and help unlock that inner happiness. With the first wave of special guests and contributors set to be announced early next year, tickets are best booked in advance. Adult day tickets start from £39.