3 min readOur 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.
Head to the first ever Manchester City Centre Christmas Parade
A magical parade filled with all the sights, sounds and sparkle that spell Christmas, will weave its way through the streets of the city centre on Sunday 11 December to help bring some extra special Christmas cheer to the city. With over 100 parade participants taking part, spectators can expect to see everything from Jacks of Frost to Fairy stilt-walkers making their way through Deansgate, St Ann's Street, Cross Street and St Mary's Gate, with a Toy Procession also passing through Manchester Arndale.
Get Christmas Crafty at Heaton Park
Spend some time this week at Heaton Park with the talented and crafty local artist, Caroline Coates. On Wednesday 7 December, you are invited to take a step-by-step journey through the process of casting some Jesmonite, an eco-friendly version of plaster and concrete. Caroline will demo a range of effects including terrazzo and marbling, then you will have the chance to make your own unique pieces. Tickets start from £15
Witness one of the greatest Christmas shows at the Bridgewater Hall
An essential part of every Christmas, the Hallé’s performance of Handel’s Messiah features a starry line-up of world-class soloists. On Saturday 10 December the iconic performance comes to the Bridgewater Hall for the first time and allows guests to listen to one of history’s greatest stories whilst witnessing some of the stage’s greatest vocalists. Tickets start from £15.50
Get festive on the Quayside
This Christmas, the festive maker's markets will be taking over the plaza at Quayside MediaCity shopping centre, Salford Quays to help you find unique gifts from local crafters and suppliers. Shop locally and find a truly exceptional gift for someone special. The markets will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday up to Sunday 18 December.
Stop off at the Rovers with Christmas on the Cobbles
Experience Coronation Street like never before over multiple dates this month at an all-new event, Christmas on the Cobbles. Button up your coat and wrap up your scarf as you embark on an expert tour of Coronation Street dressed in its finest festive grandeur. Hear stories of Christmas past, spread yuletide cheer, feast on festive treats and go behind the scenes as you tour the Nation’s Favourite Street. Tickets start from £25.
New Opening of the week: Climat
Rooftop bar and restaurant, Climat, opened its doors this week high atop the roof of Blackfriars House. The bar offers a lavish drinking and dining experience that features seasonally-inspired menus and an incredible selection of fantastic wines from around the world. With views cascading down the River Irwell, the new restaurant is headed up by Executive Chef Luke Richardson who best defines his style of cooking as ‘Parisian expat food’ – a nod towards the time he spent in the cosmopolitan kitchens of the French capital.
Book Now: Winter Beer Festival at GRUB
Manchester’s biggest and friendliest street food venue GRUB welcomes back its annual local and independent beer festival on Friday 20 January. Over the weekend festival, there will be winter brews aplenty with brewery bars from Unbarred Brewery, Rivington Brewing Co, The Runaway Brewery and Squawk Brewing Co plus over 30 guest taps. You can also expect a street food market, hot toddies, a mulling bar, tasting events and lots more. Early bird tickets start from £5
