As the winter season fast approaches, we’ve compiled the ultimate itinerary to see out the winter months, from attending some of the hottest events in Greater Manchester to joining a club. Who's up for a Parkrun? 

Discover what’s going on below:

Key Dates to Add to Your Calendars  

Manchester Film Festival 19 Mar 2027 - 29 Mar 2027

Manchester Film Festival

Grab your tickets now - Manchester Film Festival is BACK, 19 to 29 March 2026! Returning for a 12th…

Join a Club 

With a growing interest in club activities and search engines going crazy for book clubs, cooking clubs, and running clubs, we’ve pulled together a list of clubs you can join within the Greater Manchester area: 

Start a New Hobby

Altogether Otherwise based over at NOMA is all about ‘Getting comfortable wasting time and being bad at stuff’ so it doesn’t matter if you’re not very good at your new hobby, it’s more about having fun.  

They have a range of clubs you can sink your teeth into including gardening, pottery, photography, and much more! Plus, it is all free.  

Attend a Cooking Class

Join Vegetarian Society who provide a vibrant selection of vegetarian and vegan workshops, supper clubs, half-day and full-day sessions. 

Whether you want to become an expert in vegetarian cookery or learn how to make delicious vegan street food, their flavour-filled experiences make plant-based cooking more exciting and inclusive than ever before.  

Join a Running Club

Have you ever just wanted to start running for the fun of it or compete in a half or full marathon? Well, what better way to start your running journey than by joining a club where you can meet like-minded people and kickstart this dream. 

There is a range of running clubs within the Greater Manchester area, and to make life easier, head to Manchester’s Half Marathon page where you can use their interactive map to find a local running club or Parkrun near to you. 

Meet like-minded people at a Book Club

House of Books & Friends has its own Book Club that runs every month. They hold the book club three times, including one online, so if you can’t make it in person, you can still join in!  

Head to their events page to find out more.  

Free Things To Do in Manchester

The Whitworth

The Whitworth is proudly part of the University of Manchester and serves as a bridge between the…

Mayfield Park

Open space, sky, trees, the natural meander of the Medlock and increased biodiversity; Manchester…

Castlefield

Castlefield in Manchester, located at the south-west end of Deansgate, is the industrial and Roman…

Discover Manchester's Trendy Neighbourhoods

Discover Manchester's diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own blend of culture, history, and modern living. From the Northern Quarter to Spinningfields, explore the character of each district. Plan your visit to experience the local atmosphere, with cultural spots and community spirit shaping the unique vibe of each neighbourhood.

Don't forget there's more to see than just central Manchester. Hop on a tram or train and visit other quirky areas such as Didsbury Village, Chorlton, Stockport, and Altrincham where you can spend your day charity shopping and visiting an array of independent vendors selling food and drink, homeware, fashion accessories and more!

Visit our Manchester's Neighbourhoods page for more information or you may also like our Ancoats: A comprehensive guide and Independent Guide to Stockport. 

Must-see Attractions

HOME

With five cinema screens, two theatres and an art gallery, HOME is an open and social space for the…

Aviva Studios

Image Credit: OMA. Courtesy: Factory International. Aviva Studios is a global destination for arts…

Lowry

A magnificent building alongside Salford Quays, inside visitors will find three stunning theatres…

Z-arts

Z-arts is the UK’s only dedicated arts centre for children and families. A place to express…

Shopping and Winter Sales  

What better way to bring in the New Year than by heading to the winter sales and grabbing a bargain or two.  

Some of our favourite shopping outlets include: 

Selfridges

Selfridges Exchange Square is located in the heart of the city and offers a luxury shopping…

Additionally, venture down Market Street and explore the shops around St. Ann’s Square and The Royal Exchange. Or if you’re looking for something more independent, have a mooch over to the Northern Quarter and King Street.  

Manchester’s best January dining deals are back

Whether you're looking for the best dining deals this January or looking to save a penny or two at your favourite retail stores, we've got you covered.

Head over to our Greater Manchester's best January offers for 2025 blog to find out where you can dine at discounted rates this January. 

To discover more all-year-round deals, visit our Special Offers in Manchester page for the latest offers. 

Day Trips / Unique Experiences  

Whether you’re seeking culture, nightlife, history, or just good fun, there are plenty of things to do in Manchester.

Make your visit one to remember by taking part in the famous GM Ringway, leave the city for the day with Mountain Goat Tours and BusyBus Tours, or book onto one of the endless city tours Manchester has to offer. We've heard Scranchester is perfect for any food and drink lovers looking to explore the city's history even more (while also sampling some of the best food and drink the city has to offer). 

Find out more over on our Unique experiences in Manchester page. 

And lastly, if you’re looking to escape the city for the day, why not explore some of Greater Manchester’s surrounding boroughs?  

Find out about Manchester's districts and discover its diverse boroughs, cultural hubs, and scenic landscapes.

If you head to our Instagram page, you’ll come across our Walk of the Week Highlight that will give you all the inspiration you need. Seize the day and get those walking boots ready! 

Additionally, as the Gateway to the North, it's easy to expand your Manchester visit even further with a trip to the beautiful countryside, including the Lake District and the Peak District, and cosmopolitan cities such as Chester, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and York.

Explore Greater Manchester with our guide. Discover its diverse boroughs, cultural hubs, and scenic landscapes. Plan your visit to experience the unique charm of this dynamic region, offering a mix of urban excitement and tranquil escapes. Start your journey and explore the opportunities for…

For more events, visit our What’s On page. 

Read more blogs...

Manchester Comes Together for Ricky Hatton: Game4Ricky Everything You Need To Know 04 Nov 2026 -

Manchester Comes Together for Ricky Hatton: Game4Ricky Everything You Need To Know

  • 3 minute read

Manchester Comes Together for Ricky: Football Legends, Boxing Champions and Entertainment Stars…

Guide
14 things to do with kids in Greater Manchester this Christmas 03 Nov 2026 -

14 things to do with kids in Greater Manchester this Christmas

  • 8 minute read

Christmas is such a magical time for little ones. From Santa to snowflakes, it’s a time of…

Seasonal guide
Halloween in the City: A One-Day Itinerary 23 Oct 2026 -

Halloween in the City: A One-Day Itinerary

  • 4 minute read

WEATHER UPDATE *There's been a change to this event due to weather, please go here for more…

What’s On at the Trafford Centre: Events, Attractions & Family Fun 20 Oct 2026 -

What’s On at the Trafford Centre: Events, Attractions & Family Fun

  • 3 minute read

Trafford Centre might be famous for its shops, but for families there’s much more to…

Pumpkin Picking Near Manchester: The Best Pumpkin Patches to Visit This Autumn 2026 20 Oct 2026 -

Pumpkin Picking Near Manchester: The Best Pumpkin Patches to Visit This Autumn 2026

  • 1 minute read

Nothing says autumn quite like pulling on your wellies, grabbing a hot chocolate and heading out in…

Seasonal guide
Christmas Lights in Manchester: Where to See the Best Displays in 2026 14 Oct 2026 -

Christmas Lights in Manchester: Where to See the Best Displays in 2026

  • 6 minute read

Looking for Christmas lights near you in Manchester? From city-centre displays to festive light…

Seasonal guide
Bonfire Night in Manchester 2026: Fireworks and Events 13 Oct 2026 -

Bonfire Night in Manchester 2026: Fireworks and Events

  • 8 minute read

Looking for somewhere to watch the fireworks this November? From free displays in…

Seasonal guide
Santa's Grottos Near Manchester: The Best Places to Meet Father Christmas in 2026 13 Oct 2026 -

Santa's Grottos Near Manchester: The Best Places to Meet Father Christmas in 2026

  • 14 minute read

Christmas is a magical time for families, and there's nothing quite like seeing little ones…

Seasonal guide
51 Things To Do in Manchester this Christmas 07 Oct 2026 -

51 Things To Do in Manchester this Christmas

  • 14 minute read

1. Experience the magic of A Christmas Carol at Lowry, where Matthew Warchus’ acclaimed…

The Ultimate Guide to Nightlife in Manchester 05 Oct 2026 -

The Ultimate Guide to Nightlife in Manchester

  • 14 minute read

Manchester is home to some of the most iconic music in the world; Oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division…

Guide
The MCR Monsters turn 10: Halloween in the City Returns 01 Oct 2026 -

The MCR Monsters turn 10: Halloween in the City Returns

  • 3 minute read

Image Credit: Carl Sukonik WEATHER UPDATE *There's been a change to this event due to weather…

Itinerary
Manchester Music, Culture and Heritage: A Guide to the Real Manchester 01 Oct 2026 -

Manchester Music, Culture and Heritage: A Guide to the Real Manchester

  • 8 minute read

A local guide to Manchester’s music history, museums, galleries, theatres, food halls and…

Guide
Ultimate Guide to Family-Friendly Winter Adventures in Greater Manchester 30 Sep 2026 -

Ultimate Guide to Family-Friendly Winter Adventures in Greater Manchester

  • 17 minute read

Summer may be over, but family adventures certainly aren't. With school holidays to fill…

Scream-worthy Halloween activities in Greater Manchester for little monsters and grown-ups 30 Sep 2026 -

Scream-worthy Halloween activities in Greater Manchester for little monsters and grown-ups

  • 2 minute read

Spooky season is almost here, and whether you’re looking for a trick or a treat, Greater…

Things to do in Greater Manchester this October Half Term 30 Sep 2026 -

Things to do in Greater Manchester this October Half Term

  • 3 minute read

Looking for Autumn activities that are fun for the whole family? Thankfully, Greater Manchester is…

Seasonal guide
Your Guide to Luxury Winter Spa Breaks in Manchester 30 Sep 2026 -

Your Guide to Luxury Winter Spa Breaks in Manchester

  • 9 minute read

Christmas is the most magical time of year, but it can also be one of the busiest. Between festive…

Guide
Must-See Instagrammable Spots Around Manchester 21 Sep 2026 -

Must-See Instagrammable Spots Around Manchester

  • 13 minute read

Manchester is one of those cities where almost every corner has a story – and usually, a…

Seasonal guide
Gaia by Luke Jerram Lands at Trafford Palazzo This Autumn Plus Concerts, Wellness Events and Family 11 Sep 2026 -
Itinerary
Places to Go in Manchester: A 48-Hour Itinerary 09 Sep 2026 -

Places to Go in Manchester: A 48-Hour Itinerary

  • 10 minute read

Only have 48 hours in Manchester? This itinerary takes you through some of the city’s best…

Seasonal guide
Manchester's Hidden Gems: A Local Guide for Winter 09 Sep 2026 -

Manchester's Hidden Gems: A Local Guide for Winter

  • 12 minute read

Discover another side of Manchester, from independent shops and cosy cafes to some of the…

Factory International 2026: Culture, Events & Highlights 04 Sep 2026 -

Factory International 2026: Culture, Events & Highlights

  • 7 minute read

Factory International’s programme at Aviva Studios offers a diverse array of bold art…

Christmas Events in Greater Manchester 2026: The Festive Experiences You’ll Want to Book Early 02 Sep 2026 -

Christmas Events in Greater Manchester 2026: The Festive Experiences You’ll Want to Book Early

  • 6 minute read

Christmas might feel a little way off, but the festive events everyone talks about each year are…

Guide
Discover Manchester's Michelin-Starred Restaurants 24 Aug 2026 -

Discover Manchester's Michelin-Starred Restaurants

  • 18 minute read

Manchester has become one of the UK’s most exciting cities for fine dining, with a growing…

Top 5 Things to Do in Manchester This Winter 24 Aug 2026 -

Top 5 Things to Do in Manchester This Winter

  • 9 minute read

Winter is when Manchester settles into its stride. Mornings begin in galleries and museums…

Where to Eat in Manchester This Winter: Restaurants, Food Halls and Cosy Pubs 24 Aug 2026 -

Where to Eat in Manchester This Winter: Restaurants, Food Halls and Cosy Pubs

  • 9 minute read

Winter brings a different side of Manchester's food scene to the table. As temperatures drop…