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. 

First Breath

Explore some of the deals on offer this month 

Did you know that four of the world’s biggest tourism accolades have recognised Manchester as a must-visit city for visitors in 2023? 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. 

Delve into the relationship between sport and modern society at the National Football Museum 

The National Football Museum has announced a new, thought-provoking exhibition jointly curated by artist Michael Browne and Manchester United legend, Eric Cantona. From Moss Side to Marseille: The Art of Michael Browne and Eric Cantona is a collection of fine art pieces that chronicle the relationship between sport and modern society. Visitors will experience the commanding scale of Browne’s work alongside never before seen items from his personal archive, revealing the poignant stories and influences behind his unique relationship with Cantona. Tickets start from £11 (free for all City of Manchester residents.)  

Keep an eye on the city skyline this January 

This month, the city will welcome both the new year and fresh life with a brand-new piece of art that will send beams of light into the city sky. Luke Jerram, a renowned visual artist, has created the astonishing artwork at Factory International known as First Breath, which will gently pulse and send up light beams high above the city skyline to resemble a baby taking its first breath. The display will run from 4 -10 pm every evening from January 1-29. 

Paint the Starry Night at Whitworth Locke

A pop-up painting experience comes to the city aparthotel, Whitworth Locke on Saturday 14 January. With drinks available from their in-house bar, the sip and paint evening will be themed around Van Gogh’s Starry Night painting with all supplies including paint, brushes, canvas and aprons provided. Following guidance from a practising artist, your final canvas will be yours to keep. Tickets for the evening start from £35.

Shop pre-loved at the UK’s biggest vintage sale 

Grab a bag at Manchester Cathedral on Saturday 14 January, and pick and mix your way through 9 tonnes of handpicked and preowned vintage attire. For £20 per kilo, you can take home some truly unique pieces from the 60s onwards including all your favourite branded names. Entry tickets start from £2 and with it being the UK’s biggest Vintage Kilo Sale, booking early is encouraged. 

Later this month: Chinese New Year

The UK’s brightest celebrations arrive again this month. As the dark streets light up, welcome in the Year of the Rabbit in Manchester. Featuring Manchester’s famous red lanterns, live performances, stalls and funfair, plus the return of the city’s legendary Dragon Parade, Chinese New Year is set to be a very special celebration in the city. Chinese New Year falls on Sunday 29 January. 

What's New in 2023

Greater Manchester has been named as a must-see destination for 2023, with four leading travel publications placing the city-region on their lists for the year ahead. Lonely Planet has added Manchester to its Best in Travel List 2023, National Geographic says we’re Best of the World 2023, and both Conde Nast Traveler and TimeOut have named Manchester as one of the best UK cities to visit!  

The latest update of our Tourism Watchlist features countless reasons to visit Manchester in 2023 and includes a round-up of key stories and openings you should have on your radar for the year ahead. It features what to expect from key cultural moments, including the re-opening of Manchester Museum in February, and the opening of Factory International in June, plus exciting hotel developments, the booming food and drink scene, and major milestones and anniversaries to watch in 2023.