Until
Free Activity at Aviva Studios
From comedy nights to live music, Factory International bring an accessible and inclusive programme of event this winter – the best thing, it’s all free.
free entry
What not to miss
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Acosta Danza – Nutcracker in Havana at The Lowry
Blow away those January blues with Carlos Acosta’s explosive Cuban take on the festive ballet classic.
from £32.00
Until
Cosmotechnics at FACT
‘Cosmotechnics’ at FACT brings together Latin American artists to reconsider our relationships with both technology and the natural world.
free entry
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Hamlet Hail to the Thief at Aviva Studios
A thrilling adaptation blending Shakespeare’s great tragedy with Radiohead’s seminal album in an intoxicating blend of theatre, music, and movement.
from £10.00
Until
Louise Giovanelli: A Song of Ascents at The Hepworth Wakefield
Manchester-based artist Louise Giovanelli presents a new body of work that investigates contemporary worship through luminous paintings.
from £0.00
Femi Kuti and The Positive Force at Band on the Wall
This January, legendary Afrobeat artist Femi Kuti plays an intimate Manchester date with his band, The Positive Force.
from £27
Until
Sleeping Beauty at Storyhouse
Chester’s cultural hub has pulled out all of the festive stops this year – with a spectacular performance of Sleeping Beauty topping the bill.
from £15.00
Spotlight on
Things to do in Blackpool
Fancy a festive day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.
Take me thereDestinations
Seasonal Guides
Where to go
Liverpool
Dovedale Towers (The Dovey)
A pleasant pub on the famous Penny Lane, ‘The Dovey’ has a classy interior, lots of outdoor seats and a good atmosphere.
Liverpool
Henry Bohn Books
Prepare to do some browsing and digging – this second hand bookshop is full of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered
Liverpool
A Slower Space
A Slower Space offers a curated selection of homeware, candles, jewellery and more, all in a relaxing atmosphere, on the iconic Penny Lane.
City Centre
News from Nowhere
News from Nowhere is a radical community bookshop selling texts on important current issues as well as leading social justice initiatives.
Liverpool
The Merchant
The Merchant is a chilled pub, with a great selection of beers and gins and lots of outdoor seating. It’s also the home of Nightcrawler Pizza.
City Centre
Artefact
Artefact combines vintage finds with a laid-back coffee shop experience, plus a busy schedule of events from open mic nights to exhibitions
Liverpool
Rudy’s Pizza (Bold Street)
Rudy’s Pizza on Bold Street is the perfect casual dining experience, serving delicious Neapolitan pizza with monthly seasonal specials.
City Centre
Lovelocks
Lovelocks is a chilled café on the outskirts of Liverpool city centre, serving delicious sweet and savoury foods and championing inclusivity.
Culture Guides
Theatre in the North
From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.
Food and Drink in the North
Looking for the best winter meals the North has to offer? This month's guide to food and drink has the lot.
Tours and Activities in the North
Get creative, allow yourself to be curious and learn something new with this month's tours and activities guide.
Family things to do in the North
As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.
Music in the North
From Afrobeat to psychedelia, alternative rock to glistening pop, we take a look at some of the best gigs happening in early 2025.
Literature Events in the North
It might be chilly out there, but we're shining our lantern light on some events that will warm the cockles.
Theatre in the North
From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.
Exhibitions in the North
Before the festive season completely takes over, we've rounded up some of the best exhibitions to see right now.
Cinema in the North
Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.