If ever a month was in need of light relief, it’s January. Although relatively fresh out the box, Laughienda gets our vote as one of the best comedy nights in Manchester.

Something that definitely doesn’t go hand in hand with alcohol —  throwing axes at large planks of wood with wild abandon. The new year’s as good a time as any for trying something very, very different.

Think all the fun of childhood, but for adults. Yes, this is a bar, but it’s much more about the many, many arcade games than the booze, and they also do some great alcohol-free cocktails.

New year, new you, new set of jaw-droppingly good deals from Manchester restaurants. Read our guide to the best offers available in January.

If you’re looking for a physical challenge this January, Treetop Trek is a very fun one, and comes with an aerial view of Manchester’s Heaton Park and its beautiful woodland.

Balance out the uphill struggle that is January by whizzing down the UK’s largest indoor ski slope, at Manchester’s Trafford Park.

Want to pop out for a bite of Mexican food without missing out on the accompanying margarita? Madre have a version of their famous marg with zero booze. Using non-alcoholic tequila, this one tastes just as good as the real thing. Their non-alcoholic El Profe, Picadura, Peach Margarita and Death Proof are also well worth a try.

“One Mic, One Stage, One Frog”. Beat the Frog is a legendary amateur comedy night, taking place each and every Monday in the Northern Quarter’s Frog & Bucket.

Six By Nico has done it again. The new Deansgate venue is bigger and grander than the (very good) Spring Gardens location, while the staff and food are as high quality as ever.

Castlefield Viaduct is an urban park in the sky that honours the city’s industrial past. It’s a great place to learn urban gardening tips, if developing greener fingers is on your ever-growing resolution list.

Embrace the cool January air at RHS Bridgewater, an 154-acre garden in Salford, packed with outdoor activities for the whole family and colourful, all-year-round flora.