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Things to do in December 2016: Hull City of Culture & Lightwaves

Polly Checkland Harding

The Creative Tourist Cultural Calendar. This month: Hull City of Culture, Lightwaves and Christmas markets.

Lightwaves. Outdoor, light and projection-based art at Manchester’s waterfront destination. The Quays, Salford

Christmas markets. From the mega to the micro, we publish the best art and alt shopping experiences in the north. Various venues

Hull City of Culture. In 2017, Hull becomes the UK City of Culture. It’s an honour that’s only bestowed every four years, on a city that demonstrates a belief in the transformational power of culture. Get ready for 365 days of mindblowing art and culture. Various venues, Hull, launch events will take place throughout December

Small Business Saturday. Show your love for the small, the independent and the boutique. Nationwide, date TBC

Winter Arts Market. Merseyside’s largest arts and crafts market is in its eighth year, and features work from more than 200 of the region’s best artists, designers and makers, in one of the UK’s most stunning venues.  St George’s Hall, Liverpool, 3 & 4 Dec

Destination Guides

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

A white mattress is burning in a black rocky landscape.
Exhibitions in the North

In galleries around the North this autumn, you'll find tactile sculptures, Treasures with a capital 'T' and plant magic.

Sepia image of a courtroom with the words 'Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird’
Theatre in the North

Winter brings a huge haul of seasonal shows, as well as productions that resolutely veer away from the fairy lights.

A performer in a bright red costume sits on a snowy stage set, holding a large snowball between their legs with a surprised expression. The colourful winter backdrop features snowflakes, hills, a snowman, and a traffic light with glowing lights.
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

Music in the North

Manchester’s closing out the year – and looking to the new one – with a run of gigs from some of the country’s best underground exports.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.

Food and Drink in the North

Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.