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

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

Music in the North

We have an eclectic mix of gigs for you this month, moving from experimental electronics and noise rock to synth pop, opera, and hyper-local R&B.

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.

Textured portrait image of Jarman
Theatre in the North

Theatre across the North West splits between festive escape and sharp, urgent work exploring politics, power and resistance.

A doll with makeup peeks out of a hanging wall of butter yellow fabric. Red and black threads descend and cascade around the doll.
Exhibitions in the North

This season, exhibitions across the North West feel attuned to the world beneath the world – the forces and stories shaping how we see, feel and imagine.

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.

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.