Christmas in Manchester and the North

Christmas comes but once a year… and if you’re looking for alternative or interesting things to do over the festive period, you’re in the right place. From not-on-the-high-street shopping guides to our top festive theatre picks we’ve been busy as elves getting our recommendations of things to do for maximum fun, minimum stress together. Although we can’t guarantee that you won’t fall out with your mum/brother/best friend/boss at some point during the Christmas period, we can at least point you in the direction of some of the more interesting independent shops, markets and things to do. And if all else fails, head to the calm sanctuary of the gallery; our guide to the best exhibitions on now in the north is updated throughout the festive season.

Last, but not least, our top 5 picks of the very best Christmassy things to do in Manchester are below – including some retro filmic fun at HOME, a Christmas cabaret at Hope Mill, a special night of winter songs and storytelling with two of our favourite literary nights and a fabulous bit of family theatre at Contact. Ho ho ho!

Here are our picks