December

Saltaire Living Advent Calendar

The Saltaire Living Advent Calendar has been a staple of the village since 2006, with community buildings and houses lighting up their windows with intricate illuminations.

Christmas at Gibside

Get away from it all at Christmas at Gibside, a fantastical fire and lantern trail. We all love a stroll in the countryside, but this is a brand new way to experience the stunning eighteenth-century house and gardens.

Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley & Josèfa Ntjam

FACT presents the final instalment of the Radical Ancestry programme with a new show by Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley & Josèfa Ntjam.

Betty! A Sort Of Musical at the Royal Exchange

Looking to escape the traditional pantomime fare this Christmas? the Royal Exchange’s festive production should definitely hit the spot.

Ghosts at the Old Library

Levenshulme Old Library has commissioned brand-new festive ghost stories from four writers – Marie Crooke, Adam Farrer, Richard V Hirst and Melissa Wan – for a special atmospheric reading event.

Star of Wonder at Theatre Porto

Experience a magical new show that tells the tale of three travellers who follow a star. For children aged 5+ and their grownups.

Room on the Broom at The Lowry

Join the adventures of the Witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

There’s a Rang-Tan in my Bedroom & Other Stories at HOME

Discover how you can make a difference to our planet through a magical mix of puppetry, music and education this December at HOME.

Holiday Horror Double Bill at Odeon Great Northern

DMP Cinema and Odeon have lined up the bloodiest Christmas event of the season, featuring a killer Kris Kringle double bill that’ll knock your socks off.

Rob Newman at HOME

If you’re a fan of Rob Newman’s BBC Radio 4 show, Half Full Philosophy Hour, this new live stand-up show will be right up your street.

Occupational Hazard at The Holbeck

Get your boarding passes ready: Leeds-based dance theatre duo ACCA present their much anticipated first full-length show.

Die Hard at Vue Printworks

Reclaimed as a festive staple, Bruce Willis still crackles in John McTiernan’s superior action flick.

RNCM Opera: Die Fledermaus at RNCM

RNCM Opera present Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, a rip-roaring comedy filled with deceit, betrayal, and champagne. Lots of champagne.

Twilight Walk: Winter Pleasure Grounds

Walk and Talk your way through the Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s lakes and woodland to discover interesting follies and features by candlelight.

BADBADNOTGOOD at Albert Hall

In support of their expansive 2021 album Talk Memory, BADBADNOTGOOD play their biggest show in Manchester to date, at Albert Hall.

Manchester Christmas Parade

Experience festive fun and sparkling spectacles to delight all ages at the Manchester Christmas Parade.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane at The Lowry

Prepare to be transfixed in this dark, magical tale of a forgotten childhood live on stage at The Lowry this winter.

Salt Publishing double book launch at Blackwell’s

It’s like all your Christmasses have come at once at Blackwell’s this December, as the bookshop hosts a two-for-one Salt Publishing special, launching both the Best British Short Stories 2022 anthology and the brand-new Modern Stories series.

Crime Central at Central Library

There’s murder and mayhem in the library! Manchester Libraries’ monthly event Crime Central is having a Christmas Special at Central Library, hosted by Rob Parker.

Claus – The Musical at The Lowry

With childhood wonder and festive magic, this world premiere musical brings L. Frank Baum’s classic tale to life.

Avatar: The Way of Water at VUE Printworks

See the latest from blockbusting auteur James Cameron on the biggest screen in the city.

Bourgeois & Maurice: Pleasure Seekers at HOME

Sequin-clad and gloriously unhinged, our favourite musical twosome are back in Manchester this Christmas with a brand-new high-energy show.

Once Upon a Christmas at Arley Hall

Create memories that last a lifetime at this magical festive event for families.

Blackburn Festival of Light

Blackburn Festival of Light is a lantern parade created by and for the whole community. In just five years the festival has gone from a small-scale arts event to a staple in the town’s cultural calendar.

Christmas Family Day: The Gruffalo at the RNCM

Enjoy a day of festive family fun and musical treats, including a screening plus live orchestra of the magical film The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson.

Winter Funland at Trafford Park

Get the kids in the Christmas spirit at this amazing indoor funfair for families with children under 9!

Horrible Histories: Horrible Christmas

Celebrate Christmas the horrible way at The Bridgewater Hall this December.

A Gospel Christmas with AMC Choir at Blues Kitchen

Christmas is given the gospel treatment as the AMC Gospel Choir brings the festive heart and soul to Blues Kitchen.

The Muppet Christmas Carol at The Bridgewater Hall

The goose is getting fat and Kermit and pals are out in force in this tongue-in-cheek adaptation….what better way to get into the spirit than a magical romp through Christmas past, present and future!?

Deadly Games at Chapeltown Picture House

A film for those who think that MacCauley Culkin didn’t go far enough, Deadly Games A.K.A. Dial Code Santa Claus is a home invasion thriller that’s more Rambo than Home Alone.

Christmas with Jane Weaver at YES

Jane Weaver, an artist who’s spent 20 years abusing, evading, and obliterating whimsical pop trends, is performing a one-off Christmas show.

Christmas Film Season 2022 at HOME

Like a tub of festive chocolates, there’s something for all tastes showing on HOME’s cinema screens this Christmas.

New Year’s Eve Party at Legoland

Join the hottest party on the block this New Year’s Eve! Say goodbye to 2021 with 2 awesome party sessions, featuring character mascots, mocktails, magic and more.

The Warehouse Project: New Year’s Eve at Mayfield Depot

Looking for a blowout of epic proportions on New Year’s Eve? Depot Mayfield’s the place, and The Warehouse Project’s the party.

Homoelectric New Year’s Eve at New Century

Cap off the year with a flamboyant bang as the Homoelectric crew throw a one-off do at New Century, headlined by genre-hopping party-starter, Erol Alkan.

Damien Hirst at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Experience YBA artist Damien Hirst’s towering and provocative outdoor sculptures at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

The Little Library in Spinningfields

Take your pick from The Little Library’s carefully curated collection of classics and new releases, adding a recently read book of your own as a replacement.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House Tour

Visit the home influential Mancunian writer Elizabeth Gaskell, with expert guides and refreshments within the home it’s a truly immersive way to learn about her life.

Skyliner: Alternative Tours of Manchester

Join Skyliner for the anti-tour of Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The route interrogates current developments in the city as well as visiting the area’s most notable pieces of street art.

What is Manchester Art Gallery? at Manchester Art Gallery

Manchester Art Gallery reopens with a thought-provoking new exhibition that delves into the history of the public institution and its role within the city.

Jonathan Schofield Walking Tours

Jonathan Schofield Is well known for his expertly informed, charismatic and intriguing guided tours, join him on one to find out why.

Book sale at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House and award-winning garden is a must-see, with the famous book sale every second Sunday of the month throughout 2022.

Poetry Walk at The Reader in Liverpool

Every Thursday morning you’re invited to join the Poetry Walk with The Reader in Calderstones Park. Get into the great outdoors and escape the everyday, while exploring poetry and making the most of the beautiful surroundings in a safe and socially distanced way.

Eat The City – Scranchester Tours

Satisfy your hunger for knowledge as well as lunch with Scranchester’s food tours of the city centre. You may discover a new favourite hidden gem or learn a bit more about the cultural or historical significance of the food you eat all the time.

Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Stop and spend an hour or two with this special creation, nestled within a stand of birch trees beside Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s Upper Lake.

Craft Beer Tour Manchester

Join Craft Beer Tour Manchester for a journey through some of the cities best local breweries and artisanal beer serving bars. Discover the personality of Manchester’s beer through a diverse range of pints.

At Home with the Pankhurst Family at the Pankhurst Centre

The Pankhurst Centre’s new permanent exhibition offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of the people behind the iconic Pankhurst name.

Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth

Head to the Outdoor Art Club at the Whitworth Art Gallery this autumn for fun, creative activities designed to encourage your little ones to play freely in the fresh air, while exploring nature and the outdoors with family and friends.

2022 Banner Exhibition at People’s History Museum

The 2022 Banner Exhibition 2022 at the People’s History Museum will take you on a journey through the history of rights and equality via its dazzling collection.

Robert Indiana: Sculpture 1958-2018 at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

A major exhibition of Robert Indiana’s sculptures and two-dimensional work will adorn the rolling hills and Underground Gallery of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Fairy Tales at Z-Arts

Z-Arts presents Fairy Tales, an enchanting exhibition that takes children aged 0-8 to an interactive Fairy Tale wonderland.

Refractive Pool: Contemporary Painting in Liverpool at Walker Art Gallery

‘Refractive Pool: Contemporary Painting in Liverpool’ at Walker Art Gallery celebrates local talent with an exhibition of paintings by 21 Merseyside artists alongside a publication.

British Pop Archive at the John Rylands Research Institute and Library

Come along to experience the energy and nostalgia of The British Pop Archive – an exhibition that gathers records, artefacts and memorabilia of UK popular culture from the post-war period to the present day.

Recollections May Vary at the Mental Health Museum, Wakefield

Inspired by the museum collection of objects and documents related to mental health, ‘Recollections May Vary’ gathers the work of 12 artists, resulting in a powerful display of very personal responses.

Inspired by Lady Lever at Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight

Port Sunlight’s exhibition ‘Inspired by Lady Lever’ aims to reveal a little more about the lady herself, with the help of valuable artefacts, while celebrating 100 years of history at the Lady Lever Art Gallery, and the life of the woman it is named after.

Rachel Goodyear: Stirrings at Salford Museum & Art Gallery

Salford Museum & Art Gallery presents a ‘homecoming’ exhibition – the first major solo show in the North by the Salford-based, internationally renowned artist Rachel Goodyear.

Shakespeare North Playhouse Opening Season

Launching with a glorious weekend of free festivities (15-17 July), check out Shakespeare North Playhouse’s spectacular opening season.

DJ Gym at Hatch

Learn some DJ and production skills with DJ Gym Manchester, based in the culturally infused surrounds of Hatch.

Autumn season at Z-arts

Check out the autumn season at Z-arts, where children and young people can look forward to creative and fun nature-themed activities and events.

Life Drawing Manchester

Whether you have never put pencil to paper or have been honing your artistic skills for years, Bee Creative studio runs life drawing sessions for people of all abilities.

Supper Club at the Vegetarian Society Cookery School

For those eager to expand their Vegan culinary repertoire the Vegetarian Society Cookery School’s new Vegan Supper Club is a must. With easy to follow instructions from expert tutors you can create sumptuous vegan meals which are then enjoyed as a group.

Jadé Fadojutimi: Can we see the colour green because we have a name for it? at The Hepworth Wakefield

This September, The Hepworth Wakefield is giving audiences the opportunity to experience the wonderfully colourful world of Jadé Fadojutimi.

IN-SIDE-OUT-SIDE-IN at Site Gallery

From digestive systems to architectural plans, IN-SIDE-OUT-SIDE-IN at Site Gallery explores intricate connections on a macro and micro scale.

Flecky Bennett’s Ghost Walks

Meet, Flecky Bennet, your guide through the dark and demonic side of the city as he takes you on one of Manchester’s award winning ghost walks.

Sahej Rahal: Mythmachine at BALTIC Gateshead

Sahej Rahal and his new exhibition ‘Mythmachine’ continues BALTIC’s season of exhibitions with the leading theme of ‘play’.

Sí Manchester Daily Tour

Sí Manchester’s daily tour is a brilliant way to get an overview of the city with tours running in both English and Spanish.

JMW Turner with Lamin Fofana: Dark Waters at Tate Liverpool

See JWM Turner’s work like never before paired with Lamin Fofana’s immersive exhsound environment in ‘Dark Waters’, a very special exhibition at Tate Liverpool opening this September.

Daniel Arsham: Relics in the Landscape at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Daniel Arsham’s large-scale sculptures are making an appearance at Yorkshire Sculpture Park in his outdoor show ‘Relics in the Landscape’.

ROOT-ed Zine: Retrospect, Reality, Reform at The Tetley

ROOT-ed Zine are taking over The Tetley with their show ‘Retrospect, Reality, Reform’, amplifying the voices of Northern creatives of colour.

Dandy Style at Manchester Art Gallery

Set in the brand new dedicated Fashion Gallery, ‘Dandy Style’ celebrates all the is most elegant, dramatic and fascinating in menswear.

Cerith Wyn Evans: ….)( at MOSTYN

MOSTYN is currently hosting a major solo show by Wales’ most internationally recognised artist Cerith Wyn Evans with a show entitled ‘….)(‘.

breathe, spirit and life 呼吸、靈魂與生命 at The Bluecoat

The autumn season in the Bluecoat is all about cleansing and purifying, in the new exhibition breathe, spirit and life 呼吸、靈魂與生命.

RNCM Autumn Season

In celebration of its 50th year, the RNCM has a huge Autumn Season in the works, packed with awe-inspiring talent and thrilling programming.

Ukraine: Photographs from the Frontline at IWM North

See IWM North’s powerful new exhibition ‘Ukraine: Photographs from the Frontline’, from photojournalist Anastasia Taylor-Lind.

Brains in a Dish at Cooper Gallery and Glass Works Digital Space, Barnsley

Visit ‘Brains in a Dish’, an immersive installation of sculptures and digital media visualising the processes involved in studying the causes of dementia, raising awareness of the condition and the powerful technologies used in dementia research.

THE LIGHTS at Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Centre

Come and absorb THE LIGHTS in Bury Art Museum’s new exhibition where lightboxes and neon take centre stage. The touring show is originally from Blackpool’s Grundy Art Gallery.

Turner Prize 2022 at Tate Liverpool

This year, Tate Liverpool will have the pleasure of hosting what is possibly the most important event in contemporary art in the UK – the Turner Prize.

Hannah Starkey: In Real Life at The Hepworth Wakefield

The Hepworth Wakefield presents a major survey of work by Hannah Starkey, tracing the development of two decades of her photographic practice.

Turn It Up: The Power of Music at the Science and Industry Museum

Prepare to get hands-on, with your ears and hearts open, at a new major exhibition exploring the science of music’s mysterious hold over us and how it drives us to create, perform, feel and share.

Backyard Cinema

Brand new to Manchester, Backyard Cinema bring their immersive film experience to Mayfield Depot.

Althea McNish: Colour is Mine at The Whitworth

Explore the life and work of Althea McNish, one of the most influential textile designers, in the major, touring retrospective ‘Althea McNish: Colour is Mine’ at The Whitworth.

Pure Brilliance: The Boodles Story at the Lady Lever Art Gallery

‘Pure Brilliance: The Boodles Story’ takes viewers on a journey full of sparkle, glamour and some of the finest jewels you’ll see, on the Lady Lever Art Gallery’s 100th anniversary year.

Hinterlands at BALTIC Gateshead

Experience the folklore, mythologies and history of the landscape of the North East in Baltic’s new group exhibition ‘Hinterlands’.

Joanna Whittle: On Shifting Ground at The Whitaker

The Whitaker’s latest art offering aligns perfectly with the season: Joanna Whittle: On Shifting Ground is gorgeously atmospheric. 

Selma Makela: Future Haunting at The Whitaker

Selma Makela’s Future Haunting at The Whitaker includes paintings developed from a rare collection of 19th-century glass slides of alpine climbers on Glaciers, as well as work derived from meteorological and geological phenomena.

The paintings reference multiple sources of imagery, including glimpses of the world as seen during travel, and also found through researching archival sources and ephemera.

Makela’s work reflects upon concepts of distance and dislocation, both in terms of geological timelines – and also in terms of displacement and migration in a time of great uncertainty.

Jala Wahid: Conflagration at BALTIC Gateshead

Visit the BALTIC to experience Jala Wahid’s ‘inferno’, an exploration of Kurdish identity, Britishness and diaspora through the lens of oil.

The Lion King at the Palace Theatre

The sun may have set over our Manchester theatres during the pandemic – but now “it’s rolling high through the sapphire sky” once again. Hit musical The Lion King has added even more dates to its previously postponed run.

Brigitte Jurack: Fieldnotes at HOME

Visit Brigitte Jurack: Fieldnotes at HOME – a gorgeous new exhibition that works like a balm for our overstimulated minds.

School of Comedy at the Frog and Bucket

Try your hand at stand up comedy with an eight week intensive course with Dave Williams in the Frog and Bucket’s School of Comedy.

Nina Chua and Daniel Silver at Castlefield Gallery

Experience the raw creative energy of manipulating materials, at Castlefield Gallery’s new double-artist exhibition from Nina Chua and Daniel Silver.

Cinderella at Hope Mill Theatre

Dig out those glass slippers…the previously postponed run of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella comes to Manchester. The perfect warm-up to the festive season.

The Lanterns at Chester Zoo

Adventure around nine new magical, illuminated worlds after dark including an Ice Kingdom and meet Father Christmas.

Lakwena Maciver: A green and pleasant land (HA-HA) at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Hide from the rain and immerse yourself in the bright and colourful paintings in ‘Lakwena Maciver: A green and pleasant land (HA-HA)’ at YSP.

Robin Hood at Oldham Coliseum

Hitting the target this Christmas, Robin Hood promises to be a traditional pantomime of the highest order – great for the whole family.

Festive Sundays in Manchester City Centre

Keep the kids entertained while you do the Christmas shopping at Festive Sundays in Manchester City Centre.

Glow at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Get that festive feeling you’ve been waiting for at the shimmering spectacle of lights at RHS Bridgewater.

Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

A Christmas Carol at Bolton Octagon

Bringing music, laughter and a welcome dose of festive cheer, a brand-new adaptation of the Dickensian classic is the perfect festive treat for families this Christmas.

Sea to the West at Cross Lane Projects

Experience the magic of pinhole photography at Cross Lane Project’s show ‘Sea to the West’ by local photographer Graham Whitwham.

Aftersun at HOME

Tipped by many as film of the year, Paul Mescal stars in Charlotte Wells’ tender debut feature.

Lightopia at Heaton Park

The award-winning and visually sensational lantern and light festival returns to illuminate Manchester this winter.

Christine Kowal: They Think They Are Fallen Angels at Williamson Gallery

Christine Kowal: They Think They Are Fallen Angels at Williamson Gallery explores our relationship with the natural world and its inhabitants.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto: Red Riding Hood at Liverpool Everyman

Well, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to see Liverpool’s jukebox-sensational Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto, would it?

The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin at Waterside Arts

Families are invited on a journey to the coldest part of the planet for this heartwarming show at Waterside Arts.