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November

Creative Tourist

It might be getting pretty cold out, but resist the urge to stay inside within touching distance of the radiator. Get out there and enjoy these amazing cultural things to do in November.

The music scene in the North is looking as vibrant and varied as ever with even more brilliant classical concerts alongside a booming choice of gigs. Head over to the Music section for our top picks. As for art, November is a fantastically busy month, with new exhibitions at every turn. There’s also plenty to dig into in our Theatre guide, including The Welcome, Factory International’s formal introduction to Manchester’s arts scene.

Finally, the Christmas warm up begins here, and bit by bit we’re adding to our round-ups of the best Christmas theatre and concerts taking place across the region, as well as some Christmas shopping ideas. And of course, tis nearly the season for a Christmas pig-out — you’ll find plenty of festive options in our Christmas food and drink guide.

 

 

Seasonal Guides

Valentine’s Day

Don’t leave Valentine’s Day to the last minute. You’ll find plenty in our guide, from top restaurants to outside-the-box activities.
Two young girls dance with a human disco ball
Things to do over February half-term

Looking for things to do with the family over the February half-term holiday? We’ve got you covered.
Chinese New Year in Manchester
Chinese New Year in Manchester

Colourful cultural adventures abound as Manchester rings in the Lunar New Year. Here’s our round-up of what’s on.
Helen Chadwick posing with a sculpture called Piss Flowers taken during the exhibition Helen Chadwick: Effluvia, held at the Serpentine Gallery, London, in 1994
Cultural Calendar 2025

Our editors’ biannually updated list of some of the best-looking arts and cultural events in Manchester and the North in 2025.
Contemporary Dance at The Lowry
Alcohol-free things to do in the North

So you’re off the booze and you’re wondering what there is to do in Manchester that doesn’t involve drinking…
New Year’s Eve in the North

From warehouse raves to live funk and soul, vegan street food to fancy dining, here’s our guide to New Year’s Eve in Manchester and the North.
Manchester Christmas Markets 2021
Christmas food and drink

The holidays are coming so that means it’s time to eat, drink and be merry for Christmas 2025.

Destinations

Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

Fancy a day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.

Take me there

Culture Guides

NEXT: A Primer on Urban Painting production still
Cinema in the North

Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we start the New Year.

FKA TWIGS
Music in the North

Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in our latest live music round up.

The Super Duper Family Festival
Family things to do in the North

We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Documentary performance, groundbreaking dance, world premieres and fresh takes on classic works - check out our early theatre highlights for 2025.

A painting of a young child being bathed in a sink of a 197s style kitchen. Around the sink are a rubber duck, a bottle of washing up liquid, a jug, a kettle and a mug.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries are racing to announce new exhibitions so check out our top picks, from art films and nostalgic paintings to Hockney's collages.