Best Things To Do This Winter In Manchester

'Tis the season for lazy weekends and plenty of tatties. Head to one of these Sunday roast pubs for Yorkshire puddings, lashings of gravy, juicy cuts of meat and veggie alternatives, along with cosy interiors by the bucketload.

Looking for a snug little retreat to escape the winter chill? We've rounded up the very best places to hunker down with freshly poured pints, hearty plates and roaring fireplaces. From traditional boozers boasting old school charm to modern gastropubs, this city has got them all. 

The latest outdoor pop-up space at The Lawn Club, Alice's Yurt sees Johnnie Walker cocktails, a Mad Hatter statue, a stunning central tree and live music all come together in one place. Not only that, but there's amazing meals too.

With 2024 already knocking on our doors, you'll want to see out the current year in epic style. Whether brunch parties, incredible club nights or something a little different takes your fancy, take a peek at our guide to NYE here.

This December, Courts Club in Manchester transforms into Winter Assembly, a festive escape filled with fun and food. Try your hand at karaoke in one of their bookable Chalaoke huts, skate on the ice rink, and relax with a Christmas film screening.

Enjoy indulgent boozy hot chocolates and explore an array of mouthwatering street food, from German BBQ to Winter Gyros and grilled cheese, all surrounded by stunning Christmas trees and cosy fire pits.

The Big Manchester Bake is making sure you get your fix of both wholesome and competitive activities this winter, promising each pair the chance to go head-to-head against other duos across a 90-minute session. All ingredients and equipment to whip up your recipe is provided, so all you need to bring is your 'A' game.

If you're looking for things to do this December in Manchester, what better way to warm your cockles through than with a cracking Christmas dinner? From classic roasts accompanied by all the trimmings to quirky and international spins, there's a lot to sink your teeth into.

Whether winter dessert cocktails, drinks in a heated tipi or themed decor is more your thing, there's somewhere for you to head to on your handy list. These bars have you more than covered across the colder months, and they'll look pretty darn good in your snaps too.

Keep out of the cold this chilly season by trying your hand at the Japanese classic with YO!'s Sushi School. Found at its Arndale outpost, the restaurant will see you slicing, rolling (and eating, of course) everything from salmon sashimi to a delish cucumber maki.

Packed with everything from Manchester winter gardens to rooftop spots decked out in their seasonal finest, this low-down on cosy winter restaurants across our city isn't to be missed. Plus, there's fondue, hearty spreads and more too.

One of the best winter things to do in Manchester city centre, this craft beer experience has you moving between a few venues to sample the finest that Mancunian microbreweries or tap rooms have to offer. Expect expert guidance and plenty of tastings too.

Make winter in Manchester a fun one with The Hip Hop Orchestra Brunch. Not only will you get to hear throwback tunes performed live like you've never experienced before, but also dance to DJs, munch food from southern USA, and sip bottomless drinks. It's bound to warm you up.

Keeping things naughty this festive season? Swing by Bougie Drag & Boy Toy Events for the chance to indulge in unlimited fizz, delicious dishes and jaw-dropping entertainment from some of the UK's best stars; it's sure to get temperatures rising. 

After events for Christmas in Manchester 2023? We've got a whole list of 'em right here, spanning seasonal pop-ups, immersive experiences and even themed drag with waiters in the buff - swoon. Festivities never looked so good.

The hottest pop-up trend is back in Manchester, that's right... we're talking about igloos, tipis and huts. Treat yourselves to a private get-together in your very own snow globe, complete with Insta-worthy interiors, themed eats and festive cocktails aplenty.

Grab all your mates for a slice of something competitive this winter: a trip to Electric Shuffle Manchester, from the team behind Flight Club. Head to the Deansgate venue for their unique twists on shuffleboard across fun games that really mix things up, where you'll go head to head with each other in teams. Better yet, you can even enjoy a boozy brunch complete with bottomless pizza and a bottle of prosecco each.

Warm up from the winter chill with a trip to Manchester's hottest cocktail bar, Alcotraz. This immersive experience sees you donning an orange jump suit and smuggling booze past an eagle-eyed warden, before sinking a range of delicious, bespoke cocktails.

Any winter survival pack needs hot toddies... Luckily for us, The Oast House is giving you all the festive feels with the return of The Curious Teepee - bigger and better than ever. Stuffed with fairy lights, fire pits, fur throws and warming drinks (including terrific toddies), this is the perfect idea for private parties.

Forget about the never-ending darkness and chilly extremities with Flight Club's banging Brunch Socials. A great one, especially if you've got a winter birthday, these events put on free-flowing pizza, bubbles and games on its state-of-the-art ochres.

This winter, dive into the creative genius of David Hockney like never before. At David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away), 360-degree projections and a score by Nico Muhly bring his world to life, with Hockney himself narrating the experience. 

Organized into six chapters, the show reveals his approach to art, from manipulating perspective to 'drawing with a camera' through photography, celebrating spring with iPad sketches, and capturing the colossal Grand Canyon's majesty through paint.

Returning to Freight Island again this year is Winter Island, an indoor-outdoor grotto for sipping hot chocolates, mulled wine and cider, as well as the usual offerings from the main bar and the tequila bar here. For food? Smoking Coal German BBQ bratwursts, Formaggi by Lazy Tony's poutine and more.

Don't forget about the neighbouring Twilight Trail in Mayfield Park either, which includes light installations soundtracked by Craig Charles.

Bar Hütte is back in Manchester this winter, bringing the city socially-distanced festive fun. Hire out a cosy ski chalet (think festive lights, snug heat lamps and a 'carol-oke' machine) with freshly baked pizza and bombardino cocktails filled with hot rum and eggnog.