Best Things To Do This Winter In Manchester

Don't think that Mancunians are put off by the dark and damp - even a little snow and drizzle can't keep us from having a dapper time. From festive film screenings and cosy fireplace pubs to sought-after winter feasts and eccentric events, the chillier months of the year won't keep us down.

Check out our guide to what's on in Manchester throughout winter 2024, including December, January, February and Christmas.

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 1st November 2024




Check Out An Apres-Ski Yurt

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.

Try A Competitive Baking Experience

@ The Big Manchester Bake on Various dates from Friday 22nd November 2024

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.

Curl Up In A Cosy Pub

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. 

Celebrate The New Year

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.

Enjoy A Unique Take On Shuffleboard

Happy Hour!

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.

Get Tickets To A Rooftop Yoga Brunch

@ Doghouse Manchester on Sunday 8th December 2024

Fully covered with heat lamps and cosy blankets too, DogHouse's rooftop is the perfect place for a wintery yoga session led by instructor @movewithpaige. But that's not all, as after your 45 minutes of invigorating yoga, you'll head to the downstairs bar to tuck into your choice of tasty BrewDog brunch dish, including the American breakfast, fried chicken and waffles, eggs benedict, avo on toast and more.

Sample Fine Gins On A Guided Tasting Tour

@ Nell's Pizza on Saturday 7th and Saturday 21st December 2024

Get ready for this award-winning gin tasting tour of Manchester, where you'll get to visit four of the city's very best distilleries and bars. At each venue, you'll enjoy a gin taster and a delicious cocktail (yes, that's 8 drinks in 3.5 hours). 

Not only will you be able to sample these tasty tipples, but you'll also learn plenty about the juniper spirit in our city thanks to your knowledgeable local guide Jono Ojinnaka. The experience takes place on Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm and is a great activity for anyone who loves the spirit or wants to get to know it a little better.

Feel The Festive Heat

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. 

Chow Down On A Christmas Dinner

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.

Drink Hot Cocktails At This Après Ski Pop-Up

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. 

Hail The Return Of Winter Island

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.