Featured image: Manchester City Council
By Adam Taylor and Amy Corringham

Winter is approaching, but don’t let the cold and dark days stop you getting out and about – aAh! has gathered a selection of events for all budgets for you and your friends to enjoy. Get into the festival spirit with a variety of activities leading up to Christmas!

Turner in Time @ The Whitworth Art Gallery
22/11/25-15/02/25

Step back in art time and emerge yourself into the history and evolution of Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) art work. From the use of watercolours in his early work to oil paints, these pieces capture the beautiful landscapes of Britain. With Whitworth celebrating the 250 year anniversary of his birth, this captivating exhibition is the perfect opportunity to expand your art knowledge. With free entry and a place to grab a coffee, the Whitworth is the ideal place to celebrate and explore artistic brilliance.

Christmas @ HOME
29/11/25-28/12/25

HOME cinema is hosting a variety of films over the Christmas season to gear you up for the upcoming festivities. Running throughout December, the series features everything from classic Christmas flicks and animated epics to theatrical experiences – all to be experienced on the big screen. Discover new films or revisit some old favourites with your course mates.

Night Vision: Den Richards and Helen McGhie @ The Poetry Library
04/12/25

This online or in-person event is allowing a mixture of a writer and photographer looking into what happens after dark. The mixed media work, capturing the dark sky of Northern England, is shown through both images and words in this reading. It gives you the opportunity to ask questions and learn how to increase your knowledge of presenting ideas and findings through an art piece.

MERRY QUIZ-MAS SHOW @CULTPLEX
04/12/25

With the chance to win a full month free cinema pass, CULTPLEX is offering a six round, original pub quiz that questions your film knowledge. Trivia nights are always a fun and great way to get your friends together and this quiz night happens every month! This Christmas you can test your film knowledge through drawings and iconic scene memory rounds.

Christmas Barrel of Laughs @ The Frog and Bucket Comedy Club
04/12/25

The Frog and Bucket Comedy Club is hosting a festive run of Christmas-themed comedy nights, featuring a standout lineup of headliners including Dan Nightingale, Hatty Preston, Jamie Hutchinson and Josh Jones. Take a seat in the cozy cabaret-style club for a night filled with laughter.

GRIMMFEST ONLINE
05/12/25-08/12/25

Don’t want to leave the house but still crave a cinema experience? Grimmfest offers a rental service so you can watch and share 15 feature films and one short film premiering this season – all from the comfort of your home. Enjoy unique and exciting films at your own pace. A single viewing costs £6.50, or you can opt for the full pass at £55.50.

Rummage In The Range @ The Carlton Club
06/12/25

Still hunting for the perfect gift – or a treat for yourself? Head to Rummage in the Range. There car boot and flea market takes place at the Carlton Club every first Saturday of the month from 10am-3pm. Venture down, grab a warm drink and some food from the stalls and get rummaging! Who knows what you will find.

Manchester Christmas Parade
07/12/25

Get into the festive spirit as Manchester comes alive with ELF’s and Nutcracker inspired soldiers taking to the city streets! Starting at 1pm on Victoria Street, you can catch the parade as Santa makes his way around town. Enjoy the creative costumes, lively atmosphere and fun characters – a perfect festive treat for families visiting Manchester.

Mid20s – In Person dating Event @ Terrace (23-27s)
10/12/25

With the ‘cosy couple’ season getting closer, Terrace is offering singles a fun way to make the most out of the winter months. This speed dating evening could be your chance to meet new people and take a break from the frustrations of classic online dating apps. Terrace is reimagining 40+ speed dating to give a fresh, youthful twist to the experience. Even if you’re just looking to boost your confidence and meet new faces, it promises a fun night for all singles.

ROLLUPS @ Cafe Blah
13/12/25

If you’re after a more intimate and cozy vibe, head down to Cafe Blah for their final live headline of the year. The event features an acoustic set from Manchester-based band Vélez, along with a host of special guests. The Withington venue is passionate about championing local artists and musicians, making it the perfect spot to discover new talent and enjoy a relaxed night of live music in a local spot.

Dirty Martini-Speakeasy Sips – Home Alone 1
14/12/25

Dirty Martini is hosting a Christmas themed instalment of their event, Speakeasy Sips. A film screening with themed cocktails and food in a place where you can enjoy the classics with some festive sips. This time, they’re showing the fan favourite Home Alone 1. Tickets are £50 and include four cocktails – making it the perfect way for you and your friends to celebrate Christmas and wrap up the semester in style.

Mu Quintet featuring Vulva Voce @ Band on the Wall
16/12/25

Leeds-based experimental acoustic jazz quintet, Mu Quintet perform with Vulva Voce at one Manchester’s most popular independent venues in the heart  of the Northern Quarter. Mixing folk, contemporary classical, techno, and performance art. This night full of jazz is a great way to relax before Christmas, offering a night for you and your friends to enjoy some live music and drinks.

DAVID HOCKNEY: BIGGER & CLOSER (NOT SMALLER & FURTHER AWAY)@FactoryInternational
16/12/25-11/01/26

If you missed the famous David Hockney exhibition that was shown in Manchester a few months ago, it is back for a new showing and is a relaxing activity to be engulfed in Hockney’s incredible artwork inspired by many of his travels including his home town of the Yorkshire woodlands. The exhibition is for art lovers and those who want an hour or a few, to be hidden from the outside noise of the city.

Twilight Tales @ Freight Island
13/11/25-31/12/25

Brand new experience is being offered at the famous Freight Island, with night light trails and walkthroughs, it brings you a festive evening to feel cosy and entranced into a winter wonderland light extravaganza. Freight Island is offering a fun night for all ages to experience the nostalgic Christmas colours and feel lost in the lights. Tickets are on sale now.

The Little Disco NYE presents: MOUSSE T @ Freight Island
31/12/25

See out 2025 with The Little Disco and dance into the New Year in true disco style! Freight Island is offering free entry, with optional drinks packages and VIP upgrades for a fully personalised experience. Enjoy the ultimate disco and house vibes with a DJ set from Mousse T, supported by Manchester’s very own Mix-Stress and Stu Richards, spinning the best in classic disco and party anthems.