Best Things To Do This Winter In Manchester

• Location: 1A Watson Street, Manchester, M3 4EE
• When: throughout the winter
• Price: from £28.99
• Why we recommend: this unique immersive experience is so much fun, and the delicious cocktails are tailored entirely to your preferences

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 made by the 'inmates'.

Use the crooked guards to your advantage, but make sure you don't get caught. There are plenty of great photo opportunities here, and every ticket includes four delicious drinks made to your taste.

• Location: across Manchester
• When: throughout the winter
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: the pub is one of our favourite places to be all year round, but especially in the winter, sat by the fire with a pint in hand

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.

Wondering what our favourites are? This guide has got them all, from classics like The Old Wellington to more modern picks like The Salutation.

• Location: Hardman Square, Spinningfields, M3 3HG
• When: November and December 2025
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: this has to be one of the cosiest places in the city at Christmas, from the yurt-style setting to the warm blankets and twinkling lights - particularly great for cocktail lovers

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 cocktails on the cards too.

This cam be hired for your own events, or simply book a table with your mates to cosy up under sheepskin blankets with a drink in hand. If you're hungry, they've got everything from bottomless brunch to buffet-style menus and tasty festive snacks to munch on.

• Location: The Printworks, 7 Dantzic Street, Manchester, M4 2BS
• When: 3rd November 2025 - 11th January 2026
• Price: from £18 per person
• Why we recommend: Treetop Golf Manchester is a jungle-themed escape from the winter blues, offering competitive fun that won't break the bank

At Treetop Golf Manchester, groups of 4 - 20 can book the Canopy Cracker (£18 per person) for mini golf and a drinks token, while slightly larger parties (10 - 40) can enjoy Explore More (£26) with nibbles, medals, and a reserved area.

For a more indulgent two-hour adventure, See It All (£40 per person) adds pizza, drinks, and more. Glow-in-the-dark fairways, lush foliage, and a tropical vibe make it a winter activity your friends will love.

• Location: Ship Canal House, 98 King Street, M2 4WU
• When: throughout the winter
• Price: from £33
• Why we recommend: these guys offer a modern, quirky twist on darts that's perfect for groups of all sizes, and we love the addition of booze and bottomless pizza while we play

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.

During your two-hour booking, you'll get 60 minutes of playing darts on their interactive boards, which come with all kinds of great multiplayer modes and add up your scores for you as you go - even recording your best moments. Then you'll get to celebrate in the fairground-themed bar, enjoying the four beers or bottle of prosecco per person that's included in your ticket price.

• Location: 201 Deansgate, M3 3NW
• When: November and December 2025
• Price: free entry
• Why we recommend: this sprawling event space knows how to throw a party, and their Winter Island experience always leaves us feeling fully festive

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. Plus, they've got 12 different street food kitchens to order from.

On the entertainment front, there's live music and twinkling lights to be admired. Don't forget about the neighbouring Twilight Trail in Mayfield Park either, which includes colourful light installations that make for great photo opportunities.

• Location: across Manchester
• When: throughout the winter
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: from seasonal cocktails to warm fireplaces, there's nothing better than a bar that just screams winter

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.

Some of our top picks include The Whiskey Jar, Foundry Project and Australasia - just a few of the city's drinking dens that are pulling out all the stops for the colder months.

• Location: across Manchester
• When: 31st December 2025
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: making plans for New Year's Eve can often be overwhelming, so let us do it for you with this handy guide to all the best events across the city

With 2026 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.

We've got everything from super affordable nights out to ultra-fancy meals, so all budgets are covered here. So, all you need to do is pop the prosecco and get ready to party.

• Location: across Manchester
• When: throughout the winter
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: when the season of beer gardens and light bites is well and truly over, there's nothing better than hunkering down in a winter-appropriate eatery for a full-on feast

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.

From hearty three-course meals to cheese fondue and themed cocktails, there's plenty to be discovered here. Some of our favourite locations? The Anthologist, The Oast House and Mowgli, to name just a few.

• Location: across Manchester
• When: throughout the winter
• Price: from £15
• Why we recommend: these raucous drag performances are both hilarious and fabulous, with a talented cast of entertainers getting the audience involved. And if you're planning to go in November or December, expect some festive twists as well

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.

They've even got Christmas-themed events taking place across multiple Manchester venues, complete with even more lively drag performances. While you get involved in the fun, enjoy crispy turkey burgers, tortilla chips, falafel wraps and more.

• Location: Unit 9, Piccadilly Trading Estate, M1 2NP
• When: Saturdays
• Price: £38.50
• Why we recommend: beer lovers, this one is for you. You'll learn a lot more about your favourite drink, all while trying the best that the city has to offer in terms of brewing

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 - each offering its own unique charm.

There'll be a knowledgeable guide leading the tour, teaching you everything there is to know about the brewing process. Plus, you'll get to enjoy plenty of tastings along the way.

• Location: 50 Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3WF
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £10
• Why we recommend: this high-energy drag brunch is packed full of entertainment, and we're always up dancing by the end of the event

Ho, ho, honey, Christmas in Manchester just got fabulous. Sleigh Bougie is taking over Area for brunch and dinner shows that promise four hours of non-stop festive fun.

Between cracking open your Christmas cracker, devouring a burger and fries, and diving into 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, you'll be entertained by drag queens bringing the sass, sparkle and sequins. With games, big prizes, camp Christmas chaos and a dance floor waiting for you at the end, this is the Christmas party that'll leave you saying 'Santa who?'

• Location: The Avenue Courtyard, M3 3AY
• When: throughout the winter
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: this is a particularly great spot in the leadup to Christmas, as the teepee and cosy vibes are bound to get you in the festive mood

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.

Its also a top choice for feasting, with delicious eats like katsu chicken fries, chickpea falafel gyros and crispy halloumi kebabs on the menu. And if you're dining here at Christmas, they've got some festive specials to enjoy as well.

• Location: across Manchester
• When: November and December 2025
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: a home-cooked roast is great, but we all know it's a lot of effort - so take the pressure off and let the experts do it for you

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.

We've rounded up the very best destinations to get your festive fix, from elegant restaurants to homely pubs - catering for all tastes and budgets.

• Location: 50 Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3WF
• When: throughout the winter
• Price: from £15
• Why we recommend: there are so many different activities here that it's impossible to get bored, and it's great for some competitive fun with friends

If you're on the hunt for indoor activities that won't break the bank this winter, head down to Loft Social in Stockport. This modern venue is filled with pretty plants and a warm, friendly atmosphere, boasting multiple different games to get involved in.

Compete against your friends at everything from shuffleboard to petanque, archery and disco curling - with group booking prices starting from just £15. Plus, there's a fully stocked bar on-site to keep you fuelled.

This winter, make your way to Pizza Pilgrims for their brilliant Dough It Yourself pizza making masterclass. At the Deansgate venue, expert chefs will be guiding you through the process of creating the perfect margherita, while finding out more about the restaurant's journey and snacking on tasty Italian bites.

You'll begin by shaping the dough, before learning how to balance toppings and baking your pizza in the dome oven, and finally enjoying your creations. What's more, your ticket includes two drinks and a scrumptious Nutella ring dessert to finish.

• Location: across Manchester
• When: throughout the winter
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: who doesn't love a Sunday roast, especially to warm you up during the colder months?

'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.

Some of our favourites this season include traditional British boozer The Woodstock Arms, award-winning pub The Marble Arch and the more upmarket Dukes 92 - ideal for a sophisticated dinner.

• Location: 201 Deansgate, M3 3NW
• When: throughout the winter
• Price: from £10 per person
• Why we recommend: these cutting-edge shuffleboard tables add up your scores for you, so you can just focus on playing their fun minigames

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 two hours of bottomless pizza and a bottle of prosecco or four beers each - all while you play on their interactive tables.

• Location: Good Yard Street, M3 3BG
• When: November and December 2025
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: this festive pop-up is a real winter wonderland in Manchester's city centre, promising all the Christmas-themed fun you could ask for

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, toast some marshmallows 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.

• Location: across Manchester
• When: throughout the winter
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: we always love finding unique spot for a group meal or drinks over the winter period, and these cosy pop-ups provide just that - making for some great photo opportunities too

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.

We've rounded up all the best places to find these cosy spots, from The Dome to 20 Stories and The Black Friar in Salford.

• Location: Unit 1, 4 New Bailey, Stanley Street, Salford, M3 5JL
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £39.99
• Why we recommend: we love the competitive element to this event, adding some edge to a wholesome activity, and it finishes with a delicious treat to take home

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.

This takes place in a custom-built tent, with 12 fully equipped cooking stations to work at. And afterwards? You'll get to take home your creation to tuck into.

• Location: across Manchester
• When: throughout the winter
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: who doesn't love ice skating? No matter your skill level, these spots make for a great seasonal day out

If you really want to get in the seasonal spirit, there's nothing better than going ice skating this winter. There are several different spots across the city to glide round a rink, and we've rounded up the very best.

You'll find this chilly sport at Planet Ice, Skate Manchester and beyond, suitable for all abilities. Find out more in our handy guide.