This week’s Best Things To Do has a sprinkling of all things festive, but if Christmassy concerts and dining experiences aren’t your bag, there’s still plenty to do.
There’s a must-see exhibition about the history of Vogue at Aviva Studios, avant gard jazz at Band on the Wall, and a British comedy giant comes to the AO Arena. Nights in can wait ’til January…
Jimmy Carr at AO Arena
King of the filthy retort, Jimmy Carr brings his brand-new tour Laughs Funny to Manchester. With all-new material, the stand-up will take to the stage at the AO Arena on Tuesday 16 December 2025.This week
The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks at Aviva Studios
Tom Hanks narrates an epic experience that offers a new perspective on humankind’s past and future voyages to the moon. The Moonwalkers, created by Tom Hanks and BAFTA-nominated writer-director Christopher Riley and screened at Aviva Studios, tells the stories of the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 70s.
Mu Quintet featuring Vulva Voce
Mu Quintet are a Leeds-based instrumental acoustic jazz quintet drawing inspiration from movements within the musical avant-garde. With a sound characterised by rich compositions, explosive improvisation and intricate melodies, they aim to push at the boundaries of the small jazz ensemble. Mu Quintet comprises of members of Ancient Infinity Orchestra, Matthew Halsall’s band, and Yard Nule. Catch them at Band on the Wall for a spectacular pre-Christmas concert.
Poetry and Yoga at Portico Library
Yoga instructor Polly Anna Steiner guides you through yoga flow in response to Christina Rossetti’s poem on winter, in the unique surroundings of Portico Library. You’ll begin with guided meditation to find a sense of grounding, followed by gentle movements to awaken the body, and then flowing into more dynamic movement patterns led by the breath. The session closes with a guided relaxation to gather and digest the benefits of the practice. We can’t think of a more wholesome beginning to the festive season.
VOGUE: Inventing the Runway at Aviva Studios
Step inside the world of fashion as VOGUE: Inventing the Runway arrives in Manchester. Using the iconic magazine’s remarkable archive and fashion network, the experience is created in collaboration with Anna Wintour and VOGUE editors. Narrated by Cate Blanchett, the immersive show explores the history of the fashion runway.
Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland’ Reimagined
The London African Gospel Choir returns with their critically acclaimed re-imagining of Paul Simon’s iconic album Graceland. Performed with passion, soul, and electrifying rhythm, this concert brings together soaring voices, vibrant harmonies, and an irresistible celebration of African musical heritage. An unforgettable night of joyful spirit and cultural fusion, the London African Gospel Choir breathes new life into classics like You Can Call Me Al and Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original album or discovering its magic for the first time, this is a live experience that connects generations and transcends borders.
Ordinary Friends presents Optimo [Espacio]
Ordinary Friends brings their last party of the year to The White Hotel, and it’ll be a banger. They’ll be welcoming to the cage Optimo [Espacio] – the one and only JG Wilkes. Losing his DJ partner Keith McIvor, aka JD Twitch, in September remains one of the most difficult moments of the year for fans of their inspiring sets, which take in everything from gritty krautrock to joyously hammering techno. But the show goes on. In fact, it absolutely must.
Nathan Parker at Northern Lights Home
Join award-winning spoken word poet Nathan Parker (aka @parkerwords on Insta) for night of great poetry and great drinks in the back room at Ancoats favourite Northern Lights Home. It’s all to launch his new book Tangerines, an emotional treatise on love, family and loss, blended with positive moments of hope and reflection.
Breakfast with Santa at San Carlo
Alderley Edge is getting a double dose of Christmas magic as San Carlo hosts a festive Breakfast with Santa complete with storytelling, themed dishes for kids and a midday visit during lunch from the big man himself. Then you can head over to the Winter Garden terrace, which has had a cosy festive makeover complete with waffles, soft-serve and warming seasonal drinks.
Christmas Movies at Courts Club
Settle in for a free festive film Sunday session as the Courts Club turns into a mini Christmas cinema, with family favourites Frozen (at 1pm) and The Polar Express (at 4pm) playing on the big screen. Grab some warming beverages and settle in for some Christmas wonder.
It’s A Wonderful Life at Cultplex
A holiday favourite for generations… head down to Red Bank’s independent cinema on a Sunday afternoon for this absolute Christmas classic, directed by Frank Capra in 1946. That fuzzy, festive feeling, guaranteed.
