What's on in Manchester: November and December 2026

November 2026

Ongoing until 3 January: 2026 Banner Exhibition

17 January 2026 to 3 January 2027, 10am to 5pm on museum opening days; closed Tuesdays | History exhibition | People's History Museum, Manchester | Free; donations welcome.

See historic and contemporary political and trade-union banners celebrating people coming together. The displays include the museum's 1821 trade-union banner and more recent examples of solidarity. Accessible interpretation includes large-print, audio and BSL formats.

6, 13, 20, 27 November and 4 December: Handmade craft workshops

Fridays 6, 13, 20 and 27 November and 4 December | Artist-led craft sessions, ages 50+ | The Whitworth, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6ER | Free; book each week in advance.

Make work inspired by the gallery's collections in a sociable group. Email Claire Cowell on the Monday of the week you want to attend, and ask for the session time when booking.

From 6 November: Manchester Christmas Markets

Friday 6 November to Tuesday 22 December; Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens continue to Sunday 3 January 2027 | Festive markets | Ten Manchester city-centre locations.

Browse craft, food and drink stalls across the centre, including the new Lincoln Square location. St Ann's Square has a revised layout, while Albert Square hosts rides as well as stalls. Check the council's Christmas pages for each location's opening hours and holiday arrangements.

19 to 22 November: Manchester Art Fair

Thursday 19 November preview 5pm to 9pm; Friday 20 November 11am to 7pm; Saturday 21 November 10am to 6pm; Sunday 22 November 10am to 4pm | Art fair | Manchester Central | Preview £25; main-day tickets £15, plus booking fee.

Discover work from more than 180 exhibitors, with talks included in fair entry and separately priced workshops. Under-16s enter free with a paying adult. The Thursday preview ticket also covers the following three days.

From 27 November: The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Selected performances Friday 27 November 2026 to Saturday 2 January 2027 | Family musical, ages 6+ | Theatre 1, HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN | Ticketed.

Apprentice Eva discovers the possibilities and dangers of magic in a musical inspired by Goethe's poem. The story follows a sorcerer and apprentice trying to protect their town, with a northern-lights setting and a message about caring for resources.

December 2026

1 December: Christmas - The Candlelight Concert

Tuesday 1 December, 7.30pm to 9.45pm | Live festive music | Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street | Ticketed; use the event page for booking.

Xperience Live presents singers and a live band performing familiar seasonal songs, including White Christmas and Winter Wonderland, in a candlelit setting.

From 5 December: A Little Night Music

Selected performances Saturday 5 December 2026 to Saturday 30 January 2027 | Musical, ages 14+ | Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann's Square, Manchester M2 7DH | Standard tickets from £15 plus £2 per order.

Michelle Gomez and Michael D. Xavier star in Stephen Sondheim's romantic musical comedy, directed by Selina Cartmell. Its mismatched couples and tangled relationships unfold around songs including Send in the Clowns. Check the theatre for adapted and captioned performances.

6 December: Manchester Christmas Parade

Sunday 6 December, start time and route to be announced | City-centre celebration | Manchester city centre.

The council has confirmed the parade's return as part of its 2026 Christmas programme. Its announcement says further details will follow, so check the official Christmas pages closer to the date before choosing a viewing spot.

17 December: Caribbean and African community carol service

Thursday 17 December, 7pm; doors 6.30pm | Community celebration and carols | Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester M3 1SX | Free; reserve a place through the event page.

The Caribbean & African Health Network brings together community choirs, orchestral music, candlelight readings and a Christmas play. All are welcome, with festive refreshments and a celebration of the community's year.

20 December: A Very Queer Christmas

Sunday 20 December, 7pm | Choral music and storytelling | Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street | Ticketed.

The Sunday Boys explore Christmas through queer community, chosen family and personal stories, mixing familiar festive music with less expected selections. Contact the choir for wheelchair-accessible or personal-assistant tickets.

22 December: Nine Lessons and Carols

Tuesday 22 December, 7.30pm | Christmas service | Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street | Seating is first come, first seated.

Hear the Cathedral's Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in person, or follow the advertised YouTube broadcast through the Cathedral's event page. Arrive early if you want to attend in the building.