Local art markets, sample sales, festive yoga... here’s what to do, see and shop this month
The Christmas break may be just around the corner, but the festivities are far from slowing down.
From sample sales to crafty Christmas workshops, these are the events not to miss this December.
Etsy Made Local Christmas Market | People’s History Museum, 1 – 3 December
Over forty Manchester craft-makers will descend upon the People’s History museum for a shoppable showcase of local art and design talent. Hosted by online marketplace Etsy, the event will celebrate Manchester makers alongside local musicians and drop-in workshops at this inspiring museum setting. Find the perfect present or browse the endless aisles for design inspiration.
Free – register here
The Dating Circuit | Bliss Club Manchester, 1 December
Cuffing season is well and truly upon is, with people pairing up to enjoy hibernating sessions of Netflix and chills across the cooler months. Those yet to snare a singleton fear not; the Dating Circuit is back this month with a sweaty singles mixer - it's essentially speed-dating at the gym. So even if you don’t find the perfect match, you’re guaranteed a good workout.
Tickets £22.10 – buy them here
Alex Monroe Sample Sale | The Foundation Coffee House, 2 - 3 December
British jeweller Alex Monroe is celebrating 30 years of his brand by taking his sample sale on the road to Manchester. Over the weekend, shop rare and discontinued styles from the jeweller's celebrated line (Princess Anne is a fan) including a beautiful gold plated bumblebee pendant necklace at a 20% discount. Foundation coffee house will also be offering 10% off all hot drinks for any sample sale customers.
Manchester Christmas photography workshop | 2 – 3 December
From the magic of the markets to the city-wide lights, experience the festivities of Manchester whilst sharpening your photography skills at this one-day workshop. Take to the streets on the first weekend of December to visit Manchester landmarks under the watchful eye of a professional photographer.
Tickets £75, booking essential
Lavish Alice Sample Sale | The Fitzgerald, 6 December 2017
In Manchester sample sales aren't much of an 'insider secret' anymore - good, 'cause we're in the mood to spend. This December make sure to check out the upcoming Lavish Alice sample sale for generous discounts on its premium clothing. Hosted at The Fitzgerald above Rosylee on Stevenson Square, the Manchester-based brand will supply a wide range of womenswear for prices as little £2 - £30. While drinking and shopping probably isn't a wise idea (then again, some of the best purchases are made after wine), there will also be a drinks happy hour between 5-7pm. Make sure to bring cash.
The Fitzgerald, 11 Stevenson Square, 9 - 5pm
Modern Calligraphy Workshop | Cass Art, 10 December
Whether you’re a bride-to-be looking to brush up on your handwriting or fancy channelling your artistic flair, this calligraphy workshop is the perfect way to get creative this Christmas. Hosted at the Northern Quarter’s Cass Art, the session will set you off on this creative path with a starter kit included in the workshop fee.
Tickets £45 – buy them here
Women’s Christmas Mastermind event | Grafene, 13 December
Set your intentions for 2017 and gather ideas from leading business women whilst you sip on festive fizz. Grafene’s Christmas lunch is perfect for female solopreneurs who want to meet fellow businesswomen and share their successes.
Tickets start at £49.50 – buy them here
Bishyika 2018 fashion launch party | The Milton Club Manchester, 15 December
Whilst the majority of us splurged our childhood savings on sweets at the corner shop, young entrepreneur Eric Bishyika used savings from his teenage paper round to fund a fashion brand at the tender age of 13. Bolstering Manchester’s credentials as the home of budding online fashion, Bishyika offers a collection of men’s and women’s fast fashion designed by the entrepreneur himself. The launch night promises a host of live entertainment, short catwalks, special guests and a red-carpet photo booth.
Tickets £11.05 – get them here
Christmas Wreath Workshop with Maybe May | Form Lifestyle Store, 14 December
Get into the crafty Christmas spirit with this wreath-making workshop. Build a hand-made wreath from foraged foliage, eucalyptus, twigs, grasses and ferns to produce wild, natural-looking décor suitable for indoors or outdoors decorating. Plus, learn how to get the most out of your creation with design tips and tricks on how to make your wreath last the full Christmas season.
Tickets £45 – buy them here
A Wonderful Evening of Christmas Songs | PORTER + Cole, 15 December
Enjoy an evening of festive cheer at the sophisticated setting of PORTER + Cole. The coffee-meets-design concept store is set to host a stunning soiree of Christmas songs, performed by Leeds-based musician Georgia Thursting. This is Christmas with class.
Tickets £8.30 – get them here
Festive Flow Yoga | LEAF Portland Street, 16 December
If the bingeing and boozing of December is too much to bear for a full 31 days, then swap a Saturday night at the markets for a more relaxing treat. Introducing festive flow, a yoga workshop designed to let you unwind from the chaos of Christmas, complete with fairy lights and festive frolics.
Tickets £10 – buy them here
Prosecco Fest Manchester | Event City, 23 December
A festival of fizz is hitting Event city on Christmas Eve Eve with the newly launched Prosecco fest. Making its debut in Manchester this December, Prosecco Fest brings together over 20 different types of prosecco, cocktails, fine wine and street food in a delectable boozy bundle.
Tickets £12.50 – get them here
