Theatre for all the family, stunt driving and Manchester's very own WWE

We're fast approaching the end of 2024 and it's all feeling a bit festive. Whether you want to get a head start on your New Year's resolution by trying a class or you plan to spend the festive season surrounded by distinctly less Christmass-y things, we've got options. 

Discover our guide to Manchester, December 2024. 


20241211 Manchester Xmas
Spend Spend Spend is the perfect heartfelt musical this Christmas Royal Exchange

Spend Spend Spend

Royal Exchange

23 November - 11 January 

Tickets from £12

Based on the life of Viv Nicholson, Spend Spend Spend is a big-hearted, carnivalesque musical comedy, perfect for Christmas. Following working-class Yorkshire lass Viv who won a fortune on the Football Pools in 1961 – until it all came crashing down around her.


20241111 Manchester December
Snuggle up at Winter Assembly, Manchester Winter Assembly

Winter Assembly

St. John’s Court Club

Until 24 December

With an ice rink, cosy chalets serving boozy hot chocolate, seasonal street food, festive films, and marshmallow roasting pits, Courts Club in the newly-named St John's neighbourhood will be spreading the festive joy this December. Even if you're not into the festivities, there's nowhere cosier for you to mutter 'bah humbug'.


2024 11 11 Rick English
Buckle up for AWESOME ACTION FEST 2024, Rick English

Behind the Stunts with Rick English

Cultplex

3 December

Tickets from £7.50

As part of AWESOME ACTION FEST 2024, stunt actor Rick English will dive into the world of action cinema, sharing insights from his work on films such as The Batman, The Flash, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, and Kingsman: The Secret Service. 


2024 11 11 Salford Light Display Xms
Explore a free light trail across Salford Quays Lightwaves Salford

Lightwaves Salford

5 - 8 December

Salford Quays

Lightwaves Salford returns for 2024 and invites you to explore a trail of dramatic light art installations that transform the waterside around Salford Quays and MediaCity. With a trail of 14 illuminated works from established as well as emerging artists. Plus it's completely free of charge. 

2024 1 11 Mo Gill Manchester
Triple BAFTA-winning stand-up sensation, Mo Gilligan is back in Manchester Mo Gilligan​​

Mo Gilligan

O2 Apollo

5 December

Tickets from £34.50

Triple BAFTA-winning stand-up sensation Mo Gilligan returns with his highly anticipated World Tour, ‘In the Moment’, and he's stopping over in Manchester for a night of laughter at the Apollo. Want tickets? We'd recommend moving fast.


20241211 Wrestling
It's FutureShock Trophy Season... Who will win? FutureShock Wrestling

FutureShock Wrestling: 2024 Trophy Tournament

Stockport Masonic Guildhall

8 December

Tickets from £17.85

Spent your childhood playing WWE? Then we've got the perfect weekend for you. Eight wrestlers step up to try to etch their name into history. Who will outlast seven rivals to claim the FutureShock Trophy in 2024?


2024 11 11 Pete Doh
The Libertines and Babyshambles frontman, Peter Doherty will be in Manchester for one night only Peter Doherty

Peter Doherty: Q&A + Live Music

AO Arena

9 December 

Tickets from £38.50

The Libertines and Babyshambles frontman Peter Doherty will be hosting an intimate performance at AO's The Mezz, an intimate event space within the arena. You can expect Doherty to perform stripped-back versions of his most beloved songs, paired with an insightful in-conversation session hosted by BBC 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins. 


2024 11 11 Gavin And Stacy
Gavin & Stacey Bottomless Brunch Freight Island

Gavin & Stacey Bottomless Brunch

Freight Island

7 December 

Head to Freight Island for a WELL LUSH afternoon. Expect drag hosts that’ll have you laughing like Nessa, audience participation that’ll make you feel like you’re right back in Barry Island and tunes, street food, games, prizes and of course, a few dance-offs too – Smithy would definitely approve!


2024 11 11 Stick Man
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back in town! Freckle Productions

Stick Man

The Lowry

10 December - 5 January 

Tickets from £17.00

What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.


2024 01 11 Feather And Rock
Yoga Brunch​​ ​The Hyatt

Yoga Brunch

The Hyatt

14 December

Looking to start your New Year's resolution early? Head to The Hyatt for a Yoga Brunch with Jodie from Feather & Rock Yoga. She'll lead a nourishing 75-minute yoga class to bring energy and vitality into your weekend, followed by a healthy brunch. 


Want to loop us in on the best things happening this month? Email Charleym@confidentials.com

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Read next: What’s on in Manchester for kids: Christmas 2024

Read again: Manchester Indie Christmas Markets 2024: What's On