Things to do in Manchester (22-30 December): what’s on in the city from Christmas events to painting workshops

The curtain may be about to fall on 2022, but there’s still plenty going on in Manchester if you want to enjoy a day or night out in the city.

The festive period is packed with events taking place across the city, from Christmassy favourites to more thoughtful or reflective events looking at a variety of different topics.

Whether it’s film, art or music you enjoy there’s certain to be something out there to bring your cultural 2022 to a close in style. Here’s our round-up of some of the events taking place in Manchester between now and New Year

A Manchester Story Film

Gullivers Pub, Oldham Street.

A free screening of the documentary that follows some of the actions from people in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing. The film won the award for Best Documentary at the UK Film Review Festival. The viewing will take place on 29 December at Gullivers Pub on Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter, starting at 6.45pm.

Japanese Painting Workshop:

GRUB, 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, M4 4HF.

This workshop gives Mancunians a chance to explore their artistic side in a workshop set up by a local artist. This event will allow people to find out about and try their hand at different styles of authentic Japanese art. It’s on Friday 30 December, tickets start at £25.39 and the event is suitable for people of all creative levels.

Tickets can be found on Eventbrite here.

The Piccadilly New Year’s Concert

Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester, M3 1SX.

Anyone who fancies bringing in the new year with some classical music can head to Manchester Cathedral for this concert with the Piccadilly Sinfonietta. The concert, which features Vivaldi’s ever-popular Baroque masterpiece the Four Seasons as well as pieces by Corelli, Chopin and Pachelbel, will take place in a beautiful candlelit ambience at the historic place of worship. The concert is on 30 December with tickets starting at £21.08.

Tickets can be found on Eventbrite here.

Classic Christmas Film Marathon

Manchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 5PD.

If you haven’t managed to catch any Christmas movies during the festive period, then this event is for you. Four movies will be screened at Manchester Central Library from this list:

• The Grinch
• Elf
• Muppet Christmas Carol
• It’s a Wonderful Life
• Miracle on 34th Street
• Home Alone
• The Polar Express
• Home Alone
• Santa Claus: The Movie

The movies being shown will only be revealed on the day. The event is on Thursday 22 December and tickets range from free to £5.98, with attendees being charged on a pay-what-you-can basis.

Tickets can be found at Eventbrite here.

The Snowman Screening with live orchestra

The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3WS.

For many families Raymond Briggs’ beautiful story of The Snowman and the animated film that was created based on the book are an essential part of Christmas. This year you can immerse yourself fully in the Christmas spirit with this event at The Bridgewater Hall. Accompanying the screening of the film is the Hallé Orchestra performing Howard Blake’s beautiful score live. It’s on Thursday 22 December at 4pm and on Friday 23 December at 11am and 1.30pm. Tickets cost £27.50 for an adult, £17.50 for a child and £69.50 for a family.

Tickets are £27.50 for adults, £17.50 for children and £69.50 for families and can be found at the Hallé website here.