Top 10 things to do on a cold winter evening in Manchester

Let us set the scene. Your nose is red, teeth are chattering and your “hot” chocolate is more “warm.” They’re all clear indications that winter is finally here. But do not despair. Now that the coldest season has hit, there are plenty of exciting ways to make the most of it, and we’ve got you covered with the top 10 things to do on a cold winter evening in Manchester.

1. Go to the gym

There’s no better time to hit the gym than when you need to get warmed up. Why not start working on that “summer bod” now? Many gyms in Manchester are 24 hours and heated, so study by day and sweat by night, right?

2. Check out the theatres

Time to explore the theatres, or perhaps check out the cinema? There are many plays and movies out now, so why not get cosy with a friend and a large popcorn and enjoy a true blockbuster in the blissful warmth?

3. Clubbing, of course

Of course we’d suggest this, but we’d be right to. The dancing will keep you warm – the spirits will keep you warmer, and while we can’t promise you’ll be quite as warm in the queue, at least you’ll really feel the benefit while inside.

4. Browse the Christmas Markets

The Christmas Markets dotted around Central Manchester have to be the highlight of the season, right? Wrap up really warm and keep yourself toasty with the hot delights on offer at the many stalls – our guide to them can be found here.

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Aleksanda Milwicz, a Manchester Met student, told The Manchester Tab her itinerary for a trip to the markets: “Grab mulled wine at the Christmas market and walk around the stalls. Then, walk through the city to see the Christmas decorations, and finish with either a hot chocolate at a cosy cafe, or an evening at the pub with friends.”

5. Good old pub crawl

A British pub has to be the envy of the world in weather like this. Could there be a better ambience on a cold winter evening in Manchester than the toasty fire of your local, with a pint of hot cider and the football on in the corner? Nothing beats the combination of a good beer and great hospitality. If you have a talent to flaunt, many pubs host open mics and karaoke evenings, too. This winter could be your time to shine, even if the sun isn’t.

6. Escape rooms 

The one place where you’re sure to enjoy escaping the cold is an escape room. Let’s face it, you can’t be thinking about how chilly it is if you’re too busy thinking about how to get out… Pick a theme you fancy, there are plenty. Just be sure to bring your smartest friends for this one – or you might be there all night.

7. Ice skating 

You might think it a cliché but we think it a necessity. Watching your friends slip and slide is the one thing you don’t want to miss at this time of the year. It’s also a perfect date idea for you and your crush; just be sure to keep your skates on the ice and your hands firmly off it, or you might experience a different type of crush. 

8. Comedy shows

From great food to great booze and to top it all off – a good laugh, comedy shows have it all. You can either visit the “Comedy Store” or “Frog and Bucket”. We suggest you go earlier in the week for the best priced tickets.

Manchester student Matthew Barker, told The Manchester Tab: “Whether alone or with mates, this is my favourite thing to do on a cold winter evening.”

9. Active fun

Nothing makes your body warm like getting the blood pumping, but this time combine it with good food and good company. Why not check out “King Pins” in The Arndale, or “Laser Quest and Rock” in The Trafford Centre, and order some fries to nibble alongside? Or a good game of table football or laser hockey, perhaps?

10. Snuggle in with a hot chocolate and binge watch 

Sometimes the simplest things in life are the finest. Queue up your favourite web series and/or Christmas movies, make yourself a hot chocolate and put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and you’ve got yourself the perfect evening.

See, the season is an underrated gem, really… a world of opportunity. Happy winter!