November in Manchester: Your Guide to the City’s Biggest Events, from Bonfires to Christmas Markets

October 21, 2025

November in Manchester is a spectacular transition month, lighting up the city with fireworks, the opening of the famous Christmas Markets, and a packed schedule of world-class concerts and theatre. This means the city centre will be bustling—traffic, crowds, and complex logistics are guaranteed.

For those who prioritise effortless luxury and punctuality, executivechauffeurservice.uk provides the perfect solution. We are your dedicated travel partner for navigating this busy month, ensuring your focus remains entirely on enjoying the event, not the journey. Here is your essential guide to what's on in Manchester this November.

The Festive Season Kicks Off: Christmas Markets

The most anticipated event of the year returns, officially launching the Christmas season.

Manchester Christmas Markets

The main body of the markets, spanning nine sites across the city centre, opens on Friday, November 7th, and runs through to Monday, December 22nd.

Albert Square's Return

The eagerly awaited reopening of the Albert Square market site promises a festive 'mini-market,' the return of the iconic bar, and a huge 50-metre-high Ferris Wheel offering spectacular views over the city. The food and drink stalls in Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens will remain open slightly longer, until early January.

Skate Manchester Ice Rink

Get your skates on at the popular covered ice rink in Cathedral Gardens, which typically opens in the first week of November.

Bonfire Night Celebrations

The first week of November is dominated by Guy Fawkes Night, with spectacular displays across Greater Manchester. While there is no official city-centre display, local events offer huge bonfires, funfairs, and dazzling fireworks.

Salford Firework Weekend

The weekend before the 5th features major free displays, including the event at Buile Hill Park (Saturday, November 1st) and the traditional bonfire at Prince's Park (Sunday, November 2nd).

Family-Friendly Options

For those with little ones or pets, a Low Bang Fireworks display is scheduled at Cockfields Farm Park on Saturday, November 1st.

Bowdon Bonfire

One of the region's largest events, featuring multiple displays and a massive funfair, returns to Bowdon Cricket, Hockey & Squash Club on Friday, November 7th.

Must-See Concerts & Gigs

Manchester's arenas are hosting a powerful line-up of international artists throughout the month. When planning your night at the AO Arena, eliminate the stress of parking and congested drop-offs. Executive Chauffeur Service provides a reserved, luxurious transfer directly to the venue and ensures prompt retrieval the moment the final encore finishes.

Date Artist / Event Venue Genre
Fri, Nov 7th Five AO Arena Pop
Sat, Nov 8th Volbeat (w/ Bush, Witch Fever) AO Arena Rock / Metal
Fri, Nov 14th Bastille (Songs From The First 15 Years) AO Arena Indie Pop
Sat, Nov 15th Lorde (Ultrasound UK Tour) AO Arena Pop
Sun, Nov 16th The Offspring (w/ Simple Plan) AO Arena Punk Rock
Tue, Nov 18th Calum Scott AO Arena Pop
Mon, Nov 24th Halestorm AO Arena Hard Rock
Sat, Nov 29th Hauser (of 2CELLOS) AO Arena Classical Crossover

Club & Scene

The legendary Warehouse Project (WHP25) continues its run at Depot Mayfield, with numerous world-class electronic music events scheduled every weekend.

Theatre, Musicals & Comedy

Manchester's stages are packed with major touring musicals and star-studded comedy.

The Big Musicals

  • Miss Saigon (Palace Theatre): The critically acclaimed, epic musical returns for a two-week run from November 4th – 15th.
  • TINA – The Tina Turner Musical (Palace Theatre): The official musical charting the life and music of the legendary Queen of Rock 'n' Roll begins its run on Tuesday, November 25th.
  • Top Hat (Opera House): The classic romantic musical, featuring the unforgettable songs of Irving Berlin, runs from November 25th – 29th.

Plays, Dance & Special Events

  • Dancing at Lughnasa (Royal Exchange Theatre): The celebrated play continues its run, concluding on November 8th.
  • English National Ballet - The Sleeping Beauty (Palace Theatre): A stunning showcase of classical ballet from November 19th – 22nd.
  • Fawlty Towers - The Play (Opera House): A stage adaptation of three classic TV episodes runs from November 4th – 8th.
  • Alan Davies: Think Ahead (Comedy, Opera House): Wednesday, November 12th.
  • Dara Ó Briain: Re:Creation (Comedy, Opera House): November 14th – 15th.

Arts, Culture & Family Fun

  • Manchester Art Fair: A premier event for contemporary art collectors and enthusiasts, transforming Manchester Central into a massive gallery from November 21st – 23rd.
  • The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert: A beloved festive film shown on a large screen with the full score performed live by a symphony orchestra at the Bridgewater Hall on Saturday, November 22nd.
  • Gladiators Live Tour: The ultimate action-packed family show based on the hit TV series takes over the AO Arena on November 22nd – 23rd.
  • Vitality Netball International Series: Watch the England Roses take on rivals New Zealand at the AO Arena on Wednesday, November 19th.

Experience the Ultimate in Event Travel

From the bustling Christmas Markets to the major arena concerts, navigating Manchester in November requires planning. Don't compromise your evening with taxi queues or parking frustrations. Executive Chauffeur Service provides a tailored, professional, and luxurious transfer experience for every event listed above.

 

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