Out and About – November

Fireworks displays – see council listings - (click here)

Family Art Club at Manchester Art Gallery
Saturday 6 November, 1pm – 3pm
Play games, be creative and make things together. Relaxed two-hour workshop for you and your family. There’s a different theme each month.
Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, M3 3JL, manchestergalleries.org, 0161 235 8888. Suitable for families with children aged 6 – 11 years old. There's limited places so please arrive early. Sign in from 12.30pm. Free.

Christmas Shopping Fair at Tatton Park
Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 November, 10.30am – 5pm
Still not found what you're looking for. Another 50 exhibitors - many visiting Tatton for the first time - may have the answer to your search for Christmas gifts for the family.
Tatton Park and the Old Hall, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN, www.tattonpark.org.uk , 01244 355474. For full information about the event call Countrywide Events on 01509 217 444 or visit www.countrywide-events.co.uk

Last Open Day at Victoria Baths
Sunday 7 November, 12noon – 4pm
Guided tours will take place throughout the afternoon including a family tour at 1pm and Boiler House tours at 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Between 2pm and 3pm there will be choir performances by Manchester Community Choir and the Manchester Lesbian and Gay Chorus. Hot and cold refreshments and souvenirs are on sale. The building may be chilly so wrap up well.
Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester, M13 0FE, www.victoriabaths.org.uk. Admission £2 for adults, free for children (admission includes a free guided tour and the choir performances) Suitable for all ages.

Ice Rink at Spinningfields
Thursday 11 November – Monday 3 January
Manchester’s open-air ice rink returns to Spinningfields. The dazzling outdoor ice rink offers a fun, festive treat in a magical setting. It's perfect for a family treat or office party. After skating, relax in The Lodge bar where you can enjoy yule cocktails, winter warmers and lots more.
Family tickets and group rates are available. For prices, session times and to book tickets call 0843 208 1847 or visit www.spinningfiledsicerink.co.uk

Manchester Christmas Lights Switch-On at Albert Square
Friday 12 November, 6.45pm
Join in the celebrations to mark the arrival of the festive season.
Hosted by Key103's Mike and Chelsea, the show includes live music and entertainment, family fun and of course a spectacular firework finale. Highlights include a special performance by The X Factor winner Joe McElderry, the cast of Queen and Ben Elton's musical We Will Rock You, cast appearances from the Opera House's seasonal pantomime, Snow White, Cbeebies characters the Zingzillas and many more star appearances. Visit www.unmissablemanchester.co.uk for more information. Free.

Rainforest adventure at Manchester Museum
Saturday 13 November, 11am – 4pm
Celebrate the opening of the exhibition ‘Finding Manchester, lost in Bolivia’(click here) in this day full of activities for all ages. Meet Liz Peel and Chris Smith and find out about their four month adventure in search of the South American village of Manchester, see some live frogs and take part in rainforest craft activities.
Manchester Museum, 250 Oxford Road, M13 9PP, www.museum.manchester.ac.uk 0161 275 2634. Suitable for all ages. Some activities may need to be booked on the day and may cost up to £1.50.

Manchester Christmas Markets in Manchester city centre
Thursday 18 November – Tuesday 21 December
Firmly established as a festive favourite, Manchester’s Christmas Markets are considered to be among the very best in Britain and Europe. Soak up the sights, sounds and aromas as you browse the twinkling chalets, bursting with gift ideas and seasonal produce from across Europe. Call in after work or make it your venue for a special, social get-together or festive day out.
Venues: Albert Square, St Ann's Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Brazennose Street, Triangle. For more information visit www.manchestermarkets.com Free.

Tiny Tot Tales at The Lowry
Now and each Friday (until 10 December) 10.15am – 11am
Take your toddler on an imaginative journey of stories and songs, by visiting the galleries for a fun and inspiring workshop especially for you and your little ones. Each month a different artwork or theme will be explored in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that will really bring the stories to life.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ, www.thelowry.com 0843 208 6000. Suitable for children aged 2.5 – 4.5 years old. Capacity 15, Tickets £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents) For more information please visit the website.

Shipshape Saturdays at Imperial War Museum North
Saturday 20 and Saturday 27 November, 1pm – 4pm
Shipshape Saturdays are packed with family fun – from craft to theatrical performances. Hang out and create your own wooden super, swinging sailor decoration to take home and keep. Using specialist materials and with the help of our friendly staff you can make a unique hanging decoration to brighten up your bedroom or hang in your window. Get a feel for historic naval items in our object handling sessions. Watch dramatic films and footage from Imperial War Museum’s Archive. Follow the trail to explore even more remarkable objects from war at sea, on permanent display in our Main Exhibition Space, by picking up a family friendly gallery pack.
Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf, Trafford Park, M17 1TZ, north.iwm.org.uk, 0161 836 4000. Recommended for ages 4 and upwards. Free.

Children’s Tours at Hat Works
Weekends, 2.30pm- 3.30pm
Take a step back in time and learn the story of ‘Nat the Hatter’. Discover how hats were made, experience the noisy machinery floor and learn what it was like to be a hatters apprentice.
Hat Works, Wellington Mill,Wellington Rd,South,Stockport SK30EU, www.hatworks.org.uk Suitable for all ages. Booking essential - Call 0161 355 7770 subject to availability, £2.00 per child, £1.00 per accompanying adult.