Top 4: Christmas events ft. carols, a Festive Happening + Mother’s Ruin

This season Christmas is coming early with intriguing happenings around Manchester, all with a festive theme. Treat yourself to a traditional carol fix, 18th century compositions and a kiss under the mistletoe at Contact cabaret show, Mother’s Ruin. Before this run of events starts, be sure to check out (1) Christmas at the Mill (click for preview) a free evening event on Wednesday 18 & Thursday19 November at Islington Mill for craft lovers with musical accompaniment from the Northern Quarter Boys Choir and mulled wine.

2. Manchester Festive Happening ft Manchester Camerata at Albert Hall 
Place of worship turned live venue, Albert Hall, is hosting a Festive Happening with the Manchester Camerata for the second year running. Following on from last year’s event, this one includes baroque classical programme with traditional Christmas carols. Camerata strings and brass will performing Handel’s Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Vivaldi’s Winter from The Four Seasons and other classics to get you into a festive frame of mind. For Gabrieli’s Sonatas and Canzonas, the brass musicians will spread to the corners of the room, and Camerata’s very own principal flautist, Amina Hussain, will be is presenting the programme. Pre-concert discussion (FREE) at 2pm about the instrument of angels – the trumpet. Mulled wine, mince pies and lashings of atmosphere are included in the price.
Sun 13 Dec, Albert Hall, 27 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5QR. Tel: 0844 858 8521, tickets from £14, www.alberthallmanchester.com

3. Mother’s Ruin’s alternative Christmas Cracker Cabaret at Contact
The glorious alternative cabaret of Mother’s Ruin returns with a Christmas special. Focusing on the new drag and queer scene, Mother’s Ruin has hosted numerous shows and cabarets over the last six years. Your host for the night is the mighty bearded lady, Timberlina, with his co-hort of the hiliarious, the beautiful and the damned including performance artist and academic, Cheddar Gorgeous, artist Charlotte Victoria Furness, live performer Tom Marshman and the poet, Gerry Potter.
Fri 11 Dec, Contact, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA. Tel: 0161 274 0600, 7.30pm, from £12
www.contactmcr.com

4. Carols by Candlelight at The Bridgewater Hall
Celebrate the festival season with carols by candlelight at The Bridgewater Hall. Classics like Mozart’s Alleluia from Exsultate Jubilate will fill every corner of the room, accompanied by traditional and seasonal songs including Good King Wenceslas, O Little Town of Bethlehem and O Come all Ye Faithful. Performers include soprano Jennifer France, the Canzonetta choir of Manchester and the Mozart festival orchestra, all dressed in period costumes. Conducted by Michael Bawtree, in near darkness, the experience should take you back in time.
Thu 17 Dec, Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3WS. Tel: 0161 907 9000, 7.30pm, from £18, www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk