Free things to do this weekend ft. Coca Cola Truck, The Whitworth + more

Coca Cola Truck at Trafford Centre
Holidays are coming. Holidays are coming. Holidays are coming. Holidays are coming. Yes, as the saying goes: It’s not Christmas until you’ve seen the Coca Cola truck. Capitalism’s biggest success story is rolling by the Trafford Centre this Friday, so you’ll get a chance to look at the big red truck itself. No word on whether there’ll be any free cans of Coke going spare, but I feel it’d be churlish of them not to: it is the season of giving, after all.
Fri 4 Dec, Intu Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AA. 12pm – 8pm, www.facebook.com

Christmas Events at The Whitworth (pictured)
This year’s been huge for the Whitworth: reopening its doors in February, being named the best emerging cultural destination in Europe, being shortlisted for the prestigious RIBA Stirling architecture prize, and absolutely nailing both Museum of the Year award. To cap off the year, the gallery has got an exciting December planned – particularly this Saturday with a packed schedule of festive fun running throughout the day. The family-centred outdoor art club gives youngsters the opportunity to get creative in the park – if you’ve got a young person you think would be interested, you’ll need to book through Eventbrite sharpish. And if you’re child free? Then don’t worry, because Manchester Craft Mafia is on hand with plenty of handmade goodies available to buy at its Christmas Craft Fair.
Sat 5 Dec, The Whitworth, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER. Tel: 0161 275 7450, 10am – 5pm, www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk

Musical Christmas at Salford Museum
Another big Christmas event, this time at the Salford Museum and Art Gallery. This oft-overlooked gallery is providing a day of musical treats for all the family, with choirs and choral singing. In addition to this, it’s also hosting a selection of child-friendly Christmas craft sessions. If you have got some little ones in tow then they can also go meet Saint Nick himself in his grotto for a small fee.
Sat 5 Dec, Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park, The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WU. Tel: 0161 778 0800, 12pm – 4pm, www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Vintage Markets in Oldham
If you fancy taking a trip out of the city on Saturday then there can be no better option than this little market in Oldham. Following a similar event in the summer, this vintage craft market has set up once more in the centre of the town. There’s plenty of stalls selling cool old clothes and unique items fashioned by the region’s crafters and artists. If shopping’s not your bag, they’ve also got a full day of brass bands – with ska band Baked A la Ska sandwiched in the middle – and a range of local food and drink available.
Sat 5 Dec, Oldham Vintage Craft Market Indie Quarter, Yorkshire Street, Oldham, OL1 1ST. 10.30am – 4.30pm, www.visitoldham.com