Free things to do this weekend ft. Lightwaves + Christmas Fun

Lightwaves Festival at Salford Quays
For the next two weeks the quays will be lit up every night with fascinating and beautiful light installations. A particular highlight of the opening night is a talk by some of the artists involved in bringing the project to life, though this requires advance booking. If you think you might just be interested in taking a little stroll, then check out our full preview here.
Sat 12 Dec – Sun 27 Dec, Public spaces at Salford Quays, Tel: 0161 876 2106, 4.30pm – 10.30pm, www.quaysculture.com

Family Fun Day at RNCM
This is an interesting event at the Royal Northern College of Music: A festive fun day for the whole family to enjoy. There’s a full, packed programme of seasonal, musical entertainment aimed at ages 3 and above with plenty to keep the grown ups amused as well. Central to the day is a live orchestral performance to accompany a screening of Raymond Briggs’s Father Christmas (pictured). This one technically isn’t 100% free as you’ll have to stump up £5 entry per adult, but kids do get in gratis. At the time of writing, this event is listed as sold out, but it’s well worth keeping an eye out for returns, as this really is something unique.
Sun 13 Dec, Royal Northern College of Music, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD. Tel: 0161 907 5200, 11am – 5pm, www.rncm.ac.uk

Family Fun Day at HOME
Another family fun day! This time HOME steps up with their own offering. There’s all sorts going on in the theatre and cinema spaces, including a visit from Inkheart author Cornelia Funke – hte stage version of which is currently running at HOME. Like the RNCM, it’s not all free, as you will have to cough up for some of the individual events on the day, or if you want to pick up a signed copy of the Inkheart novel. But there is plenty of free stuff on offer and if you sign up for one of HOME’s BIG Family cards, you might find that you can make some substantial savings on the day and at future events. However, if you’re not too swayed by the seasonal treats on offer, then it’s worth noting that this is the final day of the Sketchomatic sketch booth’s residency at the venue, where you can pick up a unique portrait for only a couple of quid.
Sun 13 Dec, HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, M15 4FN. Tel: 0161 200 1500, 11am – 5pm, www.homemcr.org

Happy Chrismukkah at the Jewish Museum
The hidden jewel of North Manchester, the Jewish Museum presents this joint celebration of Christmas and Hanukkah that is open to all faiths. Aside from the usual festive trappings they’re also hosting a tote bag screen printing workshop, so you’ll be able to fashion yourself a unique gift. At 2pm, the main synagogue turns into a cinema room for a screening of the children’s classic An American Tail. Booking ahead for this is essential.
Sun 13 Dec, Manchester Jewish Museum, 190 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, M8 8LW. Tel: 0161 834 9879, 11am – 5pm, www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com