For the pessimists of us out there, January is usually associated with going into hibernation mode. Waistbands tighter than usual, empty wallets, continuously cold weather, winter sniffles, back-to-work blues; the list goes on.
A month that is usually associated with hibernation and a lack of excitement, but with January comes a new year, a fresh start, and a time to embark on new endeavours. If you sit back and do nothing in January, that's a whole month of 2023 wasted! So, why not look at your glass as "half-full" and make the most of January with these uplifting events?
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Manchester 
Manchester is home to the second-largest Chinatown in the UK, and every year it becomes the epicentre of huge Lunar New Year celebrations that attract thousands of people. So where better to celebrate the year of the Rabbit?
The legendary Dragon Parade will return to the streets of Manchester for the first time in three years, so there will be much celebrating to catch up on. Last year a smaller-scale event took place but was limited to Chinatown.
In 2023, the Chinese New Year is on Sunday the 22nd of January, which is when the parade will take place. Performances outside Manchester Central start at 12 pm, and at 12.30 pm the famous 175ft dragon starts its journey through the streets of Manchester to Chinatown, taking about 45 minutes.
Chinatown will be beautifully decorated with red lanterns and golden ornaments, and you'll be able to indulge in the fantastic delicacies on offer. There will also be further performances in Faulkner Street Car Park in Chinatown.
Getting to Manchester New Year Parade by train:
The parade begins at Manchester Central. From Manchester Piccadilly, you can jump on a tram or walk there in under 20 minutes.
Bag a Bargain at Birmingham's Vintage Kilo Sale
Are you saving the pennies after Christmas but still wanting some retail therapy? Or maybe your New Year's Resolution is to try to shop more ethically. Well, the Birmingham Vintage Kilo Sale could be your answer.
Vintage shopping has been on the surge over the last few years, stocking tonnes of sustainable, vintage, retro, and branded fashion; many fashionistas are switching to this way of shopping. Finding preloved items at a cut price - who doesn't love a bargain?
Birmingham is fast becoming one of the biggest vintage sales in the UK. If it's your first time, all you need to do is grab a biodegradable bag on entry, and then pick and mix your way through all the clothes, and at the end, you weigh in. A Kilo of clothes is £20, which is roughly £4 for a tee shirt, £9 for a sweatshirt, and £12 for a pair of jeans - meaning a designer outfit could come in at £25.
A fun and novel way of shopping, and the perfect afternoon out with friends, your partner, or solo.
Getting to Birmingham Vintage Kilo Sale by train:
The kilo sale is in the Custard Factory, Floodgate Street in Birmingham (B5 5SR), which is less than a 15-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station.
Be a Big Kid at AirHop in Guildford
Every once in a while, it’s nice to forget your responsibilities, enjoy some alcohol-free fun, and feel like a kid again. We don’t think there’s a better way to do that than bounce, spin and flip your way around a trampoline park.
AirHop in Guildford, Surrey, houses over 50 interconnected trampolines, that go across the floor and up the walls. Whether you can just about manage a seated bounce or you’re doing parkour flips; everyone will enjoy losing their inhibitions at AirHop.
It’s not just great fun but also fantastic exercise, and is hugely beneficial to both your physical and mental wellbeing. Plus, its low impact on the joints, so no excuses! As you bounce around, you can burn up to 1000 calories in one hour, without even realising it.
As well as the 50 interconnected trampolines in the Main Court, AirHop provides a foam pit where visitors can practice their aerial tricks, whilst landing on a soft cushion of foam cubes. There’s even a chance to join in a dodgeball game on a field of trampolines or why not try perfecting your basketball slam dunk with the height and spring that you always dreamed of.
Thrill-seekers should get off the sofa and into the air this January. You’ll literally be bouncing off the walls!
Getting to AirHop by train:
Getting from Guildford Train Station to AirHop couldn’t be easier. A 20-minute journey can be done by foot or bus, whilst a taxi will take just 5 minutes.
Eat Vegan at Sheffield Vegan Market
One of the fastest-growing movements in the UK is Veganuary, a pledge to switch up your diet to go plant-based for the whole of January. Long-term dietary changes are always a big commitment, so dipping your toe and trying it for a month may seem alright.
If you're doing Veganuary or just want to try something new, the Sheffield Vegan Market could be the perfect place to try some new delicacies. The market is taking over the Moor, with 40 stalls hosting a wide variety of street food vendors, artisan bakers, and craft brewers. Along with the delicious food and drink, you'll find pieces from local artists, zero-waste champions, ethical jewellers, and much more.
The market opens at 10.30 am and runs through to 16:00 pm, meaning you could pick up a fantastic meal throughout the day.
Getting to Sheffield Vegan Market by train:
The vegan market is at the Moor, which is less than a 15-minute walk from Sheffield station.
If you're planning to beat the January blues in 2023, don't forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or our Train Tickets app. You can also find information on how to get cheaper train tickets via our special offers page. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
The UK is bursting with fun activities. Whether you're visiting one of the best places to find fossils in the UK, the most famous landmarks in the UK, or the best indoor ski slopes in the UK, you can always travel by train. CrossCountry has services running up and down the country to ensure you can get to the places you need to be.
Written by Julia