Manchester’s award-winning Christmas Markets returns this winter offering mouth-watering international food, drinks and delicately crafted Yuletide gifts in the heart of this buzzing city.
With more than 300 beautifully festooned stalls and chalets spread across the city centre, the Christmas Markets are free and accessible to all.
Soak up the atmosphere and follow the market trail as it winds through the city centre, tempting you with gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes and toys. European and local producers offer everything from fine amber jewellery, handcrafted leather bags and top-quality bonsai trees, to handmade Belgian kitchenware, framed photo prints and French soaps.
And when planning your visit, don’t miss the amazing array of food and drink! Manchester’s Christmas Markets are famous for traditional bratwurst, but you can also treat yourself to Hungarian goulash, Spanish paella or a good old-fashioned hog roast.
Plenty of vegetarian options will be on offer, and for those with a sweet tooth the choices are even more mouth-watering!
As well as the markets, don’t forget that Manchester is the ultimate go-to choice for the budding culture vulture – music, theatre, dance, arts and crafts are all well represented here. From the renowned Manchester City Art Gallery, or the RIBA shortlisted Whitworth Art Gallery just south of the city centre, to the fabulous, brand new HOME arts hub, you’ll find that the city has plenty of arts, crafts and culture to soak up.
The city’s award-winning museums are renowned the world over: from the Manchester Museum and its dinosaurs, vivarium and no less than three separate ancient histories galleries, to the Museum of Science and Industry, appropriately located in what was the world’s first industrial city. For the snappy dresser, the Gallery of Costume in nearby Platt Fields Park is a must, and the Imperial War Museum North is an impressive and awe-inspiring destination, and its subject matter touches all of our histories. Take the lift up to the top of the museum’s Air Shard for stunning views across Salford Quays
Once you’ve immersed yourself in all the culture Manchester has to offer, how about a spot of shopping to find that perfect gift? At any time of the year, Manchester is one of the best shopping destinations in the country, but it comes into its own at this time of year, and light work can be made of even the fussiest Christmas shopping list.
From the glamour of the high-end luxury on The Avenue at Spinningfields to the vintage chic of the independent Northern Quarter; even those that are the most difficult to buy for will be happy come the big day.
Make a date in your diary to come along, enjoy yourself, and help us make Christmas this year the best year ever!
For more information visit www.manchester.gov.uk/christmasmarkets
You can also keep up to date on Twitter with #MCRCHRISTMAS
