Christmas Markets Return Next Week

VOTED as one of the top ten Christmas markets in the world, Manchester's hugely popular Christmas Markets return to the city next week - and they're bigger and better than ever.

Running from Thursday 17 November until Wednesday 21 December, this year the markets will be spread over eight sites across the city centre.

A new location in King Street has been added for weekend craft and gift markets, featuring unusual handmade gifts and work by local artists.

"The markets are the centrepiece of our magical festive programme and help make Manchester the UK’s Christmas capital."

As well as local businesses from across the North West, traders travel to the city each year from all over Europe - from Italy to Lapland.

Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson, said: "It’s a badge of honour that so many towns and cities across the UK have copied Manchester’s Christmas markets, but we are the original and the best - and this year there’s more choice than ever.”

He added that Manchester has the largest Christmas markets in the country and believes that they transform our city centre into a ‘Christmas wonderland.’

He said: "The markets are the centrepiece of our magical festive programme and help make Manchester the UK’s Christmas capital."

The markets feature dedicated French and German stalls, with handmade wooden Christmas tree decorations, as well as jewellery and gifts from Provence.

As well as a vast array of food and drink, Albert Square is home to a huge plant market with real Christmas trees of all sizes and other Christmas decorations.

The Christmas Markets boasts limited edition Manchester Christmas Market coffee and Gluhwein mugs, which this year have a special new designer look.

Food lovers looking for extra special Christmas treats can discover the very best regional produce, including the award-winning Mrs Kirkham’s Cheese, as favoured by top chefs, and an array of homemade jams and chutneys.

There’s also the chance to sample traditional Christmas delights from all over Europe as you shop – including Gluhwein, liqueur coffee, macaroons, pancakes, bratwurst and food from Luxemburg, Switzerland and Spain plus hog roast and British Ale.

Manchester Christmas Markets