Top 3: Manchester Christmas Markets

For some it fills them with dread. For others, it’s the event they’ve been waiting for all year. We are closing in on the return of Manchester’s Christmas markets and with last year’s events hosting more than nine million people, hoards of jolly and festive punters will descend upon nine locations in the city from 14th November to embark upon culinary delights, a plethora of gift choices so vast it’ll send you to the mulled wine stalls, and some good old, all-round wholesome Christmas spirit. This year sees two new venues at Cathedral Gardens and Market Street, but of course all the old favourites will be returning. Here are our top three picks:

Cathedral Gardens
One of the new locations, this will be home to a beautifully crafted 16m high windmill overlooking the National Football Museum and the medieval cathedral, a fitting setting for sipping on mulled wine (or Gluhwein, for our German and Austrian readers).
Fri 14 Nov – Sun 21 Dec, 10am – 7.30pm (Nov)/10am – 8pm (Dec)

Market Street
As if Market Street didn’t already offer enough shopping there will be 28 stalls selling arts and crafts – an option for those with a preference towards independent sellers.
Fri 14 Nov – Sun 21 Dec, 10am – 7.30pm (Nov)/10am-8pm (Dec)

Albert Square
Of course we can’t forget the hub of the Christmas markets. Punters will once again be able to revel over European goodies in the form of Bratwurst sausages, Dutch pancakes, Hungarian goulash and German/Spanish beer. Included of course are both European and local traders offering unique gifts for the less prepared of us, and don’t forget to look out for the Manchester Christmas Market coffee and Gluhwein mugs. The giant rotund LED-lit Santa sitting over the square will be making sure you stay well behaved.
Fri 14 Nov – Sun 21 Dec, 10am – 9pm