Closing soon: Manchester Christmas Markets 2018 ft. new traders & Ice Village

From early November, Manchester takes on a continental feel as the Christmas markets roll into town. ‘Zippy’, the beloved six-tonne Santa Claus, has been hoisted into place to keep a watchful eye over the hub in Albert Square. Here, you’ll find all your old favourites selling hog roasts and bratwursts, plus new additions Amsterdam Frites, Zara Cakes, and the curry house Zouk. The squares and avenues of the city centre will also be filled with eateries and places to buy Christmas gifts. The bars are open until 9pm, so you can enjoy some Bavarian beer or mulled wine into the evening. St. Ann’s Square welcomes the Birdie Photo Booth – a vintage VW Campervan where visitors can get free print outs of their snaps. Cathedral Gardens reprises its role as the family-friendly area, where younger visitors can escape the crowds. The ice rink returns, and things get even cooler (ha!), as 250 tonnes of solid ice will be used to create a cavern, sculptures, and a frozen bar.

Fri 9 Nov – Sat 22 Dec, Albert Square, St Ann’s Square, King Street, Exchange Street, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, the Corn Exchange, Market Street, and Cathedral Gardens, Tel: 0161 234 5000, 10am – 7.30pm (bars until 9pm), FREE, www.manchester.gov.uk