Manchester Christmas Markets: 20 Years of Festivity
Christmas is coming and there’s only one way Manchester can kick off the holiday season: the Manchester Christmas Markets!
Set in the heart of the city, the Manchester Christmas Market is packed full of festive cheer. The award-winning festival is back and offers visitors plenty of ways to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year. Follow the marked trail through the city and enjoy the buzz and atmosphere from all of the Christmas excitement. There are lots of chances for you to pick up some extra Christmas presents for your loved ones.
About Manchester Christmas Markets
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Manchester Christmas Markets! And that needs to be celebrated, right? Manchester Christmas Market is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) events in Manchester every year. It attracts thousands of people to the city centre each year and continues to grow.
If you’re visiting Manchester during November and December, you’ll be able to find over 300 stalls. The choice on offer includes gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes, toys and a large selection of food and drink.
Manchester Christmas Market Tips
If you’re planning on visiting the UK’s best Christmas Market this year, here are a few tips to make your trip even better.
1. Stick to weekdays
To maximise your fun at the Christmas Markets, try to avoid visiting on a weekend (Friday-Saturday-Sunday). Weekends attract many people from outside of Manchester for a fun day out at the markets. And believe us, it can get very busy. Locals tend to stay away from the city centre during weekends in November and December. Instead, try to visit from Monday to Thursday, for a much better experience.
2. Annual Christmas mugs
Manchester Christmas Market has a special design for their mugs every year. When buying a hot chocolate or mulled wine at one of the many stalls across the market, you can get one yourself. You pay £2.00 as a deposit when buying a drink. If you decide to keep your mug, you just keep it. If you do want your money back, you can return it at the stall again. Because the designs change every year, you can start a fun little collection of the Manchester Christmas Market mugs.
3. Be sure to bring cash
Even though some stalls do accept card, it’s always a good idea to take some cash. Especially the food vendors tend to only accept cash. If you want to avoid having to wait in line in front of an ATM, make sure to bring enough cash with you. Believe us, there aren’t enough cash machines in Manchester to help everybody that’s forgotten to take some notes with them.
4. Keep your valuables close by
Needless to say, in a place as crowded as the Manchester Christmas Markets you need to keep an eye on your valuables. Unfortunately, there will always be somebody looking for the opportunity to steal a purse, a phone or a credit card… Make sure to keep your valuable belongings out of sight and close to your body.
5. Grab a bite to eat
A freshly grilled bratwurst and a cup of steaming hot mulled wine add to the Christmas spirit but also add towards an empty wallet. They’re pretty expensive! For the price of a small cup of mulled wine, you can get a full pint in one of the locals. Many local pubs and restaurants also sell mulled wine and cider during the festive season!
Thoughts?
Soak up the Christmas atmosphere of a truly international event with a uniquely Mancunian flavour.
Are you planning on visiting Manchester Christmas Market this year?