The best time of year has finally arrived! Most of my friends who go to Lancaster University have been visiting the Manchester Christmas Markets, so I thought I’d see what the hype is all about.
Me and a friend visited the markets two weeks ago on a Sunday, by train from Lancaster, which only took about an hour. We got the train to Manchester Oxford Road station and it was only about a 5-10-minute walk to the Christmas markets from there, it isn’t difficult to find!
The main market hub is based in Albert Square, in front of Manchester Town Hall, where the wooden stalls remain open for an extra day, until December 21st. There is also an ice rink in Cathedral Gardens which is open till the 7th of January! The markets themselves stretch across different sites including: Albert Square (European market and main hub), St Ann’s Square (German market), King Street (French market), Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Cathedral Gardens, Market Street, The Corn Exchange and Brazennose Street – so there is plenty to see! We spent about three hours there, but it will vary depending on how long you want to look at the markets and if you are planning on having a drink and some food!
Throughout the markets there are a range of different foods from all countries and a selection of alcohol as well as hot drinks. With the hot drinks you pay a £2.50 deposit in which you can keep the mug you get given or hand it back – the hot chocolate is amazing and definitely warms you up!
They’re even selling the Yorkshire pudding wrap, as well as pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs and so on! The stalls are amazing and unique, selling items from paper stars, Christmas ornaments, chocolate apples, cakes, mini trees, jumpers, jewellery and so on.
It’s a perfect place to go with your friends, family or on a date! However, be aware there isn’t much shelter apart from some indoor seating areas which were quite crowded when we visited, so wrap up warm! Also, be prepared for it to be busy!
Address: Town Hall, Albert Square, Manchester M60 2LA
Opening times: 10am-8pm from 10th of November till 20th of December with bar and food areas open till 9pm
Thumbnail Credit to Manchester Evening News