CityLife

Christmas Markets open for business

German sausage stall in Albert Square

MULLED wine and German sausages have returned to the streets of Manchester - as has that baffling talking reindeer. All part, of course, of the ever-popular Christmas Markets, back to weave festive cheer throughout the city and beyond.

This is the tradition's 10th anniversary, with over 200 stalls featuring a mix of local, European and world produce, in the form of food and drink; arts and crafts; and even plants and trees. 

The markets began in 1998, when the council of Frankfurt brought just 17 stalls to Manchester. The scheme has since expanded to include new features every year, such as the now-indispensable German Beer Tent, a giant German Christmas pyramid called a Weihnactspyramide - and the multilingual reindeer, courtesy of a "magical Alpine House".

Last year's European market in Albert Square was attended by 43,000 daily visitors; bringing an estimated economic boost of £42.6 million for the city.

“The success of the Christmas Markets is phenomenal," says Mark Legomski, head of markets for Manchester City Council.  

"People travel from all over the country to visit us and we are contacted by traders from right across Europe each year keen for a place here. Such is the popularity that our stalls are always 100% allocated no matter how much we grow and it’s now waiting list only."

The markets will remain open until December 21, in the following forms:

Manchester Christmas Market
New Cathedral Street
10am to 7:30pm

Manchester Christmas Arts & Crafts Market
Exchange Street
10am to 7:30pm

Manchester World Christmas Market
Brazennose Street
10am to 7pm (beer garden open until 9pm)

Manchester German Christmas Market
St Ann's Square
10am to 8pm
Closes December 22

Manchester European Christmas Markets
Albert Square
10am to 9pm
Closes December 22

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Further afield...
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BOLTON

Bolton Christmas Market
December 11 to 14
Victoria Square
Polish Beer Garden, hot winter drinks, hog roast, gourmet food products and a festive atmosphere.
10am to 8pm (Thursday), 7pm (Friday and Saturday) or 4:30pm (Sunday)

OLDHAM

Love Christmas
December (throughout)
Hilton Arcade, Spindles Town Square, Market Place
Events every weekend - including ice skating and street performers.
Visit the link on the right for details.

RAMSBOTTOM

Traditional Christmas Market
December 7
Back Bridge Street

Farmers Christmas Market
December 14
Market Place / Civic Hall

Ramsbottom Christmas Market
December 21
Back Bridge Street

(all with carol singers and music)