Festive cheer will soon be back on the streets of Manchester with the annual Christmas Markets set to make their return. But what can we expect? Here’s everything we know so far...
Autumn is finally upon us and as the days grow shorter, it is all too clear that Christmas is right around the corner.
Christmas Markets have become a key part of the season’s activities, and Manchester is home to one of the best in the UK.
It has been officially announced that the markets will return to the city this year. The huge markets have been drawing in thousands of visitors since 1998 – and this year will be no exception.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe stalls will be open every day from 10am until 9pm, starting on Friday November 10 and running until Thursday December 21.
While the council has yet to announce the exact locations of this year’s markets, it is set to be as big as ever.
Last year’s Christmas Market featured more than 220 stalls offering a range of gifts, food and drink.
Albert Square has traditionally been the home the market, but due to the ongoing restoration works at the Town Hall, the event has not been there for some years.
Piccadilly Gardens played host to the event last year, but after the ‘Winter Gardens’ became a mud bath, the council is thought to be urgently looking at other locations, including St Peter’s Square.
The council is set to reveal the location and further details later this month.
It has, however, been confirmed that Cathedral Gardens will once again host an ice rink and wooden stalls.
And keen skaters won’t have to wait for the markets to open before taking the ice, with the rink opening during October half term (Thursday October 26) and running until Sunday December 31.
The markets will return to Exchange Square where one of the most popular food stalls – Porky Pig – will be once again be serving their Yorkshire pudding wraps.
The stalls are also set to be on New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, King Street and Market Street – ensuring the festive spirit is spread out across the city centre.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Christmas Parade will also return after the success of last year. The free event will take place on a weekend in December, which is yet to be revealed.
Coun Pat Karney, Manchester City Council’s Christmas spokesperson, told the Manchester Evening News: “With the last rays of summer sun now fading fast, it’s time to track down the tinsel and get ready for Manchester’s favourite time of the year.
“And with only eight weeks to go until the opening of Manchester’s world-famous Christmas markets it will be glühwein and bratwurst time before we know it. Mark it on your calendar – 10 November – Christmas starts here!”
Main Image: Photo by Rebecca Campbell on Unsplash
