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Everything we know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 so far
They’re returning very soon!
Here’s everything we know so far about this year’s Manchester Christmas Markets, as the city prepares for winter festivities.
Like it or not the countdown is now on for currywurst, glühwein and strudels at the Manchester Christmas Markets 2023.
The popular European food, drink and crafts stalls, housed in wooden alpine-style huts and dotted around the city centre, will be making their big return on Friday, November 10th from 10am.
It won’t be long until most of the city will be huddled together on chilly evenings hugging a mug full of hot mulled wine with frozen fingertips, while getting into the spirit of the build up to the big day.
The trusty markets will be sure to get you in the mood and fuel you while you shop for presents, until they shut up shop for another year on Thursday, December 21st.
Among some of the biggest in Europe, Manchester’s festive markets boasted some 220 stalls last year and were voted the best in the entire UK last year, attracting visitors from across the country.
The exact locations of the markets haven’t been confirmed as of yet but there’s talk that Piccadilly Gardens will not be the main hub, after the weather combined with footfall destroyed the grass beneath the plastic walkways last year, leaving it looking like a mud bath.
Council bosses have been urgently looking for other options to use as the main hub of the markets with St Peter’s Square being suggested as a possible contender for 2023.
Originally, Albert Square was the main location for the markets, but due to restoration work taking place on the Town Hall this has not been possible for some years. Although, it is hoped works may be completed in time for it to be ready for this year’s winter markets extravaganza.
The council has said it will be confirming the exact whereabouts of the festive markets along with further details later this month.
One thing we are certain of is that the ice rink will be returning to Cathedral Gardens along with a range of wooden festive stalls. The ice rink will run a little while longer than the markets, all the way up until December 31st – though it will be closed on Christmas Day.
The markets will also be returning to Exchange Square along with popular stall Porky Pig’s Yorkshire Pudding Wraps, where visitors can get themselves a Yorkshire pudding wrap filled with a mini Christmas dinner, while waiting in queues as long as your arm.
The markets are also set to spread out across New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, King Street and Market Street.
The Christmas Parade, a huge hit with families, will be back again for one weekend this December, but the exact dates have yet to be confirmed.
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council’s Christmas spokesperson, said: “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 – November 10th – Christmas starts here!”
The Christmas Markets will be open daily from 10am until 9pm on Friday, November 10th until Thursday, December 21st. Entry is free and no ticket is required.
The Cathedral Gardens festive ice rink will open on Thursday, October 26th and will stay throughout the festive season until December 31st. The ice rink will be closed for Christmas Day.
More updates on locations of markets and details of the Christmas parade are to follow when confirmed.
What's On
The new FREE Christmas night market with over 40 traders from across our region
Get in the festive spirit!
Get in the festive spirit with a brand new FREE Christmas makers night market, with over 40 traders and small businesses from across the region.
Brought to you by Renaker, the Manchester Made Christmas night market is coming to New Jackson, Deansgate Square from Friday December 6th to Sunday December 8th.
Following on from a successful summer market in May, the Manchester Made Market is returning bigger and better than before but with a Christmassy twist.
Manchester Made Market
Expect a ‘cosy and magical’ Christmas night market experience, with food, drink, live music and even a grotto for visits to Father Christmas.
There’ll be Christmas trees galore, glittering with lighting, with one huge show-stopping tree taking centre stage.
Bringing together over 40 artisanal traders and small businesses from across the region, the three-day event will showcase a plethora of food produce, homewares, crafts and creations.
Manchester Made Market
Visitors will be sure to find unique Christmas gifts that support local businesses, including from The Cole Men and their award winning sauces, Moon & Sixpence’s handmade jewellery, and fine art photography by Craig Barker.
There’ll be live music from a 20-piece choir, playing Christmas classics, cocktails from Manchester Gin and Gooey’s sweet treats.
The experts from Millington Hall Farm in Altrincham will be bringing a taste of their Wild Grill experience, including live sausage making demonstrations and an array of German sausages served from a festive BBQ trailer.
Manchester Made Market
Families with children can visit the Christmas grotto, where Father Christmas himself will be waiting in a cosy tipi – kids will get a gift from Santa, and bookings can be made online for £8.50 per child.
Manchester Made Market will be open from 4pm to 9pm on Friday December 6th, and 1pm to 9pm on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th – pre-register for a free guest list ticket and 50% off a hot chocolate HERE, or book the Christmas grotto HERE.
What's On
Free one-day Christmas festival returning to Stockport to kick off festive season
Get in the festive spirit in Stockport!
Stockport’s free, one-day Christmas festival is returning this festive season, with 200 performers and more than 50 shows.
Spectacular Sunday will return to the town on November 17th at various sites and venues.
Following the success of last year’s event, hundreds of performers will take over Stockport, with everything from giant roller-skating presents to a living snow globe and roaming Christmas dolls.
There will also be street theatre, including grumpy Christmas grandads, a gigantic balloon man and water show.
Matthew Nichol Photography
Produced by carnival arts organisation Global Grooves and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement.
Events will be happening in iconic Stockport locations like Market Place, Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock and Suffragette Square.
A grand finale in Merseyway will bring together the brass bands of Stockport, ending the day with a huge flash mob and rendition of All You Need Is Love.
Cirq Delight
Cllr Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, said: “We’re so excited to bring this event back after last year’s amazing success.
“It’s such a fun way to get everyone in the festive spirit and really shows off what makes Stockport special – our sense of community and joy.
“With loads of free performances and activities, plus a chance to enjoy the newly improved areas of Merseyway, it’s a perfect day out for families.
“Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday is all about having fun, making memories, and starting the holiday season in style.”
Spectacular Sunday is happening from 11am to 5pm on Sunday November 17th – find out more HERE.
The prestigious Manchester Art Fair is back in town for its 16th year next month, bringing with it a vibrant gallery space showcasing thousands of works from over 500 artists.
One of the biggest and most significant events in the UK art world calendar, it’ll take over Manchester Central for three days, from Friday November 15th to 17th.
The city will be flooded with art from all corners of the world, championing everything from local heroes to new emerging talent, as well as international artists with worldwide acclaim.
Manchester Art Fair
A wide range of artistic disciplines will be represented at the event, from painters, illustrators, and sculptors to graffiti artists and everything in between.
Expect exhibitions, workshops, Q&A sessions, demos, book signings and parties happening across the event.
Tickets include free access to art workshops and talks from leading artists and cultural experts, and are on sale now.
You can grab them HERE.
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