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Manchester Christmas Markets 2024: Overview of Key Locations

Manchester Christmas Markets 2024 Overview
Source by gettyimages

Returning for 2024, the Manchester Christmas Markets offer cheerful appeal right in the heart of the city. Covering nine streets and squares, the markets include more than 240 booths providing an unmatched mix of food, drink, and souvenirs. Daily running till December 22, these marketplaces represent the height of Christmas happiness. Allow us to walk you through all the elements so you maximise your trip.

Overview of Key Locations

1. Winter Gardens (Piccadilly Gardens)

Winter Gardens (Piccadilly Gardens)
Source by secretmanchester

Piccadilly Gardens‘ Winter Gardens form the main centre, with their range of festive food and drink choices. Daily live entertainment, covered marquees, and outside wooden seats abound in this energetic zone. Anticipate a wide spectrum of cuisines, ranging from French to Korean to Austrian and Brazilian ones.

Ideal for groups wishing to savour the lively scene with lots of food and beverage choices.

2. Market Street

Holiday buyers will find this space perfect as it specialises in crafts and presents. Market Street, unlike other areas, has little food and drink options, thus stressing customised items such jewellery, Christmas decorations, and candles.

Ideal for gift purchasing and viewing unusual handcrafted goods.

3. Cathedral Gardens

Cathedral Gardens
Source by visitmanchester

Usually the family-oriented portion, Cathedral Gardens has a covered ice rink run by Skate Manchester in addition to a limited array of food and beverage vendors. Highlights are festive photo booths and little Dutch pancakes.

Ideal for families looking for a laid-back vacation including kid-oriented activities.

4. St Ann’s Square and Exchange Street

St Ann’s Square and Exchange Street
Source by q102

Offering traditional German beers, bratwursts, and cherry gluhwein, St Ann’s Square continues to be a pillar of the markets. Brownie stands and hot chocolate cones will be introduced for 2024.

Ideal for combining unusual gift buying with classic cuisine.

5. King Street

King Street
Source by partridge

King Street boasts Italian, Mediterranean, and French-inspired booths in addition to its continental food market. This section is also more laid back as it features seated bar areas.

Ideal for people looking for a more sedate environment and lovers of continental food.

Food and Drink Highlights

Traditional Delights

  • German Bratwurst: £8 every two.
  • Currywurst comes for £9 a dish.
  • One litre Stein for Bavarian Beer costs £12.
  • Gluhwein: £5.50 was the average price.

Sweet Treats

  • Cathedral Gardens’ Mini Dutch Pancakes
  • Winter Gardens’ Pistachio Croissant
  • Fruit dipped in chocolate (many locations)

Newcomers for 2024

  • Hip Hop Chip Shop serving battered Brussels sprouts.
  • Features melting raclette cheese in the Bavette Steak and Frites.
  • Hot Crumbs: An innovative modern take on a traditional sweet.

Family-Friendly Activities

Family-Friendly Activities Christmas
Source by parade

Skate Manchester

Open daily and providing a wonderful skating experience, this covered ice rink is situated in Cathedral Gardens.

Prices: For comprehensive ticket information, consult the official Skate Manchester website.

Free Light Trail

Discover the famous Big Santa outside the Central Library, a massive bauble, and light arches. The Christmas tree at Albert Square and charitable wish trees provide more festive picture options.

Festive Photobooths

Festive photo booths housed at Cathedral Gardens, Piccadilly Gardens, and St Ann’s Square. Every session costs £6 and comprises a digital copy and a printed picture.

Unique Gifts and Crafts

Artisan Products

  • Handmade Beeswax Candles are on New Cathedral Street.
  • Found next to the Corn Exchange are Nepalese wool jumpers and toys.
  • Popular at Exchange Square were recycled wooden decorations.

Specialty Food Gifts

  • Salford Rum: distinctive local distillery concoctions in glass bottles.
  • Great British Cheese stand on King Street, Cheese Gift Sets.
  • Available all throughout the marketplaces are handcrafted chocolates and brownies.

Practical Information

Opening Times

  • Dates are November 8 to December 22.
  • Craft Stalls: ten AM to eight PM
  • Food and beverages stalls: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Cathedral Gardens: Accessible till December 31

Public facilities including toilets are portaloos at Piccadilly Gardens and Cathedral Gardens.

Mug Deposit Scheme

Refundable £3.50 mug deposit for hot drinks

£7 refundable deposit for beer steels

Tips for Visiting

  1. Advice for going: Weekends might be packed; think about going on weekdays for a more laid-back encounter.
  2. Budget Accordingly: Average food and drink costs run between £5 and £12.
  3. Use public transport: Handy tram and rail stops are found close to main markets.
  4. Discover all zones: Every one of them has a different atmosphere and special value.
  5. Stay Warm: Dress for the cold and pack reusable bags for your shopping.

What do you think?

Written by Zane Michalle

Zane is a Viral Content Creator at UK Journal. She was previously working for Net worth and was a photojournalist at Mee Miya Productions.

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