Manchester’s Christmas Markets are now well underway - and as you might have guessed, the city centre is rather busy. Record numbers of people have piled into Manchester to get their gluhwein and German sausage fix, while taking in the festive decorations brightening up the city.
While the sights, sounds and smells of sizzling sausages are a festive staple here in Manchester at this time of year, they’re not for everyone. If you prefer something a little more low key, there are plenty of smaller markets and events around Greater Manchester that you can also visit.
From festive food and drink fairs to night markets, we’ve handpicked some of the best alternative Christmas markets and events to visit in Manchester this year.
Christmas Fair at Canton House
Ancoats Pop Up, known for its outdoor markets at Cutting Room Sq and Kampus, is hosting an indoor Christmas Fair with 50 independent traders filling three floors of Canton House, a café, creative workshops by community market gardeners Manchester Urban Digger and evening entertainment and cocktails and a live music pop up with distillers Witch Kings Rum.
On the third floor, MUD kitchen, usually based at Platt Fields Market garden, will be serving fresh food daily and hot drinks by GroundedMcr. They will also be hosting family activities and creative workshops. The events will run for every weekend from now until December 18.
Festive Village at Hatch
This year, Hatch on Oxford Road has been transformed into a cosy Christmas grotto complete with entertainment, workshops and festive food. Featuring Hatch’s Christmas choir The Sleigh-Bells, every Sunday up to Sunday, December 11, and local Manchester choir ‘Chorlton Sings’ on Sunday, December 18, diners can enjoy a number of Christmas specials.
Highlights include Fairytale of New York hotdogs from Grandad’s Sausages; Chicken Parmo fused with Christmas dinner trimmings; a festive Chapli Burger from Cheeky Tikka and Sprout; and Bacon Loaded Fries from newbies Block Steak Shop. Holiday tipples include Clementine Cosmo, Jolly Gingerbread Man or a Jameson Hot Toddy.
Xmas Pop-Up at the Pink Room at Yes
Four sustainable brands are popping up at the Pink Room at Yes this weekend (3-4 December). Guests will be able to pick up some presents from some of Manchester’s female-led makers at the curated Christmas pop-up shop on Sunday, December 4, from 12-6pm.
The one-off event showcases products crafted by female-owned brands including Mariel Osbourne, Grey Milk, Sken Studios and Powerplant. Expect a variety of jewellery, clothing, floristry and gift inspiration. Powerplant will also be hosting two DIY workshops where guests can craft their own Christmas wreath. Tickets can be purchased on the Yes website.
Christmas shopping at Victoria Baths
Victoria Baths will be opening its doors for a special shopping experience this Christmas, with mince pies and festive drinks.
Taking place on Sunday, December 11 (12-4pm) and Thursday, December 15 (4.30-8.30pm), visitors can snap up newly launched products and gifts inspired by the historic building.
Gifts include prints, postcards and wrapping from illustrator Sarah Thornley, handmade glass decorations by local stained glass artist Lesley Jane Miller, and small batch gin from local distillery Winding River. Visitors to the shopping events will be served a mince pie and warming drink to enjoy as they shop.
Stretford Mall
Stretford Town Centre is gearing up to transform the Mall and surrounding area into a free festive community destination in time for the Christmas season and school holidays. A festive Stretford Social will take place in the SQ area of the Mall and will feature Christmas carols, winter-themed arts and a Christmas-themed preschool play area.
For the adults, there’ll be a whole host of independent market traders selling gifts for Christmas shopping; as well as festive hot dogs and drinks. Stretford Foodbank will be collecting food and drink donations and the Winter Coat Collection and a Little Green Socks Collection will also be there in The SQ. From December 9, until December 22, there will also be a Gingerbread Trail and a chance for children to write a letter to Santa and post it in Santa’s letter box.
‘Not So Secret Grotto’ at The Stamford Quarter in Altrincham
The Stamford Quarter is celebrating Christmas with a special transformation of its Not So Secret Garden into the Not So Secret Grott o, as well as seasonal food and drink, a free wrapping station and an exclusive ‘12 Days of Christmas’ campaign, which will see 12 special gifts, offers and prizes popping up on social media throughout the month.
Food wise, visitors can enjoy the warming winter menu from Stutter & Twitch which will include hot dogs and Christmassy hot drinks , plus there will be a stellar line up of live music every Friday and Saturday night. Local, independent business Gran Ts will be popping up at the Not So Secret Grotto with fresh crepes and sweet treats.
Pop Down at The Dome, ABC Buildings, Spinningfields
The independent retailer, festive drinks and music event returns to Spinningfields. The Roofdeck will be hosting Pop Down’s biggest pop-up on the 3-4 December and showcasing a hand-picked selection of brands as well as natural wines from Vin de Bodega, all to the backdrop of live music from Reform Radio.
The lounge area will also host the event’s partner, 2 Pints Deep, the mental health charity, who will be on hand throughout the weekend encouraging open talk between both brands and visitors. The weekend will be commemorated with a magazine featuring information and imagery from the event, including all brands and speakers. This will be free to everyone attending, with the suggestion of a charity donation to 2 Pints Deep.
Gather Round at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
The city centre hotel has announced its winter programme, running until New Year’s Eve. Over at the hotel’s restaurant and bar, The Refuge, local Christmas choirs will be doing special performances, while a programme of DJ collectives such as Edit, Stells Selections, Eves'Drop Collective, and Two Left Feet will be on the decks from 5-10pm every Thursday night throughout December.
On Sunday December 4, the hotel will welcome back The Playhouse Project, who will be taking over the Ballroom for a festive ball. Dance along to Manchester's Haçienda royalty Jon DaSilva, plus performances from the Cequin Circus, Christmas-themed arts and crafts, Festive Disco Ball queens and more.
Christmas at TP Street, Trafford Palazzo
A jam-packed winter bonanza awaits visitors at Trafford Palazzo this Christmas. shoppers can enjoy free events with live music, children’s entertainment, Christmas crafts including ‘Letters to Santa’ workshops, visits from ‘The Cheeky Elves’ and popular sweet treat and drink stalls.
Central to the cheer will be an Alpine themed cosy Tipi, reminiscent of a whimsical ski lodge, boasting furry furniture, tables for families, heaters and a stage for live musical performances. The weekly live music entertainment schedule continues throughout the festive period with a selection of choirs singing hymns and Christmas classics.
Christmas Market at The Oxford, Rochdale
Now entering its ninth year, the artisan Christmas Markets are back and bigger than ever. The award-winning pub's car park will be transformed into a winter wonderland complete with huts, seasonal food and drink and a brass band.
As well as the brass band and three singers - one performing disco takes on Christmas classics - there will be appearances from Father Christmas on both Sundays - the event takes place on 3-4 December and 10-11 December. The food shed will also be serving up the pub's popular Beef & Bovril pie, Yorkshire pudding wraps, bratwurst and hog roast sandwiches, while beverages including boozy hot Vimto will be on offer.
Quayside Xmas Makers Markets, Salford Quays
If you fancy something a little outside the city centre but still on the tram route, the Makers Markets outside The Lowry are taking place every Friday night, Saturday and Sunday until December 18. Looking for handmade cards and decorations, or how about edible presents for your loved ones? Well the stallholders here have you covered.
In a new covered venue in the MediaCity Gardens, guests can also experience Art Hall - where good food meets great art. With interiors designed by MikeSian Studio, and in partnership with local craft brewery, Seven Bro7hers, it will offer a mix of street food, local beer, hot drinks, art workshops, live music, and festive events.
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