I count myself so lucky that live in Manchester especially when we are leading up to the holidays. The city arrayed in all sort of Christmas decorations that liven up the city. Lights, chalets and of course the Christmas market.Manchester's Award-Winning Christmas market has opened on the 9th of November till the 22nd of December. As usual, the main market which is a mixture of all European markets is based in Albert Square you can't miss it as a massive giant glowing Santa Claus is sitting on the top of the town hall.
You can also find several other markets throughout the city. There is a French Christmas Market located at King Street or a German-themed market at St Ann's Square. If you are looking for some handcrafted jewellery or leather goods, head to Brazennose Street.
As the wooden huts, and Christmas stalls sprawl around the city you can find many of them in Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, New Cathedral Street and Market Street. The famous ice rink is located in Cathedral Gardens this year along with some great fairground rides and with a magical Ice Village. ( you'll need to buy tickets if you want to enter the magical Ice Village)
Yes, Manchester is ready to enter into the festive spirit.
FOOD
Festooned stalls and chalets spread across the city centre with many delicious varieties of food choices. Have you heard about the famous bratwurst?
This is one of the most loved snacks at the Christmas market every year.
As I'm not a big fan of greasy sausages I was hesitating to try it out, but I can honestly say that I understand why people love them so much this German sausage is delicious!
I'm a sucker for cheese, so of course, I had to order one of those yummy gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Oh, it's heaven!
There are also Schnitzels, Dutch fries, Yorkshire pudding wraps, pretzels, Spanish paella, Dutch pancakes, French profiteroles, hog roast and surprisingly I have found something from my home country Hungarian goulash.
If you have a sweet tooth, there are plenty of choices, like dutch Mini Pancakes, Belgian waffles, cookie dough, Christmas puddings and don't forget to stop off at The Pancake House. They make the most delicious crêpes.
DRINKS
After all these delicious street food who feels a bit thirsty? My absolutely favourite drink at Christmas markets is mulled wine.
I love the aroma of the mulled wine not to mention it makes me feel toasty in the cold winter weather while walking around the market.
If wine isn’t your thing, try the mulled gin or the spicy orange punch. Everyone's favourite warming drink the hot chocolate also available at the market.
To boost the festive spirit, you can even ask for a splash of rum inside it. If you have never been to Manchester's Christmas market, let me explain the mug scheme they have.
Before you buy any drinks you need to place a deposit down which is 3£ this year and at the end of your visit you can either return the mug and reclaim your money, or you can keep your mug.
It's perfect for a souvenir as every year they have different designs.
SHOPPING
With the season upon us, we all rushing to finish our gifts shopping for Christmas.
However, if you want to buy something special and unique to your friends and family this year the market is the perfect place to do that.
Endless boutiques and wooden huts around the town where you can purchase some great arts and crafts or unique toys instead of manufactured ones.
Like steam trains, enchanted or wooden toys or even browse for beautiful Christmas tree decorations.
I treated myself with natural skincare products. Keep in mind that many stalls don't accept card only cash.
THINGS TO DO
I love exploring the new stalls each year while also returning to my all time favourites.
Every year I visit the ice rink even that I cannot skate it just look so festive.
What's so great about this rink?
You don't need to be a pro to try it out while you are sinking the festive atmosphere in.
I love Christmas markets as you don't need to do anything you can just walk around the hub or follow the trail of the wooden huts around the city with a nice hot cup of mulled wine while listening to the carol singing and admiring the beautiful Christmas lights.
The afternoon is the best time to visit so you can see the lights in full beam. This year the Manchester Christmas market has introduced a new feature the Ice village which is filled with intricate ice sculptures. However the entry is not free here, keep that in mind.
If you are not already in the Christmas spirit this year make sure you visit the market, it will feel like a lot like Christmas.
Happy holidays everyone!
