It’s that time of year where peoples thoughts are turning towards the festive season and planning lots of exciting activities for themselves and the family. Undoubtedly one of the most popular days out in the last few years has been a trip to Manchester Christmas Markets. Since becoming established in 1999 the Christmas markets have grown bigger and better every year. It now attracts some of the finest street food vendors and craft stalls in Europe.
Thousands of people now flock to the city to experience the magic for six weeks right up to Christmas. Whether you are just partial to a few glasses of glühwein, some Bavarian lager and bratwurst or are looking for a handcrafted present Manchester Christmas Markets has it all. We thought we would have a look at 5 things you can do on your trip to the markets to make it an unforgettable experience. One thing we suggest though is to take advantage of the excellent public transport links in the city as the one thing that can spoil a good day out is falling foul of parking enforcement regulations.
The Winter Gardens
If you are feeling a little chilly then the Winter Gardens is the ideal place to go, as you can experience the festive feel under the cover of a marquee. The Winter Gardens not only contain some of your favourite foods such as Dutch Frites, Greek Gyros and warm cookie dough puddings. The drinkers among you can take advantage of the locally brewed beers and cocktails on offer while for the first time there will be a live music stage and DJ’s. To complete the festive feel the whole area will be festooned with lights and decorations.
Ice Skating
For the more adventurous among you a visit to the Cathedral Gardens and the real Ice Rink. The rink is undercover with the roof lit to give the impression of starlight meaning no matter how inclement the weather you can skate to your heart's content. So, for those among you who fancy themselves as the next Torvill and Dean, this is the ideal place to demonstrate your moves.
The Giant Santa and Light Sculpture Trail
The Giant Santa is back and situated outside the Central Library in St Peters Square. Standing around 12 metres high and weighing in at a huge 2.3 tonnes the Giant Santa is powered by thousands of low energy LED light bulbs. The Giant Santa is the last of a number of sculptures situated at various points around the city which include, a nativity scene in St Annes Square, the Manchester Bee and of course the large Christmas tree.
King Street
King Street is definitely the place to go for the foodies among you. It features a host of French Themed Stalls and a mouth-watering Italian Deli with an unrivalled selection of goodies. There is also a gin bar that features over 100 different varieties of gin on offer to satisfy even the most discerning palette.
New Cathedral Street
If you are looking for that special present for a loved one, a special friend or a family member then you can find it in New Cathedral Street. There you will find high-end shoemakers, local vegan skincare products and a range of jewellery. You will also be able to break up the shopping with some refreshment at Bar No 3 that has a range of exotic cocktails or the Witchouse with its Steins of Beer and Cuurywurst.
The things listed above are just a few of the attractions at this years Christmas Markets so take time out for a visit and soak up the festive atmosphere.
