'Christmas starts here!' - Manchester's 'world-famous' markets are finally back
10.11.2023 - 17:45
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Sizzling sausages, piping hot mulled wine and hot chocolates with mighty whipped cream peaks can only mean one thing - the Manchester Christmas Markets are back.
This year marks a special year for the UK's capital of Christmas as it was exactly 25 Christmases ago that Manchester's first-ever Christmas market took place in 1998. A quarter of a century later the markets continue to attract Mancunians and visitors alike to the city in their thousands to fill up on the fantastic festive treats on offer.
Blessed by the weather gods, the sun poured down on Piccadilly Gardens - or "Winter Gardens" as they're known at this time of year - this morning as the 'world-beating' markets officially kicked off. This year, visitors to the renowned markets can explore nine zones and over 225 stalls, selling food, drink, crafts and seasonal gifts.
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The iconic wooden ski chalet market stalls will not only take over Piccadilly Gardens, but several areas across the city centre including Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange and King Street.
Speaking at the launch this morning, Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council's Christmas spokesperson, said: "And they're back! Our world-famous Christmas Markets are now open and Christmas has officially begun in Santa's favourite city.
"And what a special year it is for Europe's best-loved Christmas market! 25 years on and our world-beating Christmas Markets look amazing and are better than ever