First Saturday of Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 in pictures as hundreds head to city centre

All of the road closures necessary this weekend have been announced ahead of the Manchester Christmas Parade - due to take place in the city centre on Sunday, December 3.

The brand new Aviva Studios is to be transformed into a bustling market of black owned businesses from Manchester. 65 businesses will be showcased at this year's Melanin Markets at the venue on Sunday (December 3).

New pictures have revealed the ongoing development of the huge construction being built in the Northern Quarter ahead of the Chanel fashion show.

With the smell of mulled wine in the air and the sight of wooden huts strewn with twinkling fairy lights, you can’t deny that Christmas markets bring plenty of festive cheer. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of them, they do have a certain charm.

Nestled in the Peak District is a beautiful historic hall which is hosting a Christmas market with a difference this festive season. Shoppers can immerse themselves in the magical setting of a 900-year-old fortified manor house and browse artisan stalls.

Multi-million pound plans to transform an historic city centre spot have been given the green light. The Roman Gardens in Castlefield, which are located on the site believed to be the birthplace of Manchester 2,000 years ago, are set to be transformed by a local group.

The Manchester Christmas Markets are in full swing with hundreds of thousands of visitors expected to descend on the city during the festive season. It's no secret that a day at the markets can cost you a pretty penny, but it is also possible to enjoy them for free, simply by walking around and soaking up the festive spirit.

Protestors targeted Starbucks and Pret A Manger during another pro-Palestinian march in Manchester city centre. Activists demonstrated outside city centre branches of the cafes during this afternoon's march.

It’s that time of the year when Manchester city centre transforms into a Christmas wonderland. The Christmas Markets are finally up and running, welcoming hordes of shoppers to buy food, drink and presents from the picture perfect wooden huts.

Manchester Christmas Markets may have only just opened, but they've already been welcoming thousands of punters over the weekend. And that includes the first sighting of celebrity visitors.

Trick or treaters may have finished off their Halloween sweets, and the sparklers and fireworks have fizzled out after Bonfire Night, but we've got plenty to look forward to in the weeks ahead. November and December in Manchester is full of festivities - from the markets and winter chalets to the carol concerts and pantomime shows.

Manchester Arndale market remains closed today (Saturday) following a fire which resulted in the evacuation of the shopping centre. Firefighters were called to Arndale at about 4pm on Friday after a blaze broke on one of the food stalls in the south side of the market hall.

This year's Manchester Christmas Markets have got off to a rousing start - with plenty of festive cheer already filling the city centre.

CCTV footage shows the moment a burly thug launched a sickening attack on a pensioner in a pub - then encouraged his dad to join in. Douglas Joyce, 35, left the 78-year-old victim bloodied and bruised after punching him three times to the face and head during a row.

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.

A Narnain-themed winter wonderland and a pop-up Christmas market will be held in Warrington at the end of the month. The town is hosting a Christmas weekend which is set to be a ‘festive extravaganza’ featuring local art, crafts, food and entertainment.

A Northern Quarter café bar will be handing out free coffee on Saturday morning as part of a collaboration with a Mancunian fashion brand.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Arndale - with the centre unveiling its decorations for this year’s festivities. The shopping centre has a new display this year, called ‘The Flight Before Christmas’.

It’s not long now until the Manchester Christmas Markets return for 2023. Dozens of stalls will be spread out across the city centre selling an array of festive treats from Friday, November 10.

Festive cheer is descending upon the city once more as the Christmas Markets return to Manchester. In a few days’ time the city centre will be transformed as more than 200 huts strewn with garlands and twinkling lights fill various squares and streets.