Manchester Christmas markets open

On the 10th of November, Manchester’s Christmas markets officially opened, and will be here in the city for six weeks.

Though there will be the usual array of diverse stalls, this year’s markets welcome two new food and drink additions.

These include the Yorkshire Burrito, a giant Yorkshire pudding stuffed with visitors’ favourite filling, and Elsie May’s tea room, both of which will be based in Exchange Square.

Anokhi Bella Shah, Head Food and Drinks Editor of The Mancunion, said: “The arrival of the Christmas markets sparks excitement around Manchester, particularly getting my festive culinary juices flowing. I can’t wait to see what delights this year has to offer. Being a Yorkshire girl, I’ve got my eye on those burritos.”

Abbie Llewellyn, a third-year Linguistics student at Manchester University, echoed this sentiment and said: “I’m excited about the Christmas markets because they bring together different cultures in one place to get you in the Christmas spirit, and it has awesome food and drink.”

The main market hub and European market will be based in Albert Square in front of Manchester town hall, and is open from 10AM to 9PM daily.

The rest of the markets are spread across nine sites including St Ann’s Square (German market), King Street (French market), Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Cathedral Gardens (family friendly area), Market Street The Corn Exchange, and Brazennose Street. These sites are open from 10AM to 7:30PM in November and 10AM to 8PM in December.

This year, visitors can download a free iOS and Android augmented reality App to help navigate their way around the markets.

The app can be used to scan the Christmas Market mugs and be rewarded with a “special Christmas treat.”

Visitors can also use the phone’s camera to look at the attraction and pointers will appear on their screen including the location of toilets, cash machines, various market stalls or the ice rink based in Cathedral Gardens, which opened on November the 4th.

Cllr Luthfur Rahman, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “There’s something for everyone on the augmented reality app, and I think it’s going to help visitors find their way around and enjoy the attraction in a completely new way.”

First launched in 1999 and now in its 18th consecutive year, Manchester City Council claim to have led the Christmas Market boom, being the first city to bring a European-style festive market to the UK.