The fragrant wafts of sausages sizzling and mulled wine bubbling have returned to the city centre. That can only mean one thing – the Manchester Christmas Markets are back.
This year things are set to be bigger and better than ever. With an extraordinary Christmas Parade, the UK’s best Christmas Markets, ice-skating rink, festive lights, and free family fun, Manchester is the place to be this Christmas.
But, because of the cost of living crisis, naturally, the question on everyone’s lips is how much you’re going to have to shell out on food and drink for the most popular items this year.
To make sure you can plan for how much you’re likely to need to enjoy your day out (with a sausage and a gluhwein, of course), we headed out to find the average prices of the most popular items at the different zones of the market.
With I Love MCR, we’ve got Christmas in the city sorted.
How much are bratwursts, beers and mulled wine at Manchester’s Christmas Market?
Bratwursts
As a general rule, you’re looking at paying between £8 and a tenner for the German-style sausages, smoked sausages, and currywurst across the markets.
Gluhwein
Nothing summons the spirit of Christmas like the smell of mulled wine. And there’s gluhwein aplenty across the markets at the pop-up drinks stalls, served up in the famous Manchester Christmas Market mugs.
For gluhwein, you can expect to spend between £5.50 and £6- but don’t forget to factor in the £3 deposit you’ll need to leave with the bar for this years Scandinavian inspired festive mug. The deposit will be returned if you give the mug back. Or you can take it home as a keepsake.
The Mill Exchange at Exchange Square has also added festive twists, offering mulled wine with Brandy & Mince Pie, Blackberry & Apple, Strawberry & Amaretto, Orange & Passionfruit, and Gin & Cherry flavours.
These are priced at £6.50 for a small and £8 for a large. For an extra £2, you can add a shot of your favorite spirit.
Prefer mulled cider? It’s around £6, while a spiced rum punch ranges from £8.50 to £9. Alcohol-free versions are also available for a bit less.
There are plenty of non-alcoholic options too that run in at a couple of quid less.
Gin
Gin continues to rise in popularity, and there’s plenty of choice across the city. You’re looking at about £10 for a GnT, depending on which gins or tonics you’re gunning for. There are absolutely loads to choose from.
Beer
German biers, lager and wheat beers are popular across the markets, with prices from about £6 to £8. Kinda pricy but just about in line wth standard prices in the city centre. We also saw a nice range of craft IPAs, hazy pales and some classic helles.
Prosecco
Sparkling prosecco is set to be another big hit at the Christmas Markets 2024. You can have it with added glittery shots to make it a proper sparkly affair. Expect to pay between £6.50 and £7.50 for a glass of the sparkling prosecco – that comes with a variety of different flavours.
Hot chocolate
If you’re after a sweeter treat on your ramble around the markets, there’s a host of hot chocolate options at the main drinks stalls. You can get a standard hot chocolate with cream from £5, or a boozy version with your choice of Baileys, brandy, rum and other liquor shots for £7.
Dates and times
The Manchester Christmas Markets 2024 are open from from Friday 8th November to Sunday 22nd December, from 10am-9pm. Get wrapped up in the festive extravaganza with hundreds of stalls across the city centre.
At the heart of the action, Piccadilly Gardens will be transformed into the Winter Gardens, where you can cosy up beneath a festive marquee and enjoy hot drinks and live entertainment.
Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange, and King Street will also play host to the festivities.
The Christmas Markets guarantee an unbeatable atmosphere, local crafts, and food and drink from an exceptional range of vendors. All your favourites – from the famous Yorkshire pudding wraps to hot chocolate served in iconic mugs – are back, alongside some exciting new traders.
You can find out more about Manchester Christmas Markets 2024 by clicking here