REVEALED: Manchester Christmas Markets 2016 (and lights switch-on) dates announced

Manchester knows a thing or two about celebrating Christmas and begins the build up to its traditional festive season with the opening of the famous Manchester Christmas Markets on Thursday 10th November.

Since the arrival of the first Christmas Market from Europe 18 years ago, Manchester has widely been accepted as the UK’s capital of Christmas. The markets – with their plinky gifts, mulled wine and apple strudel – have become the key focus but there’s plenty more on offer, too!

With a huge selection of attractions, amazing culture, fabulous shopping, extensive choice of cuisines and excellent public transport links, Manchester is the perfect place to get in to the Christmas spirit and attracts a wide audience of all ages. Visitors from far and wide mingle with local residents, all enjoying the festive atmosphere and lively, bustling experience the city offers at this time of year.

Following on from the Lights Switch On, 4th November 2016, the opening of the Christmas Markets heralds the beginning of the season, and this year the UK’s original and biggest Christmas Market returns with more than 300 stalls from across Europe over 10 distinctive market sites.

Since their first appearance in 1998, Manchester’s Christmas Markets have led the city’s celebrations, and have grown each year with an ambitious spread of festive cheer to each and every corner of the city. With themed areas and attractions for all the family and all ages, there are focussed zones for every taste and plenty more besides, so expect a mouth-watering selection of food and drink, along with gift ideas to suit any stocking.

In Albert Square’s traditional German zone, the food stalls’ delicious scents tempt you to a mug of warming gluhwein or a tasty bratwurst, while the flavour in nearby King Street is distinctively French, with crepes and macaroons on offer. One of our original and longest serving traders, Dirk the Dutch Flowerman, sets the scene with a beautiful array of Christmas trees, wreaths and household decorations, and the stunning variety of jewellery, arts and crafts available would satisfy even the fussiest list for Santa.

If you prefer something indoors and a little more family friendly, book tickets for Winter Wonderland – the UK’s biggest indoor Christmas theme-park at EventCity, next to The Trafford Centre, from 10th December. There will be rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Plus there is just one amazing ticket price and it’s operated on a session basis so there’s no overcrowding! It’s the perfect place for the kids to meet Santa and The Sooty Show is back for the third year running!