GLUHWEIN, Bavarian pils and bratwurst overload as thousands attended the opening weekend of Manchester’s Christmas markets, opened by comedian (and latterly Corrie’s Dean Upton) Justin Moorhouse.
That launch was in the main market hub in Albert Square underneath Santa Claus on his customary Town Hall perch. It’s one of just nine locations, including new ones in Market Street and Cathedral Gardens, as well as St Ann’s Square, where the event first began 16 years ago.
Last year the markets attracted a record nine million visitors and this year is predicted to top that.
Just across from the main market in Albert Square, Brazenose Street hoststhe World Market while the French Market returns to nearby King Street, St Ann’s Square remains the traditional German heart of the event, while nearby Exchange Street and New Cathedral Street will welcome back the coffee house and covered German beer house for a third year.
The markets run until Sunday, December 21. Here are details of all the venues and the opening and closing hours...
Hours and locations
• European Christmas Market, Albert Square - 10am-9pm daily.
For all other markets: November: 10am-7.30pm and December 10-am-8pm. All bar and food areas open until 9pm.
- Christmas Market, Market Street
- Christmas Market, Cathedral Gardens
• Christmas Market, Exchange Square
• Arts and Crafts Market, Exchange Street
• Christmas Market, New Cathedral Street
• French Christmas Market, King Street with rotating weekend stalls.
• German Christmas Market, St Ann’s Square
• World Christmas Market, Brazennose Street