We all love the Manchester Christmas Market - overlooked by the oversized zippy santa in Albert Square. But sometimes, just sometimes, when we're elbowing our way through the Glüwein crazed crowds on a Friday night we long for something a little more relaxed, a little more spacious, with fewer wind-chimes and sausages.
Here's our round up of the best alternative Christmas markets in Manchester (with a foodie focus) that support some of the finest local producers the city has to offer.
GRUB Christmas Food Fair
Saturday 5th December | 12.00 - late
GRUB launch their first ever GRUB CHRISTMAS FOOD FAIR this Saturday, in the brand new public square Sadler’s Yard. The event will feature a fantastic lineup of food and drink, including Caribou Poutine (Canadian fries & home made cheese curds), Fritto (authentic Italian street food), MeiMei’s Street Cart (award winning Chinese comfort food) and the first appearance of BakeOrama (former head baker at Home Sweet Home) at a street food event. As usual GRUB is working with partners Blackjack Beers to provide a craft ale bar heavily stocked with other local breweries such as Runaway Brewery & Marble Beers but for the first time there will also be handmade soda supplied by Steep Soda Co. On top of that Bean Brother’s roasters will be making the trip over the hills to dish out beautiful artisan coffee.
In addition, the event promises live music (from Jo Dudderidge & The Wicked Path), DJs, gift stalls and a Santa’s grotto where you can have your ‘Santa Selfie’ with St Nick himself. All proceeds from Grotto donations will be going to support Street Aid which is funding and staffing a pop up kitchen in Calais to ensure those in need are fed over the harsh winter.
Visit the GRUB event page here.
Track and Squawk Brew Tap and Festive Fair
Saturday Decemeber 12th | 12.00 - 22.00
Manchester brewers Track and Squawk are collaborating to hold their first Christmas brew tap together at Track Brewery, near Piccadilly Station.
Expect 10 taps delivering some of the finest beers in Manchester, including a range of homemade food and cakes to fuel your xmas shopping.
20 stalls of carefully curated local and independent makers will be on hand to provide some xmas present inspiration.
Visit their Facebook event page here.
The Alt. Great British Christmas Markets, Altrincham Market
A firm foodie favourite, Altrincham Market needs no introduction. Fill your bellies with the fantastic food from the indoor food hall, and fill yer boots with presents and goodies from the independent and local traders outside in the covered market stalls.
From handmade jewellery, to original framed artwork, to local produce and ceramics (we could go on) - the award winning Alty Market consistently delivers one of the best market stall line ups in Manchester.
Altrincham Market stick to their strict ethos: 'not available online', so I guess you'll just have to get down there and check it out for yourselves - you won't be disappointed.
Visit the Alty Market twitter page here.
Radcliffe 'Off the High Street' Christmas Market
Saturday 3rd December - Saturday 19th December. Thurs + Fri 18.00 - 22.00 | Sat 10.00 - 19.00
Held in the Radcliffe Market Hall, the 'Off the High Street' Christmas Market promises a range of fine local food and drink, unique artisan gifts, arts and crafts and a dollop of nostalgia and novelty.
Jodie Bannister, organiser and brains behind the successful Castlefield Market said, 'One of the main aims of the Christmas Market, aside from providing something a bit different to the standard Christmas fare, is to help promote, enhance and regenerate Radcliffe."
Visit the Facebook event page here.
