8 magical Christmas markets in Manchester for foodies and gifts

Good for: Getting into the spirit

With Manchester Town Hall still shrink wrapped, any chance of the council-run Manchester Christmas Markets making their triumphant return to Albert Square for 2024 has been sadly dashed, but they will no doubt still draw the biggest crowds. The markets’ 200+ ski chalet style huts will congregate mainly in Piccadilly Gardens, extending up and down Market Street and King Street, into St Ann’s Square and out towards the Corn Exchange and Cathedral Gardens. Yes, there will be eye-wateringly expensive pick n mix and gluhwein so sweet your Zoe blood sugar monitor will spontaneously combust, but there are always loads of indie local gems too. Find bratwursts, Yorkshire pud wraps, steaming hot strudels at a number of tents, but keep an eye out for Triple B’s Christmas Reuben bagels, patatas bravas from El Gato Negro and Brazilian mince pies from The Flat Baker. 

Shopping 10am-8pm, food and drink 11am-9pm. 8 Nov-22 Dec, 2024. 

Good for: True foodies

It’s no surprise how much is happening in Stocky P for Xmas, but its main attraction is the festive huts lining Merseyway from mid-November selling gifts, decorations and food. There’s also an Xmas Fayre in Stockport Town Hall on December 5 complete with Santa’s grotto (a small charity donation applies), a Victorian-themed marketplace in the town centre on December 6 and 7, and a Christmas edition of the popular town centre Makers Market on December 14. Elsewhere in the borough are a Christmas Worker Bee Market in Hazel Grove on December 1, one in Edgeley on November 30, and one in Bramhall on December 1. In Cheadle, there’s a Christmas Fesitval and Makers Market on December 7 and in Cheadle Hulme there is a Christmas Market with Santa’s Grotto on December 14. There’s a whole lot, basically.  

Stockport Festive Huts: From Nov 11 Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm / Sun 10.30am-4.30pm. 

Good for: A merry witch-mas

Christmas day falls on a Wednesday this year, so what better reason to channel your inner goth? Luckily, Stockport’s Goth-Mas has a tailor made event just for you. With over 50 stalls selling witchy, weird and wild clothing, trinkets and gifts, this event at Stockport Masonic Guild Hall was such a spooky success when it launched in 2023 that it’s back for more in 2024. You’ll find book-themed candles, cosplay accessories and that all-important Xmas gift, human skulls. There will be lots of food and drink to keep you fuelled and even a spooky Christmas grotto.

🤫 Time Out tip: Tired out from all that spookiness? Treat yourself to a post-shopping cocktail from Bohemian Arts Club. 

Sunday, Dec 15 11am-5pm. 

Good for: Thoughtful gifts and good vibes

Melanin Markets was founded by Bianca Danielle with the aim of championing Black-owned businesses and promoting community empowerment. The events have gone from strength to strength and their fourth ever Christmas market promises to be a real cracker. Found at the beautiful Royal Exchange theatre, Melanin Markets will host stalls from over 50 Black-owned businesses selling beautiful indie gifts including art, clothing, jewellery, skin and hair care and other wellness products. DJs, musicians and steelpan performers will bring the vibes all day and there’ll be African and Caribbean food and drink on sale too. A little elf told us that Melanin Santa will also be making an appearance. Sleigh!

December 8, 2024 - 12-5pm. 

Good for: 24/7 party people

Diecast was one of the biggest new Manchester openings of 2023 and this Berlin-inspired nightclub and party space continues to be hugely popular with students and clubbers. This year sees the return of Winterhood, Diecast’s massive festive event, with vintage stalls and late-night shopping at the Christmas night market. This is a boozy one with a big focus on the ‘Fairytale of New York’ Brooklyn beer hall with its massive steins of lager, and the Christmasification of the venue’s signature Daiquiris (think colourful alcoholic slush puppies). There will also be festive DJs, live music and dance performances. Not for shy and retiring types. 

Nov 1– Dec 30: Wed-Fri 4pm–late, Sat and Sun 12pm–late. 

Good for: Making a day of it

Indie Cindys will want to visit MediaCity for its massive sustainable Xmas Charity Super.Mkt. The exclusive northern pop-up of the popular event runs throughout Xmas and well into New Year, giving you a chance to treat your loved ones and spend your Xmas money too. There is always a great programme of Christmas theatre at the nearby Lowry Theatre so it’s worth making a day and night of it, including a refuel at one of the brilliant indies at Kargo MKT. We recommend Nila’s Burmese, Baity and House of Habesha but you can’t go wrong at Kargo.  

Dec 18-Jan 28. 

Good for: The planet

Manchester is not short of food halls and markets but the indie OG – and some might say the best – Manchester street food market is GRUB. There are cool and quirky events all year at GRUB and its new adjacent venue Fairfield Social Club so it’s always worth a visit but especially at Christmas. Expect loads of local indie makers, eclectic street food traders and seasonal bevs including locally brewed beers. Look out for wreath making workshops and kitsch seasonal parties (ugly festive jumpers encouraged) throughout December too.

Sunday December 1, 12-5pm. 

Good for: Escaping the mainstream markets

Afflecks isn’t strictly a Christmas market, but a Christmas shopping trip without a visit to the four-storey emporium of alternative shopping is like a Christmas movie marathon without Die Hard. Where else can you find heavy-duty willy jewellery, crystals that ward off transphobics and an Emmeline Pankhurst t-shirt all under one roof? You can even get yourself a festive tattoo or haircut while you’re there, or go one step further and have yourself a merry little Christmas wedding (you heard us).

🤫 Insider tip: Head to Fred Aldous afterwards for wrapping paper, Christmas Tree decorations and everything else you haven’t got round to getting yet. 

Mon-Thu 10.30am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm.