Christmas is certainly a time when Manchester twinkles into life, with practically every square and open space transformed by the appearance of hundreds of wooden chalets, Christmas themed bars and tempting festive aromas.
So get your skates on (literally) and get yourselves into town, where even the most miserable of humbugs will struggle to escape that festive feeling. Here's our pick of christmassy things to do in Manchester.
Manchester Christmas Markets
A mainstay of Manchester's Christmas offering, the city's Christmas markets are amongst the most extensive in the country, with two main squares and many of Manchester's main shopping streets taken over by the iconic wooden chalets.
The main hub of the action is of course the beautiful Victorian Albert Square, where a giant illuminated half Santa, half Zippy creation presides over a bustling village of European market stalls, bars, bratwurst grills, and other food and drink outlets.
Across town, and St Anne's Square is similarly transformed - although perhaps slightly less hectic. Market stalls flank a central food and drink chalet, for the Christmas Market experience with a little more personal space.
Brazennose Street, New Cathedral Street, King Street and the top of Exchange Square are all also taken over by the markets, each taking a slightly different focus in terms of the styles of gifts and foods available.
See Machester Christmas Markets opening times
The North Pole Bar
Photo: Sebastian Matthes
If you prefer your festive socialising under a roof, and with more sitting down involved, then The North Pole Bar is for you. Housed in a temporary structure in Cathedral Gardens, The North Pole Bar makes a cosy retreat from the winter weather and hordes of Christmas shoppers, with its apres-ski styling, comfy sofas and warming winter cocktails. What more could you want? What's that… an eight foot polar bear? Yep, they've got one of those too.
Find out more at thenorthpolebar.co.uk
The Moose Bar and Ice Rink
In the heart of Manchester's chic Spinningfields District you'll find an outdoor ice rink, overlooked by the festive log-cabin themed Moose Bar. With cosy seating, a strong focus on wood, and plenty of yummy winter food and drinks, it makes an ideal place to escape the crowds, watch the ice skating and soak up the festive spirit(s).
Find out more and book for ice skating at themoosebar.com
The Oast House
Not strictly a Christmas bar since this new addition to Manchester's food and drink scene is a permanent one, but definitely worth a mention for its hearty, festive (and slightly surreal) atmosphere. Nestling amongst the sleek mirrors, glass and steel of Spinningfields, this brick and timber Kentish Oast House may look like a survivor of bygone times - but it actually sprung up over a couple of months this Summer. Still, with its cosy beamed interior, outdoor barbecue and olde world charm, it makes a lovely festive escape from modernity.
Find out more at theoasthouse.uk.com
Words: JR
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