The return of the award-winning Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester's hugely popular Christmas Markets return to the city next week - and they're bigger and better than ever.

Voted as one of the top ten Christmas markets in the world, and winner of Large Tourism Award 2010 - Manchester's top visitor attraction, this year the markets will be spread over eight sites across the city centre, including a new location in King Street for the weekend craft and gift markets featuring unusual handmade gifts and work by local artists.
 
As well as local businesses from across the North West, traders travel to the city each year from all over Europe - from Italy to Lapland.
 
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester's Christmas spokesperson, said: "It's a badge of honour that so many towns and cities across the UK have copied Manchester's Christmas markets, but we are the original and the best - and this year there's more choice than ever.
 
"We have the largest Christmas markets in the country and they transform our city centre into a Christmas wonderland.
 
"The markets are the centrepiece of our magical festive programme and helP make Manchester the UK's Christmas capital."
 
The markets feature dedicated French and German markets, with handmade wooden Christmas tree decorations, jewellery and gifts from Provence. In Albert Square under the watchful eye of the giant Santa Claus the European Christmas Market, the city's most popular Christmas destination, takes place outside the famous Town Hall. As well as a vast array of food and drink the square is home to a huge plant market with real Christmas trees of all sizes and other Christmas decorations.
 
The Christmas Markets boast only the very best gifts, including silver jewellery, ceramics, handmade toys, puppets, clocks, glassware and limited edition Manchester Christmas Market coffee and Gluhwein mugs, this year with a special new designer look.
 
Food lovers looking for extra special Christmas treats can discover the very best regional produce, including the award-winning Mrs Kirkham's Cheese, as favoured by top chefs, and an array of homemade jams and chutneys. And of course there's a chance to sample traditional Christmas delights from all over Europe as you shop - choose from Gluhwein, liqueur coffee, macaroons, pancakes, bratwurst and food from Luxemburg, Switzerland and Spain plus hog roast and British Ale.
 
http://www.manchestermarkets.com/

Listings information:
 
Manchester Christmas Markets 17 November - 21 December
 
European Christmas Market, Albert Square
 
10.00 am - 9.00 pm daily
 
Opening Times and locations for all other markets
 
November 10.00 am - 7.30 pm
 
December 10.00 am - 8.00 pm
 
Arts & Crafts Market, Exchange Street
Christmas Market, Exchange Square
Christmas Market, New Cathedral Street
NEW! Christmas Market, The Triangle
French Christmas Market, King Street
German Christmas Market, St Ann's Square
World Christmas Market, Brazennose Street
 
NEW! Weekend Market, King Street
Fri, Sat , Sun 10.00 am - 7.00 pm
 
ALL BAR AND FOOD AREAS OPEN UNTIL 9.00 PM