Christmas

Alternative Christmas Markets you need to visit in Manchester this year

Rounding off my Christmas list as we speak.

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia - 5th December 2024

There are a variety of alternative Christmas Markets happening in Manchester where you can bag yourself even more festive goodies.

If you thought Manchester couldn’t be anymore festive than it already is then think again, because this city has even more yuletide activities taking place this year than ever before.

And the good news is that some of them are much smaller, quieter and more intimate than the madness that is the main Manchester Christmas Markets.

Venture outside your usual wooden huts and show your support for all the different Alternative Christmas Markets popping up around the city this December.

Alternative Christmas Markets in Manchester

Manchester Made Market at Deansgate Square

Manchester Made at Deansgate Square is an alternative Christmas Market in Manchester. Credit: Supplied
Manchester Made at Deansgate Square is an alternative Christmas Market in Manchester. Credit: Supplied

In the shadows of the Deansgate Square skyscrapers, a cosy and magical Christmas night market will take shape, filled with twinkling Christmas trees, food, drink, live music, and even a grotto.

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More than 40 artisanal traders and small businesses will take part over the three-day event, selling food produce, homewares, crafts and creations.

Highlights include a 20-piece choir, Gooey sweet treats, a Wild Grill experience plus German sausages from Millington Hall Farm, a Christmas tipi, and a Santa’s Grotto.

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4pm to 9pm on Friday 6 December; 1pm to 9pm on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December | Tickets are free but you can pre-book HERE.

The Night Market UK at Fairfield Social Club 

Alternative Christmas Markets in Manchester / Credit: Joel Chester
People gathering to celebrate the festive season at Fairfield Social Club.
Alternative Christmas Markets in Manchester / Credit: Joel Chester
Some of the stalls you can expect to see at The Night Market UK.
Credit: Joel Chester via supplied

Bordering on Angel Meadows Park and only a short stroll from Manchester Victoria, Fairfield Social Club are hosting a dusk to nighttime event that is the gift that keeps on giving.

‘Shopping chores’ are about to become ‘shopping cheers’ as 50 local makers, bakers and shakers are about to tempt you with their irresistible treats.

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There’s standouts like Killa Carbs and FSC Garden Kitchen for your mind and body, with live music from DJs for your soul.

4pm to 11pm on Saturday 7 December | Tickets are £4 or there’s a two-ticket deal for £7 HERE.

Winter Assembly at Courts Club

This one’s less about shopping and more about Christmas Markets vibes – St John’s tennis court venue has been transformed into a winter wonderland, swapping green lawns for an ice blue rink.

There’s marshmallow roasting, a street-food truck and an open-air cinema where you can watch festive faves like ‘The Grinch’.

While taking in all your surroundings why not sip on a luxury hot chocolate with flavours spanning from honeycomb to chocolate orange.

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8am til late Monday to Friday throughout December; 12pm til late Saturday and Sunday | No tickets required.

Makers Market (across various locations)

Makers Market run a variety of events across Greater Manchester.w
An insight into the stalls on the day at Makers Market.
Makers Market run a variety of events across Greater Manchester.
Smiles all around at the Northern Quarter pop-up.
Makers Market run a variety of events across Greater Manchester.
One of the many intricate gifts you can buy at Makers Market.
Credit: Supplied

The Makers Market is a staple in Northern Quarter with a recurring visit the second Sunday of each month, and December is no different.

These independent artisan creators are working just as hard as Santa’s Elves to bring the best handcrafted gifts to West Didsbury, Sale and Quayside.

Not limited to Manchester, for those wanting to have a mini Christmas excursion, there’s stalls running every weekend up until the big day in Chester too.

11am to 5pm on Sunday 8 December (Northern Quarter) | No tickets required, more locations HERE.

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Victorian Christmas Market in Stockport

One of the stalls at Merseyway Christmas Markets.
Nutella Cafe at Merseyway, ran by the same company.
Elf on the Shelf is popping up around Stockport Christmas Markets.
That cheeky Elf on the Shelf is even making an appearance.
Credit: Matthew Nichol via supplied / Supplied

Live your Dickens dream this winter as Stockport are putting a Victorian twist on the usual Christmas Market experience to make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Enjoy fairground rides and food as well as a live choir to soundtrack and enhance your journey through these vintage huts.

Show off to all your friends about your time here with the on-site family Christmas picture area and enjoy some nutella covered treats. The chocolatey goodness may not have been around back then, but we can’t go a day without that gorgeous spread.

9am to 4pm Saturday 7 December | No tickets required.

Melanin Markets: Winter Wonders at The Royal Exchange

Mélange Dolls at the Melanin Markets in Manchester.
Those ever-so-cute Mélange Dolls at Melanin Markets in Manchester.
Artwork at the Melanin Markets in Manchester.
Black creatives will be setting up stalls selling a variety of products including artwork like this.

This annual event is the largest festive celebration of Black-owned businesses and this time it’s residing at The Royal Exchange with a variation of vendors on hand to help you find your next cherished item.

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The name of this event may be frosty, but you’ll be nothing but warm as you soak up the live music covering everything from blues to reggae.

Esteemed traders Mélange Dolls will be selling toys that reflect the diversity of mixed-race and ethnic heritage children and CalyxDrinks will be selling some thirst-quenching Vegan beverages.

12pm to 5pm on Sunday 8 December | Tickets are free but you can pre-book HERE.

Winterhood at Diecast

This 250,000 square foot site has had a full Christmas transformation with the Tinsel Town Trailer Park, Club Leno and Brooklyn Beer Hall.

Mulled wine has some competition from the new festive spirit champ, mulled negroni, but there’s also cookie crumble hot chocolates on offer too, yum!

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There’s karaoke parties, fire pits, clubbing, steins and lots lots more, as Diecast has really decked the halls this year.

13 November to 31 December | Walk-ins welcome however book in advance to guarentee your table HERE.

FREE Santa’s Grotto at Bury The Rock

Christmas can be a costly feat however, Bury has got you covered with their free Santa’s Grotto running throughout December and everyday from 16 December til the lead up to Christmas.

Kids who visit the Grotto get to meet the big fat man with the long white beard when he stays in town for the month.

Although the Grotto is free, there are a handful of stalls surrounding this cosy cabin selling various sweet treats and kid-friendly attractions.

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Every weekend leading up to Christmas, everyday from 16 December to 24 December | No tickets required, opening times vary HERE.

The Winter Village at Cheshire Oaks

These Christmas super fans started their celebrations off all the way back in November , so it’s no surprise they find themselves featured in this Alternative Christmas Market rundown.

From their giant-sized tree to their fairground attractions like the helter-skelter, Cheshire Oaks is flying the Christmas flag high for the North West.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image: Supplied

Christmas

London attraction The Curling Club is now expanding into Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Well-reviewed winter attraction The Curling Club, which has already made a name for itself in London, is now making its way to Manchester.

Set to open in Manchester’s world-class skyscraper district, New Jackson, The Curling Club is keeping its stay short and sweet, with a three-month residency here in the city centre.

Curling Club will signal in the mid-winter season as it runs from late November right through until the end of February, giving you a lengthy period of time to sweep ’til your heart’s content.

This sports-themed pop-up opened in the capital last year, offering guests a wintery escape packed with food and drink choices, accommodating up to 600 people at a time, right next to The Shard.

The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.
The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.
Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.
Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.
Credit: Justin De Souza

Now, Manchester’s latest activity bar destination is bringing its charm and competitiveness to Manchester for the first time ever, hoping to emulate the success of its capital predecessor while encouraging people to pick up the sport.

Just like the original London location, their Manc site will feature the iconic custom-built lanes and sustainably-made granite stones, which are set to improve your precision and control – fancy that.

We’re sure will still somehow manage to be the worst players in the room at any given time.

If that wasn’t enough curling expertise for you, there will also be on-site coaches helping guests perfect their technique and providing some top-notch advice.

There will even be an exclusive appearance from Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead and Team GB’s ‘Chef de Mission’, Mark England, who will be hosting select events across the two cities.

Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.
Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.
The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.
The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.
Credit: Justin De Souza

New Jackson will be the ultimate backdrop for this innovative winter experience as the venue will be curating seasonal cocktails as well as being home to live DJS, glitter-ball dancers and some seriously good food.

You had us at booze and scran.

Keep this seasonal site in mind as they’re already marking themselves as a destination for work parties, events, group outings and Christmas party celebrations.

Trevor Bowers, Chairman of The Curling Club, said of the impending opening: “With this expansion and other plans, we’re accelerating our national rollout – all while staying focused on delivering exceptional, high-quality experiences for both guests and corporate clients during the winter season.”

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Justin De Souza (supplied)

Christmas

Manchester’s Heaton Park to host dazzling new immersive light trail this winter

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Northern Lights

Heaton Park will be transformed into a glowing world of wonder as one of the UK’s most celebrated festive light trails makes its Manchester debut.

Once the sun goes down this winter, visitors will be able step into an immersive world of light and sound as Northern Lights – the acclaimed light trail from the team behind established music festivals Kendal Calling and Bluedot- will be descending on our city’s largest park, and bringing a breathtaking festive experience for all ages along with it.

Already a hit in other major northern cities such as Leeds and Newcastle, and in the Welsh capital Cardiff, Northern Lights has captured national attention with its cinematic visuals, choreographed soundscapes, and festive atmosphere. 

The mile-long route will feature up to 12 large-scale installations, each synchronised to bespoke soundtracks creating a 90-minute experience like no other.

Winding through Heaton Park’s iconic grounds, visitors will encounter glowing tunnels, enchanted glades, and a stunning illuminated lake scene, all designed to spark wonder as the magical festive season arrives.

“We’re putting together an experience that is completely new and unlike anything seen on the park before,” explained Roxy Robinson, who is the Creative Director at From the Fields, ahead of the trail arriving this November. 

“Our goal is to create a magical evening out that feels joyful, atmospheric, and a little bit extraordinary, and we want people to step into a different world for 90 minutes and leave with huge smiles on their faces.”

Manchester will be hosting a dazzling new immersive light trail this winter / Credit: Supplied

Alongside the trail, there’ll also be a ‘Christmas Village’ serving up mulled wine, hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and street food from Manchester’s finest independent traders, alongside vintage fairground rides, and open fire pits to complete the winter vibes.

Northern Lights is not only one of the UK’s most successful festive light events, but it’s also one of the most accessible, as the Manchester trail will be fully accessible for wheelchair users and prams once it arrives this winter, following hard paths, ramps, and matted areas, with no steps in sight.

On top of this, there’ll also be dedicated quiet sessions for neurodivergent visitors, and the chance to get wristbands allowing queue-jumping for those with additional needs.

Northern Lights
Heaton Park will be transformed into a glowing world of wonder once the sun sets / Credit: Supplied

Northern Lights will arrive at Heaton Park later this year from 20 November – 31 December 2025, with timed entry slots every 15 minutes from 4:15pm up until 8:15pm (times may vary during off-peak days), and tickets going on sale from 3 June – with prices starting at £15 for adults, £5 for children aged three and up, and under threes going free.

‘Early bird’ registration is now open though, meaning you can get 20% off tickets for a limited time only, and even be in with a chance of winning a family pass and £50 spending voucher.

Read more:

Find out more and sign up for tickets here.

Featured Image – Supplied

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