Christmas

Manchester Christmas Markets voted best in the UK — because of course they are

Even without Albert Square, we're still bossing it.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 25th October 2022

Fellow festive fanatics and Mancs everywhere, rejoice! People have cast their votes as to the best Christmas markets in the UK and there was only ever going to be one winner...

It’s Manchester. Duh.

We have absolutely no problem in tooting our own horn when it comes to having the best Xmas markets in the land and, apparently, neither does everyone else.

That’s right, according to a recent survey carried out by Christmas Tree World, the UK’s best Christmas markets are in Manchester and we couldn’t agree more.

Building a score based on factors such as how long they stay open, value for money; social mentions, monthly search volume, the quality of nearby accommodation and much more, Manchester beat the likes of Nottingham, Leeds and Birmingham with an average score of 7.54 out of 10.

ADVERTISEMENT
Credit: @Barrie Leach/Manchester City Council (via Flickr) 

Despite coming to second the much-loved Edinburgh Christmas Markets in terms of the most searched worldwide (the same lot that beat us last year), the MCR Christmas staple is the most-searched-for festive event in the UK, with over 60,000 monthly Google searches and 8,000+ mentions on Instagram.

My Voyage Scotland, claimed that Edinburgh is averaging approximately 87,000 global searches a month to Manchester’s 54,000 but based on UK figures, it would seem most Brits know where their hearts lie come the holiday season.

ADVERTISEMENT

Even more impressively, 0161’s selection of food stalls and independent traders was considered the second favourite in Europe back in 2021 – again, inched out only by Edinburgh (yeah, right) – and while we may not technically be in the EU anymore, logic would suggest that we’d be high on that list too.

Who are we to argue with statistics?

You can find out everything you need to know about this year’s Manchester Christmas Markets here:

ADVERTISEMENT

Read more:

The 2022 Manchester Christmas Markets run from 12 November to 22 December, so make sure you soak up as much festive cheers as you can!

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

Featured Image — Andrew Stawarz (via Flickr)

Christmas

Albert’s Schloss is ready to take you into the New Year in style

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia albert's schloss new year's eve tickets

One of Manchester’s snazziest party spots is taking bookings for their end-of-year bash with some of their closest and aptly named friends: New Year at Albert’s Schloss is going to be HUGE.

Albert’s Schloss has earned its title as one of Manchester’s busiest and most esteemed nights out, presenting punters with free-flowing drinks, a roaring central fire, as well as a dazzling alpine food menu options from breakfast until late.

This beloved bar and venue is also known for its incredible live music and entertainment; the stage welcomes all manner of acts, with guests singing their hearts out as they either sit or dance along wooden ‘Viking’ benches.

Even Rick Astley popped up here to give a surprise performance this Christmas party season – we can’t promise he’ll be there for NYE but we can guarantee you’re going to have a whale of a time.

Dubbed ‘Albert’s Party Time Machine’, there will be special appearances from the Queen of Egypt herself, Cleopatra, everyone’s favourite Greek emperor and mythological party animal, Dionysius, a.k.a. the God of wine-making – but it’s you guys who are being encouraged to steal the show.

For anyone coming into Manchester city centre for Albert’s Schloss’ New Year’s Eve party, they’re asking you to pull out your finest frocks and reminisce times gone by from the past year and ancient history alike, as other famous historical faces will be making an appearance.

Starting at £100 per person with bookings from 7pm, diners can enjoy a three-course set menu with a later dining slot also available at 9pm for £120 per person for those who want to eat a sit-down meal at their table a little bit later on before climbing on top of it.

Sorry— not the table, strictly the benches. For the last time (reminding ourselves just as much as you lot), you can only stand on the benches.

If you know, you know…

Food ranges from four different mains including two meat, one fish and an option fit for both veggies and vegans. Desserts come in two forms with a savoury cheese board offering and three sweet choices including pavlova, tarte and ice cream or sorbet.

Those looking to enter the venue without having to feast on any of the many food offerings can pay £45 for what’s expected to be a miraculous night.

All prices include a glass of prosecco and canapes on arrival to the party establishment for every guest before 8pm.

In true Schloss style, music will be running until late in the night with the ‘Haus Band’ ready to play out hits and well-known classics that everyone can join in on the fun with.

Read more:

It’s time to live the high life and bring in the New Year in proper beerhouse style.

You can book your spot at the Albert’s Schloss New Year’s Eve party HERE.

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

Featured Images — Supplied

Christmas

Oldham Athletic owner praised for ‘heartwarming’ Christmas gesture

Danny Jones Danny Jones Oldham Athletic owner shaking away fans hands before Christmas

Amidst all the festive fixture congestion and travel drama, the lovely side of football can often get lost this time of year, but the owner and chairman of Oldham Athletic FC has gone viral for reminding everyone of what’s important this Christmas.

The Latics faced off against Braintree Town in the National League in their last game before Christmas on Saturday, 21 December, walking away with a 2-0 win on the road to send the travelling fans home with an early stocking filler.

However, it wasn’t the result that fans and supporters all over the country have been talking about, it was a small but heartfelt gesture from Oldham boss Frank Rothwell who was in attendance for the pre-Christmas away game that has left people applauding him and the values now instilled around the club.

What a difference a bit of recognition, gratitude and simple kindness can make, eh?

As you can see, the 74-year-old entrepreneur (best known for founding the Manchester Cabins portable buildings company) didn’t just send out a Christmas message via club media or record a quick video as many other teams still struggle to put the effort into, he stayed behind to thank every single supporter.

Shaking hands and offering out hugs, all with a sincere enthusiasm and generally lovely demeanour, the Oldham native – donning his distinctive blue club flat cap – made sure to wish each and every one of them a merry Christmas before the nearly five-hour drive home.

Just downright wholesome stuff this, isn’t it?

Reacting to the video which has been reshared countless times online, one person said: “As a former Oldham resident it’s nice to see someone at the top care about the club, the residents and the town in general. It’s been a long time since that has been the case”; another added, “A nice gesture by the owner… After all, it’s the fans who make the game special.”

A third user wrote, “Oldham is a very lucky club. I had the pleasure of a chat with Frank in the tent at PP. I can honestly say one of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve met.” A subsequent reply underneath the comment read: “Hate these lot but f*** me I’m jealous, what a genuine bloke he seems to be.”

Rothwell completed his takeover of struggling Oldham Athletic back in 2022 after they were relegated from the EFL (English Football League) after 115 years and has been on a mission to get them back on their feet. He’s playing more than his part.

Read more:

Spirits were understandably low at Boundary Park back then and things are still far from perfect, but the sentiment around the club now is a much more uplifting one, as Rothwell and his board look to have really ingratiated themselves among the fans and the community.

He’s also a bit of a local legend for other reasons too, having become the oldest person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean back in 2021 and raising over £373,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK after beating his record this past February and earning the Prime Minister’s ‘Point of Light’ award. Hero.

Micky Mellon’s side were set to take on York City in their final game of 2024 on Boxing Day but the match was ultimately postponed due to intense foggy conditions which plagued many of Thursday’s games. They will now take on Hartlepool away on New Year’s Day.

You can pretty much guarantee Frank will be along to watch that one too. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all the football club owners keeping the heart of the beautiful game alive.

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

Featured Images — Oldham Athletic (via X)

More Christmas

best alternative Christmas songs ever

Audio

50 alternative Christmas anthems to add to your festive playlist this year

Christmas

Trafford Centre Boxing Day and New Year opening hours

Bolton

Brilliant Boxing Day walks around Greater Manchester

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches