Christmas

First look at Albert Square as Manchester Christmas Markets return to their spiritual home

Football isn't the only thing coming home this year.

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia - 7th November 2025

Manchester Christmas Markets are back and all our Christmas wishes have come true, as its spiritual home Albert Square joins in on the festivities for the first time in six years.

Grab a mulled wine, toast yourself a marshmallow and take a seat, because we’re going to take you on a quick tour of this brand-new offering.

Manchester Christmas Markets are back and they’ve returned to their spiritual home right here on Albert Square.

You’ll be able to tick off your Christmas Markets wish list in one place, as Manchester has got all your usual favourites and so much more taking place right here outside of its iconic Town Hall.

As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by a huge sign spelling out the city’s iconic abbreviation ‘MCR’, just in case you forgot where you were, that also doubles as a nice photo opportunity.

ADVERTISEMENT
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group

As you walk into Albert Square there’s a mix of nostalgic wooden huts and brightly coloured modern street food vendor stations waiting to tempt you with all their tasty treats.

There’s no messing around at this Christmas hotspot because not even 10 feet after you enter, you can warm up with a glühwein and bratwurst, yes please.

ADVERTISEMENT

Think you’re done sampling some festive feasts? Think again as there’s a marshmallow toasting station, a roasted chestnut cart and lots of huts are offering their own hot chocolate creations.

Local street food vendor Rita’s Reign has made her mark in Albert Square too, serving up her foodie feasts with a seasonal spin such as the ‘Festive Feast’ and ‘Christmas Crunch’ combo boxes.

Rita's Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group
Rita's Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group
Rita’s Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group

As you keep making your way round there’s some lovely gifts and trinkets to browse including tree decorations, ornaments and some vibrant pieces of art.

ADVERTISEMENT

There’s plenty of ways to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained with some carnival-themed games and stalls as well as a vintage carousel, if that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit what else will?

Of course, there’s even more food to mention like mini dutch pancakes, toasted sandwiches, French toast, the list is endless (Much like many of our Christmas lists).

And we couldn’t finish our visit without acknowledging the elephant in the room, also known as The Manchester Big Wheel, which is the perfect people-watching spot, but maybe hop on this ride before you try all the tasty treats mentioned above.

Read more:

Featured Images – The Manc Group

Christmas

JD shuts down Northern Quarter with surprise set in a phone shop from DJ Josh Baker

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson JD shuts down Northern Quarter with surprise set in a phone shop from DJ Josh Baker

JD pulled off a massive party in a phone shop in the Northern Quarter last night, with a surprise set from one of the world’s hottest DJs right now, Josh Baker.

The North West sportswear giant opened ‘Phones-4-Youse’ to coincide with the release of its new JD Christmas advert, which played on screens to the packed-out crowd.

Josh Baker stars in the Christmas campaign, ‘Where are you going?’, which is a self-directed portrait of youth culture, all films entirely on mobile phones by young people.

JD chose to shoot its new campaign without rigs, sets, or lighting crews, and instead used footage shot by 286 individuals around the world.

These user submissions captured life exactly as the young people involved see it.

The JD party last night was a moment of music, community and energy, with Josh Baker performing to a delighted and packed-out crowd in a pop-up phone shop.

Josh Baker at the JD event last night
Josh Baker at the JD event last night
Josh Baker at the JD event last night
Josh Baker at the JD event last night
Josh Baker at the JD event last night

Every corner of the venue told the JD story, with branding and clips of the ad everywhere.

The ‘Where are you going?’ campaign celebrates a generation that refuses to be put in a box, showing the energy, emotion and individuality that drives them forward.

Whether it’s collecting exam results or chasing platinum records, it’s a snapshot of the life of young people right now.

One voice says: “I want to be famous. If that doesn’t work, I’ll just become a pharmacist.”

Stills from the JD Christmas campaign 'Where Are You Going?'
Stills from the JD Christmas campaign 'Where Are You Going?'
Stills from the JD Christmas campaign 'Where Are You Going?'
Stills from the JD Christmas campaign 'Where Are You Going?'
Stills from the JD Christmas campaign ‘Where Are You Going?’

Another admits “You can fail, you can make mistakes…but really, who cares.”

Someone else confides: “I’m scared we’re not going to be friends in 10 years,” while another adds: “I wanna have fun, times are changing – you get me.”

There are some famous faces involved, like Cole Palmer having his picture taken with fans, Nemzzz in the club with his crew, and Jade Thirwell between takes in the studio.

And you can see Paddy the Baddy mentoring the next generation of talent in the gym, and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the tennis court with a friend.

Sky Newman also stars, riding with a friend.

The entire campaign showcases the simple, joyful moments that exist in all of our camera rolls.

Neil Corrie, Marketing Director at JD, says: “Young people today don’t need to be told who they are, they’re already showing us.

“JD’s ‘Where are you going?’ isn’t about them, it’s made by them. It’s their voice and their direction. This is youth culture, not as a trend to follow, but as a movement to believe in.”

The JD ‘Where are you going?’ Christmas campaign has launched on the JD YouTube and across digital and OOH channels today, with exclusive drops also online HERE and in stores across the UK.

To watch the JD Christmas film, click HERE.

ADVERTISEMENT

Read more: From drone shows to free ice lollies – what went down at Parklife 2025

Featured image: Supplied

Christmas

An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

One of the coolest Christmas party venues in the UK will reopen its doors in Greater Manchester this winter, whisking you away for an apres-ski-inspired party.

All the vibes of a classic apres-ski experience will be brought to a pop-up Yurt Village, each one decorated with log fires, Christmas trees, ski racks, fur throws, and even cable cars. 

Spending your Christmas ‘do at the YurtBar pop-up in Sale means you could have an evening packed with steins of beer, live music, and ski shots, surrounded by your loved ones (… or colleagues). 

And to celebrate its triumphant return to Manchester, we’ve got a lovely 20% discount for The Manc readers – find out how to claim yours below. 

Each yurt in the YurtBar’s pop-up village is a different size, so there’s the right event space for everything from a 350-strong private Christmas party to a table for six for a birthday night out. 

An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season
An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season

They’re all named after and inspired by iconic European ski resorts, like Chamonix, Val D’Isere, and Avoriaz. 

On arrival at the festive Yurt Village you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before tucking into an Alpine-themed three-course meal by The Hog and Apple. 

That includes a festive arancini ‘snowball’, slow-cooked beef daube with mash, cabbage and a sticky bourguignon sauce, and an Alpine sharing board for dessert with a chocolate log, Aperol spritz cheesecake, and lemon posset pots. 

Inside the YurtBar pop-up
Inside the YurtBar pop-up
Inside the YurtBar pop-up
Inside the YurtBar pop-up
Inside the YurtBar pop-up

And to get the party started there’s a full cocktail bar, plus live music with a DJ and saxophonist.

You’ll be able to document your festive celebration in a photobooth with an Alpine themed backdrop, as well as a 360 degree videobooth. 

Billed by previous customers as ‘the best night of the year’, YurtBar bookings are now open for minimum tables of six.

The Manc readers can get an exclusive 20% off their booking by using the code yurtbar20 – book your party HERE.

Read more

Featured image: Supplied

More Christmas

Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 prices for food and drink

Christmas

Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 prices for beer, mulled wine, bratwurst and more

Albert's Schloss New Year's Eve Party Manchester tickets

Christmas

Albert’s Schloss is hosting a massive Y2K-inspired New Year’s Eve party

Christmas

Aldi is selling limited-edition ‘carrot’ gold engagement rings to celebrate Kevin’s Christmas proposal

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches