Christmas

The Manchester Christmas Markets have run out of mugs – again

We're resorting to retro mugs from previous years again.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 18th December 2023

The world-famous Manchester Christmas Markets have run out of mugs for the second year in a row, despite ordering extras to try and keep up with demand.

Manchester City Council is now resorting to using vintage mugs from previous years after completely running out of 2023’s Nutcracker design.

The festive white and blue mugs have been carrying mulled wines, hot chocolates and other winter warmers all over the Christmas Markets since they opened in November.

Visitors to the world-famous festive event are charged a £3.50 deposit (up 50p from last year’s £3 deposit) for each mug.

It’s then up to you whether you take the mug home as a souvenir of the Manchester Christmas Markets 2023, or whether you get your money back.

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And it seems like this year’s more expensive deposit hasn’t put people off, with mugs running out a week before the markets close for the year.

It means that we’ve got through 170,000 mugs this year, 30,000 more than in 2022 – quite a feat.

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There are apparently still some of the smaller blue gluhwein mugs in circulation, but they’re few and far between.

The 2022 Manchester Christmas Markets mugs. Credit: Manchester City Council
The 2022 Manchester Christmas Markets mugs. Credit: Manchester City Council
The 2017 Manchester Christmas Markets mugs. Credit: Manchester City Council
Manchester Christmas Markets 2017 mug design. Credit: Manchester City Council
Vintage and retro mugs are now being used at the Manchester Christmas Markets.

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: “The love that is out there for Manchester’s Christmas Markets and for our iconic Christmas mugs is just off the scale right now. 25 years on and people still can’t get enough of them, it’s incredible.

“Whilst this year’s fabulous Nutcracker inspired mugs are now few and far between on the markets, we’ve been bringing out the vintage mugs from Christmases past since last weekend to re-stock the stalls that have run out of this year’s.

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“And what a hit they’re proving to be with shoppers who are just loving the nostalgia of it all!

“So come on down and grab a bit of merry Manchester memorabilia while you still can – when the vintage stock goes it’s going to be jingle bells and recyclable paper cups all the way ’til the markets close.”

Manchester’s Christmas markets close on Thursday 21 December.

They are open daily until then at the following times:

  • All craft stalls 10 am – 8 pm
  • All bars and food stalls 11 am – 9 pm

The food and drink stalls in Cathedral Gardens alongside the skate rink will remain open until 31 December.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Christmas

Cheshire Oaks to debut first-ever ice rink with iconic Christmas tree in the middle to skate around

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Cheshire Oaks has unveiled its big plans for the upcoming festive season.

With less than 100 days until Christmas is here, and festive events being announced left, right, and centre, Cheshire Oaks has now joined in on the action, and for the first time ever this year will be adding a bespoke ice rink into the mix, which is set to become centrepiece of its festive celebrations this Christmas season.

The Designer Outlet shopping mall is already known and loved in the North West for its Christmas events each year, and 2025 is set to be no different.

The highly-anticipated ice rink attraction will launch in late October, and it’s already promising to be an ‘unforgettable experience’ that organisers say blends the timeless joy of ice skating with contemporary design and community spirit. 

A brand-new ice rink is coming to Cheshire Oaks with a big Christmas tree in the middle to skate around / Credit: Supplied

At the heart of the new ice rink will be a custom-designed ice path that gracefully weaves around Cheshire Oaks’ iconic oak Christmas tree in the centre.

The rink itself will be nestled within a dedicated Christmas events space at the shopping village.

“We are incredibly excited to soon introduce this bespoke ice rink experience to our guests,” says Kenny Murray, who is the General Manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. 

“It’s more than just a place to skate – it will be a destination where families and friends can create cherished festive moments.”

There’ll be lots of other fan-favourite festive activities returning too / Credit: Supplied

The new ice rink will officially open on Friday 24 October, and tickets will be available soon, with the option to book in advance online or on the day, so keep your eyes peeled.

Alongside the exciting new ice rink addition will, of course, be some of Cheshire Oaks’ fan-favourite Christmas attractions – including the ‘The Big Wheel’ and ‘Santa in the Sky’ experiences, as well as festive film screenings, and the massively popular Winter Village.

The Winter Village is the perfect place to head to if you’re in need of a break from gift shopping and somewhere to soak up the Christmas spirit, as here you can grab a cosy seat and tuck into some traditional German bratwurst from the swing grill, warm up with mulled wine at the bar, and marvel at the UK’s tallest Christmas tree.

You can also book a little wooden hut to relax in, with each hut accommodating up to six people.

The Big Wheel is also one of Cheshire Oaks’ best-loved experiences each year, as here you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy watching the festivities unfold below you, with each flight taking 10 minutes, or you can upgrade to Santa in the Sky to meet the main man in the most unique way possible.

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Find out everything happening at Cheshire Oaks this Christmas here.

Featured Image – Supplied

Christmas

Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The Christmas countdown has officially begun, and there’s a new tipple on the scene to help celebrate.

That’s right – two of the UK’s most beloved treats, Baileys and Terry’s, has dropped the ultimate collaboration and it’s launching 100 days before the big day arrives, gearing up to be the Christmas tipple of choice for chocolate orange lovers.

Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange is a limited-edition treat blending the distinctive taste of Baileys Original Irish Cream with flavours of chocolate and zesty orange. 

It’s fair to say that Baileys and Terry’s Chocolate Orange are both beloved staples once the festive season rolls around, with each having taken on various different variations over the years, combining new flavour profiles to create delicious treats.

Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever / Credit: Baileys & Tom Harrison

But surprisingly, this is the first time the two brands have come together for a one-of-a-kind collaboration.

This new collaboration between the two iconic Christmas brands is inspired by the season’s most quintessential flavours.  

“For generations, Terry’s Chocolate Orange has been a staple of the Christmas season, so partnering with Baileys is an exciting way to reimagine that tradition in a new and indulgent form,” commented Lorène Decam, who is the Senior Marketing Manager at Terry’s.

“We can’t wait to see fans enjoying this irresistible treat in the run-up to and during the holidays.”

Rolling out nationwide from tomorrow (16 September), Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange will come in 50cl bottles with a 17% ABV and will likely set shoppers back £11 each when they get it from leading retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, and Co-op.

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Not only that, but you’ll also be able to get your hands on the new drink online from Amazon, as well as in selected Greene King pubs and bars. 

Featured Image – Baileys & Tom Harrison (Supplied)

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