Manchester Christmas Markets named one of the most affordable in the UK
Manchester placed in the UK’s top five most affordable Christmas markets, with London’s Winter Wonderland and Cardiff’s Christmas market the most expensive.
New data has revealed the cheapest Christmas markets to visit in the UK, with Manchester named amongst the most affordable for budget-savvy Brits looking to plan a festive day trip.
The study, carried out by Airbnb insurance specialists Pikl, looked at the UK’s top fifteen Christmas markets and the associated costs in each location to create an overall affordability ranking.
Considered costs ranged from entry price, average attraction price, average local parking cost for 6+ hours, and an additional average nightly rate for an AirBnB stay in the area.
According to the criteria Manchester came in at the top five locations for affordability. Considered to be one of the UK’s most popular markets, the study revealed that you can park all day for around £10.00, enjoy free entry and attractions from £5.00.
Overall, though, the most affordable festive day out is at Lincoln markets, where lots of traditional stalls are set up in the city’s medieval square, complete with an ice rink.
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With free entry to the market, an average attraction cost of £3.00, and nearby all-day parking for £3.70, the city boasts an extremely purse-friendly option for those looking for some festive fun on a budget.
Beyond the top 5, attraction price is the main deciding factor for those keen to enjoy festive frills on a budget.
In terms of attraction price the most expensive destination is the historic town of Chester where £30 is the average activity cost, followed closely by £25 in Blenheim Palace.
York’s attraction cost of £13.50 proves more expensive than London’s £10.50 charge for its array of Winter Wonderland festivities, though the £52.98 average parking fee in the capital makes nabbing a £10.00 spot in York a lot more appealing.
For those looking to turn theiur day trip into an overnight stay, the data also accounts for affordability based on the cost of an average nightly Airbnb rate in each location.
The experts at Pikl said: “We’re all feeling the pinch this Christmas, but Brits still look set to enjoy the festive season in a budget-conscious manner.
“As a trusted AirBnB insurance provider, we’d suggest that rental property owners hoping to attract customers over the next month take some of the findings from this study into account.”
Read more:‘Winter Island’ returns to Escape to Freight for more festive fun this November
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The data, commissioned by Pikl Insurance, analysed the affordability of the UK’s best Christmas markets, revealing the cheapest based on entry prices, average attraction price, nearby parking costs, and more.
Featured Image — Flickr/Manchester City Council
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Spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display confirmed for Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Manchester will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a spectacular FREE fireworks display, the council has confirmed.
This year, the dazzling display to ring in the new year will be set off from the roof of the city’s landmark Central Library building.
Mancs will be able to gather in St Peter’s Square as the city waves goodbye to 2024 and welcomes a new year.
The family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration has never taken place at St Peter’s Square before, nor has the iconic Manchester Central library hosted any sort of fireworks display.
The fireworks spectacular and New Year countdown will take place on Tuesday 31 December between 10pm and 12.30am, hosted by local radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath.
With a rough capacity of 20,000 people, there’ll be a festive atmosphere in the city centre – but Manchester City Council has stressed that alcohol is not permitted at the New Year’s Eve fireworks event.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “If there’s something we do well in Manchester, it’s getting together for a big celebration – and there’s no better time for a big do than New Year’s Eve.
“This is the time to remember the year we’ve just had and to look ahead to the new one and all it may bring, surrounded by the people we love.
“Mancunians of all ages love a party, and this New Year’s Eve is going to be fantastic – a chance to dance the night away, with one of the biggest fireworks displays in the region for everyone to enjoy.
“All you need is your dancing shoes, party spirit and your nearest and dearest. Grab hold of those and we can’t wait to see you in St Peter’s Square for the last party of 2024.”
Spectacular New Year’s Eve firework display confirmed for Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, designecologist
There are a few things you need to know ahead of the event – attendees are asked to limit bag sizes to no larger than A4 in size, with bag searches in operation at the entrances.
It will be a standing room only event though there’ll be a managed designated accessible viewing area located on the Metrolink tram platform closest to Central Library, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Portaloos, public toilets until 1am, and hot drinks and food will all be available on site.
Event staff will make sure St Peter’s Square is cleared promptly after the event and once the fireworks are over to minimise disruption to local residents.
Councillor Pat Karney added: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy New Year’s Eve, including the growing number of local residents who live in town.
“I will therefore be working closely with local councillors and others to ensure that we minimise any nuisance for city centre residents.”
Important road closures and event information for the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Manchester
A number of temporary but necessary traffic management measures will be put in place in the run-up to and on the day itself so the event can go ahead.
Road closures – 31 December 2024
7.30pm–2am
Peter Street westbound (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Peter Street eastbound (Deansgate to Lower Mosley Street)
Oxford Street (Peter Street to Portland Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
St James Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
Bale Street (Lower Mosley Street to Hall Street)
Hall Street (Bale Street to Oxford Street)
9pm–2am
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Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Parking suspensions from 8am on 29 December until 6am on 2 January
Peter Street (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Parking suspensions from 6pm on 30 December until 6am on 1 January
Oxford Street (Lower Mosley Street to Portland Street)
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Princess Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
Southmill (Windmill Street to Bootle Street)
Accessible parking
Unreserved accessible event parking is available on Mount Street.
Man charged after stealing Christmas dinner ingredients in burglary spree
Daisy Jackson
A man has been charged for a series of burglaries in Wigan – one of which saw him nick the ingredients for a Christmas dinner.
Gary Marsh of Heath Street in Golborne had reportedly taken a number of festive food items from a freezer at an address.
In the burglary on 7 December, the 38-year-old took items including a frozen turkey, two packs of pigs in blankets and a handful of Christmas appetisers.
Mr Walsh also made off with a pack of prawns, spring rolls and chicken satay skewers.
Police have said he has been charged for stealing ‘a Christmas dinner worth of goods’.
He’s been charged with six counts of burglary and one vehicle interference and will appear at Manchester Magistrates Court today.
Man charged after stealing Christmas dinner ingredients in burglary spree. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
GMP said in a statement today: “One frozen turkey, two packs of pigs in blankets and a handful of Christmas appetisers.
“Gary Marsh 16/05/1986 of Heath Street, Golborne, in Wigan, was charged on Wednesday 18 December with six counts of burglary and one vehicle interference.
“On 7 December 2024, the following items were reportedly taken from the freezer in the basement of an address: a frozen turkey, two packs of pigs in blankets, a pack of prawns, spring rolls and chicken satay skewers.”
Georgina Pellant -
6th December 2022 
