Have you already got the itch to put those Christmas decorations up? Desperate to be sipping hot toddy under glittering street lights in the bustle of high street shoppers? It happens to the best of us, and if it’s your very first time experiencing the run up to Christmas in Manchester then you are in for a treat! We are proud to reign as the best Christmas markets in the UK. From one end to the other, both Manchester and Salford are filled to the brim with exciting events this time of year so you’ll never run out of things to do.

A photo shows German Christmas Markets lit up at night with a big crowd of people.
Photo by cmophoto.net on Unsplash

Keep reading to check out how both Manchester and Salford are celebrating Christmas this year and where you can live out your Winter Wonderland dreams. Don’t forget to pick up those last-minute gifts to take back home too! 

Lightwaves, MediaCityUK. Dates commencing: 6th December to 15th December 2019

Lightwaves, MediaCityUK – 6th December – 15th December 2019

Finishing a late study session at our MediaCityUK campus is about to get way more magical. Lightwaves is an annual interactive light festival showcasing digital light art. The bright lights will sit right on the doorstep of our MediaCityUK campus. Wrap up warm and stroll through Salford Quays whilst the incredible illuminations light your path. Plus, this year it was announced there’s going to be light-up seesaws! Catch me on the 50 bus down there as soon as it starts.

Entry: FREE / Find out more here

Give Handmade this Christmas, Manchester Craft & Design Centre. Dates commencing: 23rd November to 24th December 2019

Give Handmade this Christmas, Manchester Craft & Design Centre – 23rd November – 24th December 2019

Looking to give a gift this year that’s a bit more personal and unique? Then heading to the Manchester Craft & Design Centre is the perfect place for those made-with-love presents. Underneath the beautiful, Victorian exterior is a hall full of independent artists who are selling wonderful, handcrafted products from illustration prints to quirky ceramics. On the 7th December there will also be a visit from the Manchester Community Choir who will be singing carols and ballads to help you get right into the festive spirit.

Entry: FREE / Find out more here.

MediaCityUK Christmas Markets, Dates Commencing: 15th November to 22nd December 2019

Christmas Markets, MediaCityUK – 15th November – 22nd December 2019

Not only do we have a light festival on our campus doorstep this year but we also have MediaCityUK’s very own Christmas Markets! Take a wander through the markets and tuck in to a delicious traditional Bratwurst, or maybe a waffle if you have more of a sweet tooth. The fun doesn’t stop there either because next door to the markets is…

Entry: FREE / Find out more here

MediaCityUK Ice Rink, Dates commencing 15th November 2019 to 5th January 2020

Ice Rink, MediaCityUK – 15th November – 5th January 2019

The Ice Rink! Looking for something to get you into the festive spirit after a lecture? Get your course mates together, grab some skates and have a laugh. If you’re not a big skater you can always kick back and have a tipple or a cosy hot chocolate in the viewing area and bar.

Entry: Adult – £13 / Find out more here

Of course, last but not least is…

Manchester Christmas Markets, dates commencing 8th November to 22nd December 2019

Manchester Christmas Markets, City Centre – 8th November – 21st December 2019

For 2019 the route of the annual and beloved markets are a little bit different, with stalls filling Piccadilly Gardens for the very first time. The market route covers a large breadth of the city centre with central points such as The Ice Village being accessible on the Metrolink tram lines. Hundreds of different traders are setting up shop this year so you can get everything from tree decorations, personalised gifts, artisan drinks to vegan soaps and handmade jewellery! Don’t forget you can also purchase an annual decorated Manchester Christmas Markets mug as a keepsake to remember the wonderful time you had.

Entry: FREE / Find out more here

Thinking about spending next Christmas in Salford? You know you want to.🤩

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