I’m well and truly getting my Christmas on, and on Saturday enjoyed my first visit of the year to the Christmas markets in Manchester. It’s always nice to see the festive winter wooden chalets lining Manchester’s streets, and Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a mug of gluhwein and a trip to the Hog Roast.
And apparently I’m not the only one feeling festive right now as a new survey has confirmed what I have long suspected – Manchester is the UK’s happiest city over Christmas-time. Yes, apparently the poll of 2000 people by Whyte & Mackay whisky has discovered that of all the cities in the UK, people from Manchester are most excited about Christmas (72.5%), AND finish their festive shopping before any other UK city (66.3% of those questioned have wrapped up everything by the beginning of December). What can I say? I fit this profile completely, absolutely love Christmas feelings and don’t need much of an excuse to get into the spirit early.
Back to the markets… it was nice to see the old favourites there, including pretty Christmas decorations, food, drink, crafts and beauty products, plus I noticed a few exciting additions, including a chocolate-laden stall from The Slattery (the Whitefield Patissier and Chocolatier), and a Parisian macaroon stall.
There were festive singers and musicians dotted about to get everyone in the mood, but my tip would be that if you prefer your crowded areas bustling rather than cramped, maybe steer clear of the Albert Square market, particularly at peak times. It is so busy there that it might just have an adverse affect on your Christmas cheer!
The markets will be in Manchester until 23rd December.
English Rose from Manchester's Blog 