From Yorkshire to Lancashire, here are some magical markets to visit nearby for a festive day out
Liverpool Christmas Markets(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
It’s not long now until Christmas markets start to pop up across the country, transforming cities, towns and in some cases even villages into pockets of festivity.
There’s something magical about the tiny wooden huts festooned with lights, steaming mugs of gluhwein and juicy bratwurst sausages, all the better for being eaten when there’s a slight chill in the air.
Our very own market opens in just a few weeks, with stalls welcoming visitors from Friday November 7. The markets will run Monday, December 22 although both the Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens locations will run until January 4.
This year marks the return of the markets to Albert Square, following a 6-year hiatus, although they will be slightly different and on a smaller scale as the Town Hall renovations are still underway.
Join our Christmas in Manchester WhatsApp group HERE
But if you fancy something different to Manchester’s Christmas Markets, then there are lots of fantastic festive locations to visit nearby in the run up to Christmas, spanning Yorkshire, the Peak District, Cheshire and more. Read about them below.
Halifax Piece Hall Christmas Markets(Image: Halifax Piece Hall)Halifax Christmas Markets
Set against the stunning backdrop of the magnificent Grade-I listed Georgian Piece Hall, Halifax’s Christmas Markets have a grandeur that could match any European city. Free to visit, there will be stalls from independent producers and artisans makers, and there’s usually a helter-skelter, a huge Christmas tree and a Victorian carousel too.
The markets take place over six long weekends in the run up to Christmas Day. They kick off on Friday, November 14 until Sunday, December 21. They will be open from 10am to 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
Chester Christmas Markets
Regularly featured in lists of the best Christmas markets to visit, Chester Christmas markets are nestled between the city’s historic Town Hall and Chester Cathedral. This year the market will have an expanded array of stalls with 80 in total, covering everything from handmade gifts to artisan cheeses.
Chester Christmas Markets will open from November 19 until December 22, opening from Sunday to Wednesday – 10.30am – 6.30pm and Thursday to Saturday – 10.30am – 8pm. The much-loved Santa’s Grotto will also return inside the Town Hall, from December 13 to 21.
Liverpool Christmas Markets
Liverpool Christmas Market(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
If you enjoy a bustling Christmas market in a city but want a change from Manchester, Liverpool is only a short train ride away. Expect dozens of stalls selling everything you can think of, along with magical fairground rides including a giant ferris wheel, vintage carousel and a snow slide.
This year the markets will open on November 15, and you can visit right up until Christmas Eve. They will be open daily from 11am to 10pm with special hours on the 24th, closing at 5pm.
Bakewell Christmas Markets
Only on for one weekend, Bakewell Christmas Markets may not last the longest but they’re certainly worth a visit. Held in the heart of this picturesque market town, the market features local traders and sellers from across the Peak District and Derbyshire.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the market with more than 100 stalls and gazebos, as well as entertainment from local brass and silver bands, choirs and a DJ.
Bakewell Christmas Markets will be on from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16.
York Christmas Market
York Christmas Markets(Image: Visit York)
York Christmas Markets are always popular and easy to see why, with beautiful Alpine chalets surrounded by the city’s historic buildings. More than 80 per cent of the traders are from Yorkshire so it’s a chance to stock up on gifts you won’t find on this side of the Pennines.
The city lends itself for a festive day out or weekend away with the Shambles, the walls and the Minster all particularly magical at this time of year. This year the markets open on November 13 and close on December 21.
Christmas by the Sea, Blackpool
For a Christmas market with a twist head to the coast for Blackpool’s Christmas by the Sea event, which sees a festive village open right by the shore. Of course there will be the usual market stalls selling gifts, food and drink, but as it’s Blackpool you can expect lots of fun.
In previous years there’s been a free ice skating rink, festive light installations and a 100ft long snow slide, as well as traditional funfair rides. This year Christmas by the Sea will run from Friday, November 21 until January 4, 2026.
For more of the latest What’s On news, click here.