Each of the Christmas Markets holds its own, offering something different to the last
Liverpool Christmas Market(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
The Christmas markets dotted around the North West are some of the best in the UK, if we may say so. The big three – Liverpool, Manchester, and Chester – each bring their own unique flavour to the festive season.
Each city combines atmosphere, tradition and local charm in a way that highlights what makes it special in comparison to the next. Despite their differences, all encapsulate the magic of Christmas beautifully.
There’s no denying Manchester is a heavyweight. It provides one of the most well-established Christmas market experiences in the country, attracting large crowds with the unmistakable buzz of its city-centre setting.
But Liverpool, on the other hand, is a powerhouse in its own right. The St George’s Hall market embraces a more entertainment-focused approach, putting the vibrant energy the city is renowned for at its heart.
Meanwhile Chester offers a completely different vibe yet again. It doesn’t try to compete with Manchester or Liverpool, but instead leans into its surroundings with a more intimate alternative. Its wooden chalets line historic streets, framed by Roman walls and Tudor-style buildings that create a fairytale-like backdrop.
This year the ECHO has visited Liverpool, Manchester and Chester’s Christmas markets so you don’t have too. Below is what stood out for us from each of them:
Liverpool Christmas Market –
A bratwurst at the Liverpool Christmas Market
Over the years, I’ve developed a somewhat ambivalent relationship with Christmas markets. I skipped Liverpool’s market last year but returning this season with a more open mindset under different circumstances, I realised they can actually live up to everything you hope for.
My annual date for the market is my boyfriend, who utterly despises crowds and would rather be at home. This year, I left him there and ventured off on my own on the opening day when the gates first swung open. Although the market was busy, it was by no means crowded or overwhelming. It was quite spacious, actually.
I spent a few hours wandering around, enjoying the atmosphere, and sampling the festive food and drink on offer. I stood outside the Alpine Lodge listening to deafeningly loud Christmas music and enjoyed the famous mulled wine burn until it cooled.
Afterwards, I grabbed a bratwurst, spoiling myself with the cheese-filled variant – cheese kasekrainer – and continued to wander around the huts. At no point did I feel particularly overwhelmed by the crowds or fear my wine and bratwurst would be spilled or contaminated, and I would dare say this is because of the time of day.
the £13 festive pie at Liverpool Christmas Market
Yes, the markets can be crowded in the evening but if that’s not your thing then visit during the morning or afternoon. There’s plenty of time before the sun sets and crowds come out to suit your preferences, so agitated boyfriends complaining about knocking shoulders should have nothing to worry about. It was almost peaceful not listening to someone moan that others are too close. I highly recommend a solo visit.
I won’t entertain the discourse around prices because I’ve already proven you can have a fantastic evening spending less than £20. I wasn’t too taken aback by the prices because they’re close to level with businesses around the city anyway.
The setting itself is always beautiful and nothing can take that away. You can visit purely for the atmosphere, soaking up hours of live music, entertainment, people-watching and fun, if you let go of the idea of needing to buy something. The best part is that all of this can be enjoyed without spending a penny on entrance fees – a fact that’s easy to forget.
Manchester Christmas Market –
Manchester Christmas Markets are back for 2025
It’s safe to say the Manchester Christmas Market is absolutely huge. With 10 locations and over 200 stalls across Manchester city centre, it feels like you’d need a full day just to tackle them all.
There are some new additions and familiar favourites this year, with an impressive food, drink and gift offering. I visited the Manchester Christmas Markets on their opening day, and several things caught my attention.
A pretty obvious stand-out for anyone who has visited before, but even after attending for several years, it never fails to take me back by just how expansive they are. I found myself walking around with Google Maps open as I tried to navigate my way from Albert Square to Piccadilly Gardens.
The great thing is that the layout works so that you’re never too far from a stall. From Albert Square you can go onto St Ann’s Square, from there onto Exchange Street and then you’ll find yourself on Market Street and across the way from Piccadilly Gardens – albeit with sore feet.
Hash and Dash at Manchester Christmas Markets
Classic Bratwurst, loaded Amsterdam fries, Hong Kong french toast, scrambled pancakes, the markets have got it all. You won’t fail to find something you’re in the mood for here. After browsing the selection in Piccadilly Gardens, I settled on a non-alcoholic mulled wine, loaded roast potatoes and a side of pigs in blankets, costing me £18.50.
As my partner and I walked around the markets, the one place we noticed was popular was Hash Dash located in St Ann’s Square. The stall serves a selection of loaded hash browns including salt and pepper. They looked and smelt delicious.
Returning favourite Bang Ga Bang Ga, serving cheesy Korean corn dogs, was also quite busy when we visited the Piccadilly Gardens part of the markets.
Chester Christmas Market
The Chester Christmas Market stalls
My last visit to Chester’s market was over four years ago, so my recollections were somewhat hazy, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. When I arrived, the festive spirit was palpable. A live musician serenaded us with tunes, and strings of fairy lights twinkled above the stalls.
The annual market, this year around, is made up of 80 diverse traders, each offering something unique. I looked through all the craft and artisan stalls, trying on some £20 silver bangles – which unfortunately didn’t fit – and checked to see if any of the candles could replace my trusty Yankee Christmas Magic jar.
However, as time passed, I couldn’t ignore my hungry stomach. It was time to explore the food offerings, and this led me to discover Mrs B’s Bakehouse. Nestled among the stalls nearest to the Cathedral, the gentleman running the stall guided me through the selection of products on offer while adjusting the bauble hat that kept falling onto his face.
£7 Chilli Con Carne jacket potato from the Chester Christmas Market
After some thought I opted for the festive roll, in keeping with the Christmas spirit. It cost me £4.50 and was filled with pork, stuffing, bacon and cranberry.
The pastry was pleasantly flaky, but it was the filling that truly stood out. The bacon and cranberry complemented the pork nicely without overwhelming the taste.
It tasted exactly as I had hoped: a superior sausage roll with a twist. I had a few bites of it cold, but it seemed that with every moment it spent in the microwave, the flavour just kept intensifying.
It left me satisfyingly full, but I still had enough room to sample a few sweet treats and indulged in a hot chocolate because no visit to any Christmas market is complete without one.
There’s no need to ask if I could have marshmallows or cream; that’s a given. For the full works, it set me back a further £6. It’s a bit more than you’d like to spend on a single drink, but it’s nothing new when it comes to these types of events.