Set beneath a spectacular glass roof of the Grade II-listed building, the event promises Christmas shopping, cosy vibes, festive food, and live music
The ‘winter warmer’ event was a hit last year(Image: People’s History Museum)
It’s hard to believe but in just a month’s time the Manchester Christmas Markets will be making a comeback.
They’ll return on their largest-ever scale, with a big return of festive events to Albert Square for the first time in six years, and with a big wheel too.
The festive markets draw millions of visitors to the city centre, and this year will see the famous wooden huts spread to 10 locations across the city, with the main markets opening from November 7 through to December 22, 2025 – while two key locations will continue the revels until January 4, 2026.
However, away from the hustle and bustle of the main markets, one of Manchester’s best-loved attractions will also be hosting their own winter event.
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The People’s History Museum (PHM) in Spinningfields, which is rated as TripAdvisor’s sixth-best ‘thing to do’ in Manchester, draws in more than 125,000 visitors annually – and this year there might even be a few more.
From Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 November, People’s History Museum’s magnificent Edwardian Engine Hall will be transformed into a vibrant festive marketplace as the museum hosts its Winter Makers Markets.
People’s History Museum in Manchester(Image: Supplied)
Set beneath the spectacular glass roof of the Grade II-listed building, the event promises a magical atmosphere filled with seasonal shopping, cosy vibes, festive food, and live music.
The markets open with a very special Winter Warmer launch evening on Thursday 20 November (£10, bookable in advance) that includes live music, pop up workshops, a complimentary glass of mulled wine, and a chance to preview the stalls, followed by free entry from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November (no booking required).
Visitors can expect a curated collection of stalls from some of the finest independent makers and designers across the North West.
To get vistors into the festive spirit, the museum has also announced the launch of a new range of Christmas decorations, crafted in collaboration with textile artists Frockdolly(Image: Frockdolly)
Plus craft workshops full of inspiration from the makers themselves. These are bookable in advance and start from £15, with details here.
To get visitors into the festive spirit, the museum has also announced the launch of a new range of Christmas decorations, crafted in collaboration with textile artists Frockdolly.
Each decoration is individually stitched by hand using vibrant felt and vivid thread inspired by European folk art.
Designs include the Pride Progress flag and the raised fist of solidarity – symbols that reflect the stories and values championed by PHM – together with timeless festive motifs.
Designs include the Pride Progress flag and the raised fist of solidarity – symbols that reflect the stories and values championed by PHM – together with timeless festive motifs(Image: Frockdolly )
The full range is available on the venue’s website and will arrive at the PHM museum’s shop from October 8. Priced at £12.50, each piece measures approximately 10-13cm high.
People’s History Museum in Manchester is the UK’s national museum of democracy, telling the story of its development in Britain: past, present, and future.
More details on the Winter Warmer, and booking details are available here.
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