The Manchester Christmas market was voted the best in the UK by both Time Out and holiday experts at Christmas Tree World — and I can see why
Vita Molyneux Travel reporter
14:20, 17 Nov 2025Updated 14:50, 17 Nov 2025
Manchester’s markets are the best in the UK(Image: Vita Molyneux)
For me, Christmas has always been about barbecues on the beach as summer kicks off, sun-drenched mornings around the tree and barefoot garden parties. However, since relocating to London from New Zealand last year, I’ve been attempting to embrace the winter Christmas spirit.
Last year, I experienced my first-ever winter Christmas Market in Edinburgh, and it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I believe in giving everything a second chance, so this year I returned to the markets, but with a twist.
Instead of braving the crowds in Edinburgh, I decided to venture to Manchester. My visit happened to coincide with Manchester’s market being crowned the best in the UK by both Time Out and holiday experts at Christmas Tree World and I can certainly see why.
The day I visited was bathed in sunshine and the markets were teeming with life. I opted to explore the market in Albert Square, but if you’re keen to discover Manchester’s markets, they are dotted throughout the city, reports the Express.
The Manchester market was amazing(Image: Vita Molyneux)
The one in Albert Square boasted a helter skelter and a Ferris wheel, but I had a singular focus: I was on a mission to find a Yorkshire pudding wrap.
My boyfriend was busy expressing his doubts that I would find one because it wasn’t particularly Christmassy, but as we turned a corner, I spotted a sign selling exactly what I was after, much to my delight.
I opted to have my wrap presented in a bowl, and selected pork as my protein of choice. It cost me £11 and the portion was absolutely enormous. It was precisely what I craved, the meat was beautifully seasoned, all the accompaniments were cooked to perfection, and the gravy was thick, rich and salty — exactly how I prefer it.
The portion was massive(Image: Vita Molyneux)
Despite being utterly delicious, the serving was so substantial that I genuinely couldn’t manage to finish it, much to my shame.
Following this was another debut experience: mulled wine. At the Edinburgh Market last year I sampled a mulled cider and absolutely despised it so this felt somewhat daunting. I selected an apple and blackberry mulled wine, which I believed was £6.50 but actually ended up costing me £10 because I had overlooked the “mug deposit” fee of £3.50.
Fortunately, this was absolutely worth the bewilderment because, unlike my previous mulled alcoholic drink, this one was completely scrumptious. It had a flavour reminiscent of hot Ribena, which I adore anyway and heated me through entirely.
It seemed like the ideal beverage for enjoying beside the fire as the rain hammered down outside. I was thoroughly impressed; nevertheless, I am still awaiting my refund for returning my mug to the vendor.
My concluding purchase at the Manchester Christmas Market was a crumble. I spent £8 on an apple and cinnamon crumble with vanilla custard, and whilst it wasn’t the finest I have ever tasted in my lifetime, it was sweet, scrumptious and satisfied my craving perfectly.
In my view, the Manchester market completely outshines Edinburgh. Despite being bustling and lively, I could navigate through it with ease and never had to queue for more than five minutes for anything.
Moreover, the food was superior in quality, and all the stalls were manned by delightful, cheerful staff. I departed feeling energised and eagerly anticipating Christmas — and I would strongly advise anyone in the vicinity to give it a visit.