Christmas Shopping in the North

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor Last Updated 5 November 2025

For some, the yearly quest to source and acquire a set of presents that sum up your love for those closest to you can be a joyous task. You may relish the sound of continually losing Whammagheddon, while being visually overstimulated by the sparkle and general pizzazz of the high street at Christmas. However, as the pressure to spend money mounts there are many who dread the yearly pull towards big capitalism.

Christmas shopping can be sustainable. It can benefit independent makers, second hand sellers and give you a reason to escape the throngs of Market Street. To those of you who resonate with these less mainstream pursuits, we say look no further. Below is your guide to breaking away from the high street and finding alternative places to make conscious and joy led choices in your Christmas shopping.

Manchester Craft & Design Centre

Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak St, Northern Quarter, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 5JD - Visit now

MCDC is always a safe bet when looking for one of pieces of Jewellery, Homeware an individual card or want to commission one of the artists.

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Manchester Craft and Design Centre by Joel C Fildes.

Manchester Wine Tour: Review

Manchester Wine Tour: Review, Various locations in Manchester city centre, Manchester , M1 - Visit now

Struggling to come up with ideas for a next-level Christmas present this year? Take a seat because we’ve got the ultimate gift: wine tour gift vouchers for the wonderful Manchester Wine Tours. Let’s make this festive season as Keith Floyd as possible. Hic.

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Bookshops in Manchester

More than set-dressing for your brand-new vintage-look shelves, books are there to learn from and lose yourself in — and are the perfect gift for just about anybody. And we’ve just updated our Bookshops in Manchester guide with some new faves!

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Afflecks

Afflecks, 52 Church Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1PW - Visit now

Afflecks in Manchester, formerly (and still affectionately) known as Affleck’s Palace, is a labyrinth-like hub for independent sellers whose stock is prime-picking for alternative Christmas gifts.

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Image of Afflecks Palace in Manchester's Northern Quarter — Ben Williams

Vinyl Exchange

Vinyl Exchange, 18 Oldham Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1JN - Visit now

Any music geeks on your gift list? Satisfy even the most obscure taste for vintage vinyl and rare CDs in one fell swoop at Manchester’s legendary Vinyl Exchange. With collectors items sat side by side with second hand steals.

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Bound & Infinity

Bound & Infinity, First Floor, 70 Tib St, Manchester, M4 1LG - Visit now

Climb a staircase on Tib Street to discover the atmospheric and unexpected literary treasure that is, Anywhere Out of This World.

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Cheese Hamlet

Cheese Hamlet, 706 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Greater Manchester, M20 2DW - Visit now

Christmas is a time for decadence and the Cheese Hamlet does this better than most. Their selection of artisanal cheeses and endless shelves of speciality condiments will brighten up any foodies Christmas day.

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Cheese and Win platter by Cheese Hamlet — Image courtesy of Cheese Hamlet

Seasonal Guides

Christmas food and drink

The holidays are coming – time to eat, drink and be merry for Christmas 2025.

Christmas Theatre and Concerts

As the big day approaches, you can count on theatres and concert halls across the North to pull out all the festive stops.

Champagne flute swirling in front of a Christmas tree.

Christmas in the North

If you’re looking for alternative or interesting things to do over Christmas in Manchester and the North, look no further.

New Year’s Eve in the North

We’ve rounded up some of the city’s best options for seeing out 2025 in style – from wallet-friendly parties to some truly lavish experiences.

Christmas Markets in the North

Makers, bakers and curators will be out in force this festive season as the North’s best Christmas Markets whirr into action.

Creepy capers across Manchester and the North for little and big ghosts with the most.

Halloween in Manchester and the North

As Halloween approaches read our guide to the creepy capers happening for little and big ghosts with the most.

Black History Month in Manchester and the North

Discover the North West’s best Black History Month events, including exhibitions, theatre and dance.

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Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

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Culture Guides

Hofesh Shechter - Theatre of Dreams at Lowry

Theatre in the North

This winter theatre round‑up captures the festive spirit across the North, with everything from family‑friendly musicals to modern twists on seasonal classics.

Music in the North

Manchester’s closing out the year – and looking to the new one – with a run of gigs from some of the country’s best underground exports.

Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.