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Guides
What's on
Where to go
See all

Christmas Markets in the North

Creative Tourist

It’s all too tempting to wander into the big name shops and get enticed in by an alluring sparkly window display. However, when it comes to Christmas shopping, spending your money with local, independent sellers is a much more sustainable and economically sound way of enjoying the present buying experience. Escape the endless tinny loop of Noddy Holder and enjoy local musicians whilst you peruse the stalls of talented makers, discovering truly unique gift ideas for your loved ones. Christmas Markets are where it’s at for shopping, if you’re looking for hand-made thoughtful presents.

Our top picks

Winter Makers Market at People’s History Museum

Winter Makers Market at People’s History Museum, Manchester and online, 20–22 November 2026, Free entry - Find Out More

Head to People’s History Museum for a handmade celebration of the festive season, with Winter Makers Markets, arts and crafts workshops and pop-up choir performances – all in the stunning Edwardian Engine Hall.

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Image courtesy of People's History Museum.

Millennium Square Leeds

Millennium Square Leeds, Millennium Square, Calverley St, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS1 1UR - Visit now

Millennium Square hosts Christkindelmarkt, the Leeds edition of the popular German-style Christmas markets. There’s a winter village with a giant inflatable igloo, a host of Christmas chalet-style huts with garden-themed interior décor, a daily programme of entertainment and a cracking selection of street food vendors.

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Millennium Square

Seasonal Guides

Festive Happening Camerata
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.
Alcohol-free things to do in the North

January doesn’t have to mean hiding at home with fizzy water and The Traitors. Manchester’s packed with things to do without a pint in hand.
Christmas food and drink

The holidays are coming – time to eat, drink and be merry for Christmas 2025. Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do.

A smiling market trader shows a customer a painting in Victoria Baths
Christmas Shopping in the North

Back away from the high street and support some of Manchester’s best independent makers, sellers and curators this Christmas.
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.
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.
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.

Destinations

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

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.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Nwando Ebizie and Sidiki Dembélé wear jewel-toned clothes against a midnight blue backdrop.
Music

Returning legends, their noisy heirs and centuries-old music made new – all in our latest guide update.

Food and Drink in the North

It's autumn and time to get scheduling those hearty meals. Here's the October guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.

Exhibitions

It’s a good season for contemporary art fans in Manchester, with many of our favourite small galleries launching something big.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre

Shakespearean tragedy, indie musical theatre, live art and beautifully strange dance-theatre – four standout picks for autumn.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
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.