Manchester Christmas Markets mugs sell out for second year running ahead of stalls shutting for 2023

Manchester's Christmas Markets mugs have sold out for the second year running. Fear not though, as fans of all things vintage and retro will enjoy their trip to the markets as chances are they will get their hot drink in a mug from previous years.

Mugs from years gone by have come out to meet customer demand, that despite thousands more of the collectible mugs being ordered this year compared to last. Visitors to the markets this year got through 170,000 of the specially produced mugs - 30,000 more than were dished out 12 months ago. Whilst there are still some of this year's Gluhwein mugs in circulation, they're few and far between and are set to sell out before the market ends next week.

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: "The love that is out there for Manchester's Christmas Markets and for our iconic Christmas mugs is just off the scale right now. 25 years on and people still can't get enough of them, it's incredible. Whilst this year's fabulous Nutcracker inspired mugs are now few and far between on the markets, we've been bringing out the vintage mugs from Christmases past since last weekend to re-stock the stalls that have run out of this year's. And what a hit they're proving to be with shoppers who are just loving the nostalgia of it all!"

When are Manchester's Christmas Markets open?

Many people will be heading out after work on Friday and this weekend ahead of the markets closing for good for 2023 on December 21. All craft stalls are open between 10am and 8pm with bars and food stalls open from 11am to 9pm. The food and drink stalls in Cathedral Gardens alongside the skate rink will remain open until 31 December.