5 alternative Christmas Markets to try in and around Manchester including Victoria Baths and Freight Island

The run up to Christmas is here and we’re all making plans to share the festivities with our nearest and dearest.

Christmas markets have become a well-known staple of the season, especially with Manchester's taking their place as one of the best in Europe.

Every year, we frequent the same markets we did the last, and while this serves as a wonderful tradition, sometimes you just need to branch out and try something different.

Here in Manchester, there are masses of small, local businesses getting ready to show marketgoers what they’re made of through what they’re making, and these fairs give you a front row seat for some amazing potential buys.

Below are some alternative Manchester Christmas markets promising delicious food, unique trinkets, bespoke jewellery and more to help you make your loved ones’ Christmas. 

Victoria Baths Festive Winter Fair

On Sunday November 12, Victoria Baths will transform into a winter wonderland to fulfil all your Christmas shopping desires. The fair is giving lucky shoppers the opportunity to find meaningful and unique gifts for their loved ones, with a range of prices to make sure everyone is in for a treat.

From 11am to 4pm local businesses and craft stalls will line the three pool halls, and the tea room will be serving delicious snacks throughout the day. If this isn’t enough, you can visit Little Cherry Cake Company’s stall for a sweet pick-me-up.

You can peruse the handmade items, bespoke jewellery, ornaments and crafts accompanied by the dulcet tones of local choirs singing your favourite Christmas carol.

Sheltered from the elements by vaulted glass roofs, there’s no need to keep opening your weather apps! However, the event will begin at 11.05am in order to conduct a minute’s silence for Remembrance Day outside the baths.

You must have a ticket for this event, and entry is £6 including a £1 donation to Victoria Baths Trust. Under 16s and VB friends go free. 

Light Up Bramhall

The Bramhall Together Trust have been busy putting together a Christmas show, complete with market stalls and lantern parades.

Bramhall Village Square will host the unique festive fair inside the old Sainsbury’s unit from 11am to 7pm on November 26, where you can find gifts ranging from edible treats to luxury jewellery.

On top of this, the unit will welcome a light show and a Santa’s grotto with all the trimmings.

The Victorian Cheadle Christmas Makers Market

Join the Cheadle Market makers on December 2 for their festive take on the traditional markets they bring to Stockport Road on the first Saturday of every month.

To mark the occasion, many market sellers and locals dress in traditional Victorian wear and sell some brilliant old-fashioned and authentic hand-made pieces as well as the usual lovely presents that you can find in their regular markets.

Event organisers say you can expect “an array of art, craft, food, drink, coffee, music and street food.” You can find the markets at the Cheadle Green from 10am to 4pm.

Manchester Makers Markets

From December 2 to December 17, Christmas makers markets will be popping up around the city to give you and your family the pick of the bunch when it comes to alternative Christmas market days-out in Manchester.

You will never be too far away from one of these distinctive market displays, with 10 of the fairs planned in different places throughout the city, including Chorlton and West Didsbury.

If you’re looking to support small, local businesses, join in on fun festivities, and find some beautiful, distinctive items to liven up the bottom of your Christmas tree, these Christmas makers market’s will not disappoint. The full list of locations is available on their website. 

Winter Island at Freight Island

Described as a “seasonal extravaganza,” Freight Island are giving you the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit this winter with their festive food pop-ups, events, and activities.

Browse some of the most delicious independent food businesses that Manchester has to offer, as they switch up their usual menu in favour their seasonal take on street-food. Local favourites like Cocoa Cabana, Parmogeddon, and the Smoking Coal German BBQ will be waiting at their station.

Away from the food there's also their Father Christmas Grotto experience, wreath making workshops and more.

The festivities last from November 9 to December 23, with bookings open now. However, walk-ups are welcomed.