If you haven’t already taken some time to explore the Christmas Markets, this is your sign to get yourself down there and experience the magic. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to grab a tasty bite to eat, to have a drink or two while you catch up with your mates, or want to do some Christmas present shopping, we’ve got you covered.

Contents

2 food spots

The Great North Pie Company

Image Source: @greatnorthpieco

You’ll find these incredible treats on Exchange Street, and we cannot encourage you enough to head down to get yourself a pie to try. We can never resist the roast chicken and ham, but the classic Lancashire cheese and onion is also a delicious choice. You’re not doing it right if you’re not feasting on pies in the North, especially around the festive season, so get in the queue and get involved.

The Flat Baker

Image Source: @theflatbaker

Pop on up to the Piccadilly Gardens part of the Christmas market where you can find the Ancoats-famous bakery, the Flat Baker. Offering delicious stuffed artisan croissants, fresh pastries, cakes, hot chocolate-filled croissants and bakes, and our personal favourite, the TikTok famous pistachio croissant. If you haven’t seen this yet, you’re missing out and we cannot encourage you enough to give it a go. You won’t regret it, we promise.

2 drink spots

The Grumpy Moose

Image Source: unsplash.com

You’ll find The Grumpy Moose over on King Street, where they’re offering tea & Liquor coffees, hot chocolate, and homemade cakes & biscuits. They also have the classic mulled English wine, and our personal favourite, Elderflower wine. If you’re not looking for that kind of drink, and just want to quench your thirst as you’re heading around, they also have a range of soft drinks and waters available too, to perk you up.

The Witch House

Image Source: unsplash.com

If you find yourself down New Cathedral Street in need of a break, The Witch House is the perfect stopping point. Here you can pick up some German beer and gluhwein, hot punch, table wine, egg-nog punch, or if you’re looking for a snack, they’ve got the traditional bratwursts, hamburgers, and big pan traditional German food. They’ve also got soft drinks, so everyone’s covered, and let’s be honest – if you went to the Christmas Markets and DIDN’T get some mulled wine and a bratwurst, did you really even go?

2 present spots

Tatova Hata

Image Source: @tatova_hata

Market Street is a pretty hectic experience at the best of times, let alone when the Christmas Markets are up and running, but we promise that it’s worth the trip if you’re looking for some delightful homemade gifts. Welcome to Tatova Hata, a Ukrainian market stall with wood products like cups, caskets, and tableware, handmade ceramic ornaments, national souvenirs, alongside traditional Ukrainian ornaments. There are loads of really lovely options and this is one you should check out.

North Star Gin & Cocktail Bar

Image Source: @northstargincocktailbar

St Anns Square is also the home to a selection of Christmas market stalls, and where you’ll find North Star Gin & Cocktail Bar. A great spot with a vast selection of gins, fine wines, prosecco, spiced rums, craft beers, and bespoke cocktails – making a great gift or a treat for yourself, because, after all, you deserve it.

What’s your favourite stall at the Christmas markets? We’d love to know – tag us on socials to share places that we should check out.