Manchester’s award-winning Christmas Markets returns this winter  Don your Santa hat, dust off the mulled wine glass, and get into the festive spirit - it’s time to head down to Manchester’s world famous Christmas Market.

Attracting shoppers from all over the UK and beyond, the market has put Manchester city centre firmly on the Christmas map – the Christmas Market has become not just a fabulous place to shop but also a hugely popular leisure destination in its own right. No Mancunian winter is complete without a wander through the chalet-lined streets of the markets.

Last year, the Christmas Markets spread over 10 different spaces around the city, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere:

Albert Square | Brazennose Street | St Ann's Square | Exchange Street | New Cathedral Street | The Corn Exchange | King Street | Market Street | Exchange Square | Cathedral Gardens

Manchester’s award-winning Christmas Markets returns this winter offering mouth-watering international food, drinks and delicately crafted Yuletide gifts in the heart of this buzzing city.

With nearly 350 beautifully festooned stalls and chalets spanning 10 distinctive market sites across the city centre, the Christmas Markets are free and accessible to all.

Soak up the atmosphere and follow the market trail as it winds through the city centre, tempting you with gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes and toys. The choice is getting bigger every year. European and local producers offer everything from fine amber jewellery, handcrafted leather bags and top-quality bonsai trees, to handmade Belgian kitchenware, framed photo prints and French soaps.

And when planning your visit, don’t miss the amazing array of food and drink! Manchester’s Christmas Markets are famous for traditional bratwurst but you can also treat yourself to Hungarian goulash, Spanish paella or a good old-fashioned hog roast.

Plenty of vegetarian options will be on offer, and for those with a sweet tooth the choices are even more mouth-watering, such as Dutch mini pancakes or French profiteroles!

Relax with a hot chocolate, German or Spanish beer, or French wine. Soak up the atmosphere of a truly international event with a uniquely Mancunian flavour.

Make a date in your diary to come along, enjoy yourself, and help us make Christmas 2016 the best year ever!

And with all glasses and mugs returnable as part of an environmentally friendly deposit scheme, your Christmas markets are greener than ever.