No Northern winter is complete without a wander through the chalet-lined streets of Manchester’s famous Christmas market.

The perfect place to get your holiday started, pick up some fabulous Christmas gifts, or relax after a hard day’s Christmas shopping. The markets really have become a very firm fixture of everybody’s yuletide countdown.

European and local producers offer everything from fine amber jewellery, handcrafted leather bags and top quality bonsai trees, to Dutch cheeses, French breads and Spanish chorizo. Perfect for alternative gift ideas. Enjoy the banter and advice of stallholders from all over the continent.

The array of food and drink on offer is mind-boggling, with mouth-watering delicacies from all over Europe. Try sweet and savoury treats from Dutch mini pancakes and Hungarian goulash to Spanish paella and French profiteroles.

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