Only 65 more sleeps until Christmas Day! While it may seem a bit too premature to become excited, several stores across the UK have begun preparations for the holidays, and customers have also started their shopping earlier. For those in the festive spirit, a must-visit is the second-best Christmas market in Europe, crowned in the UK! This beloved market opens on 7 November, and this year it will return to its original spot. Discover all of the wonderful and merry goods that will be available this year!
One of the most historic Christmas traditions
The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, with preparations starting earlier than usual, it seems. But what’s not to love about Christmas? While each country may have its own set of traditions, one of the most historic Christmas traditions can be seen worldwide, namely Christmas markets. Interestingly enough, these markets date back long before Christmas itself.
The extravagant Christmas markets we all know and love today were once practical winter fairs during the Middle Ages, where people could buy essentials for harsh winters. According to a report by Rail Escape, the world’s very first recorded Christmas market took place in Dresden, Germany, in 1434. Needless to say, it was a hit, and since then, these festive markets have expanded their roots all over Europe and the UK.
So, for all the Yulephiles out there, Christmas markets are a non-negotiable tradition. However, deciding which ones are worth a visit is no easy feat, as there are nearly 1,400 locations to choose from. Thankfully, TimeOut has ranked some of the best Christmas markets to visit, and one in the UK has been crowned the second-best Christmas market in Europe!
UK crowned second-best Christmas market in Europe
There will be many more wonderful festive goodies to enjoy at the second-best Christmas market in Europe this year! Time Out’s number one Christmas market for 2025 is the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest and most famous markets in the world, but the second-best market comes as a surprise. A Christmas market in Manchester has been crowned second-best this year! According to Time Out:
“This city comes alive at Christmas, just not in the same ‘in your face’ way as some of the other in Europe.”
Which means, people of Manchester, brace yourselves, as the city will have an influx of Yulephiles and those alike this year! Keep in mind, while thousands of Christmas lights will shine brightly into the night, over 200 banking branches are going dark, so if you plan to use cash at the market this year, ensure you know where to go.
It will reopen in its original spot this year
Manchester’s main Christmas market always took place on Albert Square, which has been closed since 2019 due to work on the city’s Town Hall. But fear not, as the wonderful market will reopen in its original spot on Friday, 7 November this year, and it will remain open until 22 December. A few stalls will remain open until 4 January 2026.
According to Time Out, visitors can look forward to the following features:
- A 50ft Ferris wheel
- A shimmering ice skating rink at Cathedral Gardens
- 200 ski chalet-styled huts that will be selling
- Bratwurts
- Yorkshire pudding
- Wraps
- Steaming hot strudels
- Gluhwein
- Numerous sweet treats
Other must-visit locations in Manchester include the Stockport Festive Huts, which will be wonderful and memorable for true foodies. Additionally, you can add Winterfest at MediaCity to the list, as well as Goth-Mas (if you prefer your Christmas festivities to have a spooky twist). Anyone travelling home to the UK from abroad, remember to check your Christmas travel plans before adding Manchester to your holiday to-do list, as new EU rules will be in place before the start of the holidays.
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