A new study looking at 35 Christmas markets across the UK has discovered that Manchester might be the country’s best.
The rivalry between Manchester and Birmingham has been brewing for a little while now, both vying for the title of the UK’s second city. Earlier this week, we reported that a recent study crowned Birmingham Christmas Market the best in the UK – knocking last year’s number one, Manchester Christmas Markets, off the top spot. But we haven’t heard the end of this yet…
Another study from cinch has just named Manchester the ‘officially best Christmas market in the UK’. Looking at the duration of each Christmas market, TikTok views, the chance of snow and average hotel cost, it topped the list, whereas Birmingham only came in sixth.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, said: “According to our findings, Manchester is home to the best Christmas market in the UK. Receiving a whopping 13 million views on TikTok, as well as offering festive food and fun for 42 days, it’s no surprise that Manchester’s Christmas market stands at the top of our merry list.”
If you want the best odds of seeing a winter wonderland this Christmas, however, you’re better off heading to Liverpool (coming third). Where there is the highest chance of snow in the country, averaging four days of snowfall in December each year. The rest of the top five is occupied by Scottish cities, Edinburgh (second), Glasgow (fourth) and Aberdeen (fifth).
But does any of this have any reflection on the quality of the Christmas markets? Not really. That being said, the Manchester Christmas Markets are no less worthy of visiting this festive period. (In fact, the whole of the UK is filled with amazing Christmas markets you can easily visit from Birmingham.)
Why should I visit the Manchester Christmas Markets?
Running until December 21, the main part of Manchester Christmas Markets sees Piccadilly Gardens transformed into Winter Gardens this year. But you’ll find over 225 stalls across multiple locations such as St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, King Street, Exchange Street, Market Street, The Corn Exchange and Cathedral Garden.
You’ll find everything to lift your winter spirits, from a Nordic-themed double tipi bar to the iconic Manchester Windmill, an ice rink and festive foods. For the ultimate festivities, a Christmas Parade will go through Manchester city centre in the lead-up to Christmas. See street performers, roaming puppets and illuminated acts take to the city’s streets, every Sunday from November 26 – December 17.
Did you know you can also get a special commemorative Manchester Christmas Markets mug? Based on the loveable Nutcracker, these Christmas mugs can be bought outright or ‘rented’ when you buy a hot drink. If that’s not worth the trip, then what is? To learn more about Manchester Christmas Markets head here.
Tags:christmas
