Manchester Christmas Markets

THE Manchester Christmas Markets are among the biggest in the country, with gift stalls, food stands and bars scattered across the city centre and selling a range of international delicacies and crafts.

Try some German glühwein, a traditional hog roast or Spanish paella, among many other dishes with local producers offering everything from fine amber jewellery, handcrafted leather bags and top-quality bonsai trees, to handmade Belgian kitchenware, framed photo prints and French soaps.

Access to the 300 stalls is free, with Albert Square hosting the main market until Sunday 22 December from 10am until 9pm every day.

Most of the other sites, including Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Exchange Square and St Ann’s Street, are open until 9pm on Saturday, December 21.

Ramsbottom

RAMSBOTTOM’S annual markets return this year for two weekends.

There will be a Festive Farmers Market on Sunday, December 8, featuring artisan creators and a Street and Town Market over the weekend of December 14 and 15.

Craft makers will set up in the Civic Hall and food and drink stalls will line the Market Place, Bridge Street and Church Gardens across both days.

Crafty Vintage

CRAFTY Vintage is bringing a wide range of gift stalls to the Last Drop Village this Sunday from 11am-4pm.

The market is the perfect place to stock up on handmade presents, surrounded by music and festive food with organisers describing it as “the ultimate gift buying experience for you and your friends where you will be laden with handmade gorgeous gifts, trinkets, treasures and treats, plus culinary eats, live music and merriment.”

Tickets are free online, or just £1 on the door at The Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa, Bromley Cross, Bolton, BL7 9PZ. Call: 01204 873500 for details.

Smithills Christmas Market

THE annual event is taking place again this year on Saturday 7 December, from 2.30pm to 5pm.

The market will spread over Redcar Road and it will play host to a family-friendly street market selling a range of gifts, crafts, food and drink.

All proceeds from the event will go to Urban Outreach Bolton - a Christian Charity which provides support to vulnerable people in Bolton.

The Barlow Christmas Market

THE Barlow’s Christmas market arrives on Sunday, December 8 and will be open from 10.30am until 3.30pm.

There will be gift stalls across two floors selling a range of local artisan products, and the Reading Room Coffee Shop will be offering mulled wine and mince pies.

There will be live music from 12.30pm from the local Sing for Fun singing group.

Entry is free and there is also free parking.