Hats off to the Manchester Christmas Markets

Get into the festive spirit at the Manchester Christmas Markets. There are five different markets spread across the city, which collectively are called the Manchester Christmas Markets. Get your skates on as the various markets shut up shop for this season on Sunday (December 21) and Monday (December 22).

Find a gem from Germany at the Manchester German Christmas Market located in St Ann's Square. Find that special something for that special someone at the Manchester European Christmas Market in front of the Town Hall in St Albert's Square. Both the German and European Christmas Markets are open for business until Monday, December 22.

Enjoy a delicacy or two at the Manchester Christmas Market, in New Cathedral Street, which is open from 10:00am to 19:30. The Manchester Christmas Market's final trading day is this Sunday, December 21. The Manchester World Christmas Market in Brazennose Street and the Manchester Christmas Arts & Craft Markets in Exchange Street also end this Sunday at 19:30.

Shopping does not appeal to all of us. I am not a fan of shopping, particularly at this time of year, but browsing the stalls at the Manchester Christmas Markets seems an altogether more laid back kind of retail therapy, rather than fighting through the crowds in a busy shopping centre, market goers can enjoy a glass of mulled wine or a piece of delicious confectionery helps, too.

Why not take the opportunity that a visit to Manchester affords to delve into the city's rich and often sadly overlooked history while your other half shops? Visitors and locals alike can hear about the city's rich heritage with the Manchester: Then & Now audio guide.

Hear about the origins of the word 'Manchester.' Learn why the first ever inter city train ran late, hear how the widow of Manchester's first millionaire spent her late husband's fortune, stumble upon a Hidden Gem, discover how the city was reshaped by the IRA bomb and more...

To hear an audio sample from the Manchester: Then & Now podcast guided tour please click here.

Interested? You can hire the Walk Talk Tour Manchester travel guide on a preloaded MP3 player from the city's Visitor Information Centre on Lloyd Street, just off St Peter's Square for £6. Each preloaded MP3 player comes complete with disposable headphones and a map of the tour plan (map).

Alternatively, why not give someone a little bit of Manchester this Christmas by purchasing the Manchester: Then & Now city guide on a CD in MP3 format? You can even purchase your chosen tour(s) on a preloaded MP3 player. For more information please click here.

Unlike with a conventional guided tour, listeners to the Manchester: Then & Now mp3 guided tour are free to stop, start and listen again to any part of the commentary as they wish.