Yahoo News The Christmas market near Greater Manchester that's so popular it's now open for longer
Manchester’s city centre is once again bustling with visitors as thousands of festive shoppers descend upon the Christmas Markets. Now, we know our markets are pretty amazing - this year there’s even deep fried brussels sprouts on offer - but it’s also nice to explore some of the other markets taking place across the north and make a day out of it.
Over the border in Yorkshire is a market which feels a world away from ours. Halifax’s Christmas Markets are held in the magnificent setting of the Piece Hall, a unique Grade-I listed Georgian building surrounding an impressive 66,000sq ft open-courtyard which could rival any European piazza.
Unlike Manchester’s markets which are open seven days a week, Halifax’s operate over six long weekends in the run up to Christmas, opening Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. In previous years the markets have only run in November, but thanks to how popular they’ve become they’re now opening throughout December this year.
READ MORE: I visited Christmas market hailed 'better than Manchester' and this is what I thought
What makes these markets exciting is that there are 300 different traders in total, with 50 stalls allocated over six weekends. It means traders are rotated so you can have a different experience if you visit across multiple weekends.
Visitors can browse goods from independent food and drink producers and skilled artisan makers, with everything on sale from stylish homeware to pet accessories. As well as indulging in a spot of festive shopping, visitors can enjoy live music from 60 different acts, performers and community music groups; including brass bands, traditional and gospel choirs, and stilt walkers.
The courtyard itself will be decked out with a beautifully decorated tree, twinkling lights and a Christmas sign. Adding to the magic is a Victorian carousel and a vintage helter-skelter.
CEO of The Piece Hall Trust, Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL said: “Our Christmas markets have always been hugely popular, and last year gave us the busiest day The Piece Hall has seen since it re-opened. We’ve been asked to extend them for some time now, so this year they run almost up to the big day itself with a fantastic programme of entertainment from local performers to really get us all in the festive mood. Our courtyard is stunning all year round but looks extra special sprinkled with Christmas magic.”
As well as the markets, shoppers can browse the independent shops and boutiques found at the Piece Hall. Tasty food and warming drinks, like mulled wine and hot chocolate, will be available at the Piece Hall’s cafes, bars and restaurants.
The Christmas Market is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10am until 8pm, and on Sundays from 10am until 4pm. The remaining dates for the market are:
Friday 29 November – Sunday 1 December
Friday 6 – Sunday 8 December
Friday 13 – Sunday 15 December
Friday 20 – Sunday 22 December
