Manchester's Christmas Markets

A WOMAN walking in front of me pivots on her tip toes and shouts across my shoulder, “Luv, d'you fancy a Bratwurst” to which a bewildered male voice from behind replies “What? why would I want breakfast, it's dinner time”.

Where am I? Why Manchester of course and at this time of year in the city its not unusual to hear coversations about German sausages, willy-nilly.

Manchester's Christmas Markets 2011 is the biggest to date and is located in eight city centre sites. It reported a record-breaking Saturday on its opening weekend with more than 67,500 people visiting Albert Square – the busiest day of trade ever seen on the Square. Those people all loved it so much they all returned on my visit. It's busy.

I'm in what I'd call the hub, Albert Square. The jolly, round figure of Father Christmas lights up the town hall.

It's Sunday afternoon and I'm with James, my three year old. James is still at the age where tiredness consumes him as quickly as I consume a chocolate covered pancake. There's no warning, he stops dead in his tracks and moving him requires a delicate mix of diplomacy and brute force. A pram is still a necessary item to have within reach.

With its grid like avenues and cobbled ground, this is not the easiest place to push a pram. In the wrong, untrained hands it could become an ankle knocking, toe squashing weapon. But I declare myself a professional, having been well trained from the school of January sales shopping expeditions.

Going to the market is like going on a whistle stop coach tour of Europe. You stop off now and again to taste some local foods or to spare a thought for those friends and relatives who aren't on the trip, rewardng their absence with a 'wish you were here' gift.

The air's thick with the smell of mulled wine, beer, sausages and the sweet scent of chocolate. It's fantastic.  There are loads of wonderful gift stalls selling goods like handmade jewellery, traditional wooden toys, clocks, hats, leather goods and so on. There's also an array of foods from all over Europe including Dutch cheese, local jams and chutneys, French breads, pastries, sweets, and Spanish Chorizo.

This is a great family day out and a lovely way to spend an afternoon in the run up to Christmas. A must with the kids. Go and experience the amazing festive atmosphere, buy some unusual gifts and taste European food and drink.

Don't be put off by the crowds. My advice, enjoy it.  They might slow you down a bit but use this to your advantage.  Soak up the sights, smells and sounds, it's a truly wonderful experience. Besides, slowing down a bit really isn't such a bad thing.

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