With Christmas fast-approaching, thousands of people are rushing to Manchester Christmas markets. There are more than 220 stalls across nine sites throughout the city centre this year, making for plenty of opportunities to feel festive while getting some shopping done.
But while the Christmas markets are an obvious choice if you want to feel festive, a few steps away lies the most lavish Christmas grotto in Manchester. This year Selfridges Exchange Square has geared up for a sparkly extravaganza that will impress even the most high-maintenance of shoppers.
This year many people are complaining about the rising prices of Santa's grottos. But Selfridges allows shoppers to immerse themselves in an indulgent festive setting without having to spend a penny (though you'll probably, or definitely want to when you see what's inside).
READ MORE: Martin Lewis warns there's a high street Christmas shopping law that could cost you £100s
Selfridges may be a shop, but this Christmas, it's become an experience. Even if you don't have thousands to spend, you'll find yourself going 'wow' when you walk into the store.
Customers will be able to visit Santa and his elves roaming the store while enjoying live festive music - including DJ sets from Santa himself, as well as live performances from choirs and DJs.
This year it's got a glitzy 70s inspired theme; with plenty of tassels, bold pink and red colourways, and of course, giant Christmas pudding glitterballs. Throughout the store you'll find tables full to the brim with festive goodies.
Head to the upper floor and you'll find yourself in a festive decoration paradise. Some of the baubles had me in awe.
Whatever your style or taste, I'm willing to bet money on you finding a tree decoration that makes you go 'wow'. A personal favourite of mine was a little champagne glass decoration, which had liquid inside to make it look real. The basic b**** in me was OBSESSED.
There's a huge variety of gifts available to buy as part of its Season's Feastings campaign. This year Selfridges is placing a big emphasis on its own-brand Christmas food. Shoppers can feast their eyes on goodies like pigs in blankets nuts, mince pie advent calendars, giant chocolate bars and delicious stollen bites.
If you really want to push the boat out, Selfridges is selling a whopping 8kg pannetone, which is big enough to feed an entire office. The Great British Bake Off showstoppers have nothing on that.
Toy-wise, Selfridges has you covered. My favourite piece in-store was a giant Fendi bear, which retails at £4,400 - because who wouldn't want a giant teddy covered in Fendi's iconic print.
There's also a Fendi skateboard, which retails at £925. I'm not sure you can call it a stocking filler, but Santa can bring me one any day if he likes.
Beauty is also high on the list when it comes to this year's Selfridges offering. The beauty hall is absolutely full of gifts and stocking fillers.
The same can be said for the fashion offering, which focuses on 70s kitsch. There are more sparkly items than you can shake a stick at, so if you like a bit of glitter, you will love it.
Most excitingly, this year Selfridges will be hosting lots of exciting in-store events so you can really get into the Christmas spirit. The full calendar is as follows:
Christmas Shop opens
Date: Wednesday 26 th October
The Christmas Shop will showcase Selfridges’ favourite pick and mix baubles, a must-visit destination as part of a festive spirit-filled day out for friends, families and loved ones to enjoy together.
Roaming Santa & Characters
Date: Weekends 3 – 4 December; and 10 – 11 December, and 17 – 23 December
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Live Performances from Untold Trio
Date: Weekends 3 – 4 December; and 10 – 11 December, and 17 – 23 December
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Cocktails with Santa
Date: 13 – 15 December. Book here
Join Selfridges for an evening of festivities and merry-making, hosted by Santa Claus. Accompanied by Selfridges partners, Schofield's, EatWell, 10 Tib Lane who will be curating the most magical series of cocktails, with Mary Ellen McTague creating wonderful canapes and small plates. Guests will be taken through an interactive journey as they’re served their cocktails and are welcomed to join in on the festive fun. There will be jovial, light-hearted entertainment, vibrant music, and fun characters to create an enchanting evening.
Confetti Canon Spectacle
Date: 8 – 11 and 12 – 18 December
Time: 6pm
A Christmas confetti canon spectacle will be going off in-store for a truly magical Christmas extravaganza. Customers can expect spectacular, sparkly, mesmerising moments for kids and adults, creating a special moment to be shared with the whole family.
READ NEXT:
- Aldi shoppers go wild for £30 homeware Special Buy that's 'the same as' £300 designer version
Argos and Amazon shoppers go wild for £56 oven that costs less than an air fryer to run
Aldi introduces new policy that affects all of its 900+ UK stores
McDonald's fans 'shaken to the core' after learning what's put in Sweet 'n' Sour dip
Shein shopper in awe of £8 dress that looks SO expensive people think its £1000 Chanel
