Manchester's Christmas Markets have been open for almost three weeks now and there's been plenty of debate about their festive return. While many are loving having them back across the city bringing festive cheer, others have been having a good old moan about pricing, the range of stalls this year and some say a lack of anything very Christmassy to buy.
One reviewer said pricing at some Manchester Christmas Market stalls has "spoilt the whole Christmas ethos". Another fumed there was "nothing to do with Xmas" about it.
We've had hundreds of comments on our articles about the markets this year, as well as on our dedicated Manchester Christmas Markets Facebook group where people have their say about their experiences. Meanwhile others have taken to public review site Tripadvisor to deliver their verdict so far on the 2022 festive extravaganza.
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On Tripadvisor Karen A wrote: "Absolute rip off. Nothing to do with Xmas it’s all bars and food stalls at extortionate prices. Probably good for a night out but you will certainly need to have a lot of money to spend. So disappointed."
She concluded her review saying: "Had more fun shopping in the Arndale Centre."
Manchester Christmas Markets currently has a 2.5 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor - with seven reviews from November 2022. Chris E headlined his review on the site: "Christmas market or food festival?"
He wrote: "95% of the stalls were serving food related products: many to eat then and there. What about some Christmas related stalls.
"By the trade I saw the stalls doing it will be very difficult to find stall holders next year. Very Very POOR," he concluded.
KevKeely wrote on Tripadvisor: "Manchester Christmas Market - the usual experience. Quite busy. What you would expect of a well known high volume venue.
"We were served poorly prepared food, poorly presented and for the Curryvurst, disgracefully meagre portions. They cleverly take the money first." He added of the stalls in Piccadilly Gardens: "A real pity, as I am sure the majority of sellers put a lot of effort in. This was one of the all year round street food stalls. They won't see us next year. Will go somewhere else. I was embarrassed for our friends."
Gordon M fumed about no prices being displayed on the boards of some stalls - as he says he found to his cost when he bought a Greek Gyros for £10. He urged Manchester Council to "get their act together" and make sure prices are displayed. He concluded: "We should at least know what the board price is prior to purchase. Spoilt the whole Christmas ethos."
Michael M titled his post "ripped off" on Tripadvisor. He claimed he and his partner bought two hot chocolates at one stall for £16 on one day - but when they returned with a different staff member serving they had gone up to £18 and claimed a "scam" was going on.
Rob Blower posting on our Manchester Christmas Markets Facebook group said: "Pricing up hotels meals and prices etc... if you are doing 3 nights it's cheaper to go to Germany."
But there was a mixed response to his post with many saying they had a "fab time" at the weekend at the markets. Michelle Scott said: "A point of lager or cider was £5 with a £2 deposit if you don't take back the plastic glass.
"I don't think that was too bad considering they are in the town centre. I went Sat night it was fab! Had a great time time!"
Robin Boardman advised shopping around for the best bar prices. He said: "If you just grab the first thing you see, it probably does work out expensive."
Anna Scott said: "Had a great weekend at the Christmas Markets! Can't see what people are moaning about the prices, (but then I'm used to Southern prices!!)".
We have asked Manchester Council for a comment about the issues raised by the public about this year's event in terms of the pricing and range of stalls on offer. It says there are actually only three more food and drink stalls this year up from last year, which have been used to fill new spaces in the market, like the new Piccadilly Gardens double tipi food and drink area.
It has pointed to the large areas of predominantly gift stalls on St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, Corn Exchange, New Cathedral and Market Street. There are also smaller areas of gift stalls within King Street, Piccadilly Gardens and Exchange Square.
Council bosses say it's possible that "customers stick to just one or two different market locations during their trip to the markets and therefore don't always see what's on offer across the whole market and the nine different sites it incorporates".
On the issue of pricing, the council is not involved in the prices set by individual stallholders. However, it says all stallholders are asked to display their prices as "they're subject to the same trading standards legislation as any other retail business". Anyone with specific concerns about individual stalls is asked to inform the council's trading standards department who will investigate.
Councillor Pat Karney, lead spokesperson for Christmas, Manchester City Council, said: "Of course we're very conscious of the cost-of-living crisis and how it is affecting everyone at the moment. We know that not everyone has the cash to splash out on a hot chocolate or gluhwein which is why our Christmas offer isn't just about the markets this year.
"The city centre is at its sparkling best at the moment with our famous big Santa in St Peter's Square and a fabulous Christmas lights trail that includes walk-through baubles and stars, Christmas trees, and a twinkling Manchester bee - all of which are free to discover and enjoy.
"We've also got a fantastic programme of free fun for families each weekend between now and Christmas with a series of magical Festive Sundays funded in partnership with city centre business partners, and, in a festive first for the city, the first ever Manchester Christmas Parade which is coming up on Sunday 11 December."
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- Things to do with kids at Manchester Christmas Markets
