Manchester’s Christmas Market is open once more, with a host of tasty treats to try and beautiful gifts to buy right on our doorstep. But let’s face it, although our markets are pretty amazing it can get a bit busy at times - sometimes it’s nice to go somewhere different.
Only an hour’s drive from Manchester (45 minutes by train) is a magical Christmas wonderland to experience. With festive events and independent retailers gathered in a 66,000sq foot open-courtyard, it feels as if you could be in an old town square in Belgium or Germany - in fact it’s what you’ll find in Halifax, just over the border in Yorkshire.
The town’s spectacular Piece Hall building is transformed at Christmas time with an ice rink (this year made from environmentally-friendly synthetic Glice), a vintage carousel and a huge tree decked out in sparkly lights. The space is used for events throughout the festive season, from the Winter Makers Markets to live gigs as well as traditional brass bands.
