If you haven't visited Manchester's Christmas Markets yet and you've been planning on doing so, you might want to get your skates on as time is running out.
The markets, which launched back in November, come to a close next Thursday - making this the last weekend before they're packed up for another year. The annual festive event started on Thursday, November 10 and runs until Thursday 22 December - giving you just over a week to get yourself down there.
More than 200 traders across nine sites throughout the city centre have been involved in this years markets, offering visitors the chance to buy hand-crafted gifts, souvenirs, and produce from across the region and further afield. And lets not forget some of the brilliant street food that's been on offer - from quirky bratwurst and steaming cups of gluhwein, to luxury hot chocolates and delicious dumplings.
Read more: Manchester Christmas Markets 2022 locations, dates, times and everything you need to know
Almost 25 years on from the first ever Manchester Christmas Markets in 1998, they continue to attract Mancunians and visitors to the city in their thousands to fill up on festive treats. This year has seen the iconic ski chalet market stalls take over Piccadilly Gardens as it was transformed into the Winter Gardens - the markets main hub.
Brand new for this year at the Winter Gardens, visitors have been able to try out the Nordic-themed double tipi bar for over 18s. Fully heated and festooned with twinkling lights, wooden benches, fake furs and a fire pit, it has been a great spot to grab a drink and try some of the street food on offer - from newcomers Parmageddon and Oi Dumplings, amongst others.
Stretching from Piccadilly Gardens down to Market Street and Cathedral Gardens, the markets are also located at Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange, and King Street. The latter is currently playing host to Middle Eastern restaurant Habas, bringing their middle eastern menu and seating area to the shopping street.
As expected, Manchester's Christmas Markets always spark debate - and this year is no different. The price of a sausage, pint and gluhwein are always contentious, and this year has seen some prices shoot up. However, stallholders were quick to defend price increases with many saying it was the first time that they have had to do so. Others said it was in direct response to the price of ingredients going up and cost of living crisis.
While in some cases we spent £25 on a beer and bratwurst, on another occasions we were able to take £20 down to the markets and still come back with change. One thing is certain though - they have been extremely popular this year, with visitors flooding into the city centre to check out the stalls, street food and live entertainment the city has organised for the festive period.
This will all continue until the market draws to a close next Thursday - exactly six weeks after it opened. However, those wanting to try out the ice rink at Cathedral Gardens will pleased to know that it will stay open throughout the festive season until Tuesday, January 3 - so there's plenty of time to get your skates on.
In addition, the food and drink stalls in Cathedral Gardens alongside the skate rink will remain open until Saturday 31 December. As a general rule of thumb, market craft and gift stalls will be open from 10am until 8pm Monday to Sunday. Bars serving alcohol will be open from 11am to 9pm. Full opening times can be found here.
Read next:
