/Phil CunliffeManchester’s Christmas Markets have officially opened, with thousands heading into the city this weekend to get their festive season off to a flying start.
This year the markets are spread across 10 different city-centre locations, including Albert Square for the first time in six years.
Even with more than three weeks remaining until the advent calendars come out, though, another Christmas tradition is about to be observed: Asking how much your day and/or night out is going to set you back?
News has been finding out.
Kaya Black/Let’s start with the booze.
Pints of beer mainly start at £6.50 while a famous mug of mulled wine will set you back £5.50.
You will have to pay a deposit too – £2 for a glass and £3.50 for a mug.
While the deposit is refundable, you do have to remember to hand your mug or glass back before you go home – not always a given after a few Glühweins…
If you need something to eat to soak up the alcohol, in Albert Square you can expect to pay £8 for a bratwurst sausage, £11 for a Yorkshire pudding wrap, and £6 for the ever-popular Dutch mini pancakes, plus a quid for every extra topping.
As far as meals under a tenner go, El Gato Negro have a patatas bravas stand near their shop on King Street, with portions from £7-£10.
The tapas restaurant is one of few stalls selling Guinness – charging £6.80 a pint, with standard spirits and mixers priced at £7 for a single and £9 to double up. Premium spirits come at premium prices.
Back to the food, and you can get a classic Mac & Cheese on King Street for £8.50.
The garlic mushrooms and potatoes stall is back too, with garlic mushrooms for £9, Provencal chicken for a tenner, and garlic spuds from £5.50.
If you’ve heard of Dubai Chocolate from your socials, a Hong Kong French Toast stall on King Street is flogging the trendy treat for £8.50 – the standard price for everything on their menu.
/Phil CunliffeCheshire Cheese Company are still doing their 3 for £15 cheese deal, with The Cherry Tree preserves stall giving them a little competition down the road, selling three mix-and-match cheese and chutneys for 17.95.
The stall has been taken over this year by Rick Coops from Middleton, who is hoping his local link will give him an edge in the markets.
“Mancs like to buy from Mancs,” he said.
If it’s a bit chilly, £4 will get you the cheapest hot chocolate on offer at this year’s Christmas Markets.
If you like your extra shots, sprinkles and cream, though, expect to shell out up to £6 (plus the aforementioned deposit!)
/Kaya BlackAs for market traders, there are some familiar faces this year as well as some newcomers.
Charlie Boy’s Barkery’s is an independent dog treat business run by a father and son from Cheetham Hill.
They’re selling dog treats down on Albert Square from £5-£35, and said “the vibe and the people” is what drew them to sell here.
Further down the square, Pip Fowler sells coasters handmade from old vinyls. The old records can be yours for a fiver.
“It’s a music city,” he said of his success selling in Manchester for the last 20 years.
Perhaps the most expensive item we spotted on sale this year was a £1,200 hand-carved wooden nativity scene.
From the Olive Tree products are carved from the bark of the olive wood in Bethlehem.
Stall worker Holly, from Bury, said the company was expecting to sell at 16 markets across the UK this year.
/Kaya BlackIf you’re looking for a bit of adventure, on Albert Square, a ride on the helter-skelter is £4 a person, and the big wheel is £8 for adults, £6 for kids and £24 for a family of four.
Prices are higher during peak times though – rising by £1.50 a ticket and £6 for the family deal.
And if you’re feeling even more energetic, ice skating is gliding back to Cathedral Gardens, with sessions bookable online from £19.50 for adults and £15.50 for children.