Manchester Festive Food & Christmas Walk

Manchester , United Kingdom

Manchester Festive Food & Christmas Walk

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Immerse yourself in Manchester’s Christmas atmosphere on a private 2-hour festive walking tour. Begin in Cathedral Gardens, where twinkling lights, cheerful music, and bustling stalls set the perfect holiday mood. Here, you may enhance your experience with an optional seasonal treat such as warm roasted chestnuts, sparkling candy apples, or other traditional street-food favourites crafted by local vendors. Continue through Exchange Square and St Ann’s Square, both filled with wooden chalets offering handmade crafts, gifts, and festive flavours. Wander along King Street and Market Street, glowing with Christmas displays and lively seasonal energy. Your journey concludes in Piccadilly Gardens, beautifully transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, unique stalls, and joyful entertainment. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour blends festive stories, magical settings, and optional tastings to create memorable Christmas moments for your group.

Available options

English Guided Tour

Italian Guided Tour

French Guided Tour

German Guided Tour

Spanish Guided Tour

What's included

Seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts and candy apples

Professional guide

Detailed itinerary

Located near Manchester Cathedral, Cathedral Gardens is transformed into a vibrant hub during Christmas. It features an enchanting Christmas market offering a variety of food, drinks, and crafts. Here, you can even savour classic festive street-food favourites such as warm roasted chestnuts, candy apples, or other seasonal treats as you soak in the holiday atmosphere.

In the heart of Manchester's shopping district, Exchange Square hosts a festive Christmas market. Visitors can explore stalls selling unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious food and drinks. The market adds to the joyful ambiance of the holiday season and offers a delightful shopping experience.

St Ann's Square is home to another charming Christmas market in Manchester. It showcases traditional wooden chalets filled with crafts, artisanal products, and delectable festive treats. The market's cozy atmosphere and festive decorations make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

King Street, known for its luxury shops and boutiques, embraces the Christmas spirit with beautiful decorations and festive displays.

Market Street, one of Manchester's main shopping streets, becomes even livelier during Christmas. The street is adorned with sparkling lights and decorations, creating a festive ambiance.

Piccadilly Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas period. The gardens feature a festive market with stalls offering crafts, food, and drinks. Visitors can enjoy the magical atmosphere, indulge in seasonal treats, and explore the various activities and entertainment available.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

In front of Cathedral Gardens

About Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant city in North West England known for its rich industrial heritage, world-class football, and thriving cultural scene. From historic architecture to cutting-edge contemporary art, Manchester offers a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.

Top Attractions

Manchester Cathedral

A stunning example of Gothic architecture, Manchester Cathedral is a must-visit for its historical significance and beautiful stained glass windows.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Science and Industry Museum

This museum showcases Manchester's rich industrial heritage with interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (donations welcome)

Old Trafford

Home to Manchester United Football Club, Old Trafford is a must-visit for football fans.

Sports 2-4 hours (depending on the tour and match schedule) Varies depending on the tour or match ticket

John Rylands Library

A stunning neo-Gothic building housing a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Black Pudding

A type of blood sausage made from pork blood, oatmeal, and spices. It's often served as part of a traditional English breakfast.

Breakfast Contains pork and is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Manchester Tart

A traditional British dessert made with a pastry base, jam, custard, and coconut.

Dessert Contains dairy and is not suitable for vegans.

Pie and Mash

A classic British dish consisting of a savory pie filled with meat and gravy, served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Peak District Cycling along the Bridgewater Canal Spa day at The Lowry Hotel Afternoon tea at The Midland Hotel Visiting museums and galleries Attending a theater performance Boat tours along the Manchester Ship Canal Ice skating at Manchester Cathedral

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather and numerous outdoor festivals and events. The city is lively with many cultural activities and sports events.

15-22°C 59-72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Manchester is generally safe for tourists, with a low crime rate compared to other major UK cities. However, as with any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Manchester Airport • 14 km (8.7 miles) from city center

By train

Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria

By bus

Manchester Coach Station, National Express stops around the city

Getting around

Public transport

The Metrolink tram system is efficient and covers most of the city's major attractions. It's a convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Northern Quarter Castlefield Spinningfields Ancoats

Day trips

Chester

35 km (22 miles) • Full day

A charming medieval city with a rich history and beautiful architecture. Chester is known for its Roman walls, historic buildings, and shopping streets.

Liverpool

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

A vibrant city with a rich musical heritage, Liverpool is home to the Beatles and a wealth of cultural attractions.

Peak District

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

The UK's first national park, the Peak District offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and charming villages.

Festivals

Manchester Pride • Late August Manchester International Festival • Biennial (every two years, typically in July) Christmas Markets • Late November to mid-December

Pro tips

Use the Metrolink tram system for easy and affordable travel around the city
Visit the city's museums and galleries on free entry days or during special events
Explore the city's street art and graffiti in the Northern Quarter and Ancoats
Take a day trip to the nearby Peak District for hiking and outdoor activities
Try local specialties such as black pudding, Manchester tart, and pie and mash