Manchester’s Christmas Markets have returned, filling the city centre with charming wooden huts and the smell of mulled wine. Yet over the border in Yorkshire is another market which could give ours a run for its money - but you only have one weekend left to make the most of it.
Just an hour’s drive from Greater Manchester, Halifax’s spectacular Piece Hall is transformed each year into a Christmas wonderland. With an impressive 66,000sq ft open-courtyard, it feels like a grand European piazza and it’s hard to believe you’re actually in the north of England.
For three weekends in November it hosts Christmas markets, and shoppers can browse more than 50 stalls, with independent and artisan producers and makers, selling everything from handmade gifts and jewellery, to delicious food and drink. There’s musical entertainment too, to put you in the mood.
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The markets will be open on Friday, November 24 from 10am to 8pm, Saturday November 25 from 10am to 8pm and Sunday November 26, from 10am to 4pm. But if you can’t make them there’s still plenty of festive fun to be had at the Piece Hall.
It’s hosting a jam-packed Christmas programme until December 31, with more than 50 gigs, shows, workshops and events taking place during the festive season. This year’s line up includes Craig Charles, Martin Kemp and The Pussycat Dolls’ Kimberley Wyatt.
Shows take place in the magical Spiegeltent, a vintage style big-top with a gorgeous red-velvet interior. The courtyard itself is home to a magnificent 45ft Christmas tree, a Victorian carousel and a vintage big wheel, all against the backdrop of the stunning Grade-I listed Piece Hall.
