With the festive season now in full swing, Christmas markets are appearing in towns and cities across the country. Manchester's own market opened on November 6, featuring more than 200 stalls across 11 locations, with the return of its hub to Albert Square, complete with a big wheel, a helter skelter and the iconic Zippy Santa.
While Manchester's markets attract visitors from far and wide, locals may fancy a change of scenery. There are plenty of festive markets within easy reach of Greater Manchester, ideal for a day out. Here are five of the best within two hours, ranging from large city-based events to small artisan fairs, including one by the sea.
Haddon Hall's Artisan Market
The Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market is held in the fairytale surroundings of Haddon Hall in the Peak District. Taking place over a series of dates in November and December across six weeks, the market is set within the rooms, galleries and courtyard of the Medieval hall.
Visitors can browse goods from ceramics and candles to crafts and jewellery from over 750 artisans and makers. The hall is transformed into a winter wonderland. Booking is required in advance, with adult tickets from £13.60 and child tickets from £5. More details are available on Haddon Hall's website.
Leeds and Halifax Markets
Leeds is an excellent option for those who prefer a city-based market, with trains taking around an hour. The markets run from November 19 to December 23 in City Square and Millennium Square, near the train station. They feature Bavarian-inspired cabins selling food and drink including currywurst and glühwein, plus THOR'S Highland Lodge with cocktails, winter games and live music, new for 2026, and THOR'S Tipi Bar with log fires and fairy lights. A carousel, a big wheel and a 400-square-metre covered ice rink add to the celebrations.
Halifax's Christmas markets are set in the Grade-I listed Georgian Piece Hall, featuring independent producers from across the region selling gifts and food and drink. The markets are free to visit and take place every Friday to Sunday from November 13 to December 20, open from 10am to 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
Seaside and Historic Options
Christmas by the Sea returns to Blackpool's Tower Festival Headland, transforming it into a winter wonderland with a free ice rink, a 100ft snow slide and market stalls. Set against the Illuminations, it includes fun rides such as a 40-foot carousel, new for 2026, along with the Snow Dome Waltzers, Ice Breaker and the Ionic Star Flyer, plus light displays and artificial snowfall.
Chester Christmas Markets, only an hour from Manchester, are held in the square by the Town Hall and feature 80 traders selling local produce, handmade crafts, jewellery and stocking fillers. They are open from 10.30am to 6.30pm Sunday to Wednesday, and from 10.30am to 8pm Thursday to Saturday. Visitors can also explore the ancient city walls and admire the old buildings for a full festive day out.
