We all love the Manchester Christmas markets, but they can get a little hectic, especially if you’re trying to cram half a dozen colleagues around a small wooden table! If you want a little space to breathe away from the busy market stalls, there are plenty of other ways to eat, drink and be merry in Manchester, including tons of fun Christmas activities at our very own NOMALIA.
Nothing says alternative Yuletide vibes like an intergalactic tipi. Grab a group of your nearest and dearest and head to Nova Star, a dazzling festive venue in Sadler’s Yard serving cosmic cocktails, mulled wines and street food. We’re talking pigs-in-blanket hot dogs and melted raclette cheese on roasties! With a festive soundtrack always spinning in the background, this is a great spot to start (or finish) a big night out – or have a mid-Christmas shop refuel.
With an impressive programme of events, including live bands and Day Fever – a daytime New Years Eve disco, there’s always something happening at Manchester’s New Century – especially when you can get merry on an original sprung wooden dance floor and under a psychedelic disco ceiling! Before you head upstairs to boogie, grab a bite to eat in the food court with independent food traders serving up everything from Vietnamese street food and sourdough pizzas, to American-style burgers and Japanese sushi.
Stockport’s Green Michelin-starred restaurant has landed in Manchester for a series of pop up events! This is your chance to sip on natural wines and gorge on delectable dishes roasted over wood. Taking over NOMA’s very own hobby house, Altogether Otherwise, this pop-up bar promises festive gluttony every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. There are even takeovers from the team’s favourite labels and record shops.
Let your craft skills flourish at Altogether Otherwise, the free hobby house in Manchester with clubs, workshops and activities for almost every interest under the sun. From pottery throwing and gardening to book clubs and mushrooms growing sessions, there’s things to do every day of the working week. Don’t miss the Manchester Ceramics Collective on Sunday 8th December with brilliant local potters selling their wares just in time for Christmas.
You can grab something unique while supporting local businesses at the Makers Market. If you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, this is for you. With independent artisans and makers producing high quality handmade goods, you’ll find presents for the whole family, as well as tasty treats on offer. The Makers Market changes location every Sunday, but the Ancoats one is being held on Sunday 8th December.
For a festive lunch like no other, NOMA’s got you covered. Tuck into a winter spiced brie sarnie with chilli and shallot marmalade at Allpress, washed down with a festive coffee blend and hints of spice. For dinner, it’s got to be pizza at New Century with pulled turkey, sausage, crispy sprouts, bacon crumb and cranberry mayo, followed by a Terry’s ‘Tini – your chocolate orange festive favourite in liquid form. It’s all happening in Manchester!
