It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the Manchester Christmas Markets have finally thrown open their cosy wooden doors from now until the 22nd December. Through the bustling squares and cobbled streets of Manchester, the scents of roasted chestnuts, spiced gluhwein and hot crepes will drift through northern winds.

This year’s Manchester Christmas Markets will take over nine different sites across the city centre – Albert Square, St Ann’s Square, King Street, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Cathedral Gardens, Market Street, and The Corn Exchange. And, for the rumoured final year, seated proudly over the entire Albert Square scene will be the giant Santa, while the beautifully crafted and iconic wooden windmill will reappear at Cathedral Gardens along with the brand new ice village.

This winter, Albert Square will feature a gastronomic re-invention; from the brand-new Amsterdam Frites stall (boasting an impressive 30 different toppings and sauces poured all over their triple cooked fries) to Zouk, a traditional curry house with two new curries every day, including a range of veggie and vegan options.

The much-anticipated Yorkshire pudding wrap will return to Exchange Square this year, while Elsie May’s is back with two sites this year, serving up shimmering prosecco and decadent hot loaded cookie. Besides feasting in the hotchpotch of Christmassy food and drink huts across Manchester, there’s also the opportunity to take home fresh produce and browse an assortment of quaint gifts, homewares and confectionary.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Manchester Christmas Markets stalls for you to seek out.

Albert Square

Little Spain: Serving up freshly cooked paella, flavoursome chorizo rolls, spicy patatas bravas, hot sangria, Cava, and Spanish beers.

de Creperie: Tiny, doughy pancakes and waffles, (we recommend asking for the Nutella option).

Manke Markets Ltd: Delicious gluhwein and opulent chocolate.

Northern Soul Manchester: Bringing you the North West’s best grilled cheese sandwiches, served with assorted fillings, such as mac ‘n’ cheese, freshly made drinks and milkshakes, as well as their notorious ‘Hard Shakes’.

King Street

Cuisine Provencale: Rich, garlic potatoes, Provencale potatoes, Provencale chicken and garlic mushrooms and cassoulet.

Le Moulin Au Chocolat: Bringing you fine teas and warming liqueur coffee, hot chocolates, biscuits and indulgent cakes. There’s also mulled English wine and Elderflower wine.

Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street

Cheshire Cheese Company: Selling a selection of flavoured cheese, chutney, jams and spreads.

Macaroons: Fresh Coconut Macaroons.

RJS Candles: Hand-made candles, the perfect gift for a loved one this Christmas.