Manchester Christmas Market
Christmas markets are the ideal place to pick up some amazing Christmas gifts for loved ones this festive season! Piccadilly Gardens is known as the Christmas hub in Manchester, so if you head there, you're to find everything that you need. Browse and shop from the market's 300 stalls and you'll find some beautiful decorations and figures, as well as more unique handmade gifts to make for an extra special present, or keep a look out for stalls that offer personalised gifts for a more personal touch this year! After all that shopping, you're bound to have worked up an appetite, and with choices like Dutch frites, hand pulled pizzas, curries, Yorkshire pudding wraps and burgers available, how could you refuse? Finish it off with a festive cocktail, it's Christmas after all!
Manchester Arndale Centre
Manchester's main shopping centre, and the biggest inner-city shopping centre in the country, is proof that Manchester really does have everything! Shopping at the Arndale couldn't be simpler with countless stores and facilities to keep you occupied. You'll find a large selection of leading high street names like Primark, River Island, Apple and Topshop as well as smaller independent stores and lots of food outlets all under the one roof! There's more to the centre than just the shopping though as they also provide a range of festive experiences including a 4D virtual reality ride in Santa's sleigh, ideal for the whole family. Make sure your little ones have their letters to Santa ready to post as the Arndale have a special postbox for them, and you'll get a reply!
The Royal Exchange
If you're looking for a gift with a touch of luxury this Christmas, then a visit to The Royal Exchange is a good start! Home to a collection of luxury retailers, premium brands and independent boutiques, adds some brilliant options to shopping in Manchester. You'll find Watches of Switzerland, Swarovski and Selfridges, so if you're after something sparkly for that special someone, you're sure to find it in one of these stores. There's also Hotel Chocolat, perfect for chocoholics, scribbler for those who like stationery sets, and The Body Shop and Lush for a scent-sational bath bomb or gift set they can pamper themselves with! If you need to take a break from shopping and refuel, there are cafes and restaurants to choose from including TGI Fridays and Annie's tearoom.
The Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre is another shopping centre situated within Manchester and is ideal for well known brands as well as some that visitors may not have seen before! Some of the most popular shops include Game, perfect for that family member who's into their gaming, John Lewis, for something a little more special, Samsung, for that tech obsessed friend and Zara for that fashion loving friend. Whoever you're buying a gift for, you're sure to find something special that they'll love! When you've finished all the shopping or just need to stop and recharge, it's time to visit the food outlets. You'll find a whole range of restaurants and cafes to choose from including All Bar One, Five Guys, Millies Cookies, Nandos and Wagamamas!
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
Okay, we'll be honest, this one isn't technically in Manchester, but it's not too far away so we've added it! Cheshire Oaks was the first and remains the UK's largest designer outlet, so it's definitely worth a visit particularly at Christmas. With more than 145 boutiques, restaurants and cafes, there's nothing that you won't be able to find here. For fitness gifts, there's Adidas and Nike where you can treat the fitness fanatic in your life to something to help their performance, or for a more classic Christmas gift, there's Marks & Spencer and Next. Whether it's jewellery, ornaments or something tasty you're after this Christmas, there will be a shop here that sells it! Once you've found all the best gifts, take a break and have a bite to eat at Pizza Express, Yo! Sushi or Ed's Easy Diner.
Northern Quarter
If you'd rather take a step away from the big brands, then the Northern Quarter is the shopping area for you. Here you'll find a cool neighbourhood with bright street art, bars, independent stores and record shops! This area is for the creative and alternative, so if you've got a friend or family member with a more eclectic taste, this should be the perfect place to find their Christmas gift. There are also lots of cafe, bars and restaurants for you to relax in once the shopping is done or you need a break, and if you fancy letting your hair down we've heard that the nightlife is pretty good in this part of the city too!