Christmas can often overcompensate on frilly cosiness and rigid traditions, so if that’s not for you, there’s a striking alternative to consider this festive season in Greater Manchester. Away from the chaos of the Christmas Markets and Cliff Richard-soundtracked shops adorned with twinkle lights, is Gothmas in Stockport, an alternative market held at the historic Masonic Guildhall.
Packed to the brim with over 70 stalls selling gothic fashion, oddities, witchcraft gifts and dark festive trinkets, there won’t be a gonk or candy cane in sight. Taking over the hall on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December, ‘Stockport Does Gothmas 26‘ has grown from a grassroots experiment in 2023, into one of Greater Manchester’s most anticipated alternative winter events, attracting alt-seekers from miles around.
Whether you’re doing some Christmas shopping for the alt-lover in your life, or just fancy something a bit different, Stockport’s Gothmas is the place for you. Though the traditional Christmas atmosphere will be replaced by an altogether darker experience, the vibes will still be high, with friendly vendors and plenty to explore all weekend long – just think of it as Christmas’ little sister, wrapped in lace and wearing a pair of Dr Martens.
An accessible quiet hour will take place between 11am-12pm on the Saturday, catering to those who are easily overwhelmed and SEND visitors, with free tickets available one week before the event – so mark your calendars and keep an eye on the Stockport Alternative Market social pages (trader announcements will also be made here).
Stockport Masonic Guildhall
Built in 1868, the hall where Gothmas takes place actually operated as a Victorian school for over 60 years, becoming the Stockport Freemasons’ headquarters in 1932. It sheltered Guernsey evacuees during World War II and opened to public events in 1990, and the long term plan for the building includes a full uplift of the façade of the venue, restoring it to its original 19th century look.
The logistics
Stockport Does Gothmas 26 is free to enter, with free on-site parking – although you can easily access the site by public transport, as Stockport train station and Interchange are both around a 15 minute walk away.
Stockport Does Gothmas 26 will be operating from 12pm-5pm on both days.
📍 Stockport Masonic Guildhall, 169-171 Wellington Rd S, Stockport SK1 3UA.
