The festive season is well and truly on its way, and with the twinkle of Christmas lights and the cold in the air, comes an influx of gorgeous Christmas markets. Of course, Manchester is home to its own world-renowned Bavarian-style Christmas Market, which will be returning to its original Albert Square spot this year, but there’s one in town that’s further away from the crowds, making the People’s History Museum Winter Makers Market the perfect spot to avoid the hustle and bustle.
From Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 November, People’s History Museum’s magnificent Edwardian Engine Hall will be transformed into a vibrant festive marketplace as the museum hosts its Winter Makers Markets. Set beneath the spectacular glass roof of the Grade II listed building, the event promises a magical atmosphere filled with seasonal shopping, cosy vibes, festive food, and live music.
The markets open with a very special Winter Warmer launch evening on Thursday 20 November that includes live music, pop-up workshops, a complimentary glass of mulled wine, and a chance to preview the stalls, followed by free entry from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November.
What to expect at the People’s History Museum Winter Warmer event
- Live music from the resident jazz band – featuring a festive playlist
- A preview of the Winter Makers Market before it opens to the public
- Mini craft workshops with textile artist Frockdolly to make Christmas Candy Swirl decorations
- Visual artist Sebastian Roberts will be documenting the evening social with observational illustrations
- After dark mini tours of the galleries hosted by the Visitor Experience team
- Festive treats to enjoy in PHM cafe
- Soak up the atmosphere, mooch the markets and explore the museum at night.
All activities and entertainment are included in the ticket price, including your first mulled wine!
What to expect at the People’s History Museum Winter Makers Market
At the People’s History Museum Winter Makers Market, visitors can expect a curated collection of stalls from some of the finest independent makers and designers across the North West – plus craft workshops full of inspiration from the makers themselves. Pop-up entertainment features live performances from the Manchester Civil Service Choir on Saturday and Magic Voices Choir on Sunday.
The museum galleries, shop and café will be open every day, and will be suitable for all ages, with no booking required – although workshops are available to book ahead of time here.
People’s History Museum Winter Makers Market stalls will include:
- Analogish
- Angharad Rose Designs / funky by Angharad
- AWA bespoken
- Charlotte Vinsen
- Charming Badger
- Coco Bella Melts LTD
- Dapper Alice
- Fern Cooke
- Halina Isherwood
- Hannah Louise Stitches
- HawHawHouse
- JillyGDesign Jewellery
- Kayztyle
- Lelalo
- MellowApricotStudio
- Momentum
- Olganna
- Recovery Pathways (Greater Manchester Mental Health)
- Sam Bonser Illustration
- Studio Papagio
- Tender Hooks Weave Studio
- The Lilac Coral
- The Magpies Daughter
- The Stone Artisan
- The Wonky Artist
- Tide & Turned
- Wakydoodledevon
You can get tickets for the Winter Warmer here, and book workshops at the People’s History Museum Winter Makers Market here.
📍 People’s History Museum is located at Leftbank, Manchester M3 3ER.