The weather outside is already getting frightful, so news of anything remotely cosy or festive is particularly delightful. Luckily for us, People’s History Museum’s (PHM) is wrapping up the perfect Christmas shopping experience with the return of its Winter Makers Market, combining the stunning historic setting of the museum’s Edwardian Engine Hall with a carefully curated selection of independent makers, original gifts, and delicious food and drink to enjoy along the way.
Taking place on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November, entry is completely free and this is the biggest edition yet. Everything unfolds beneath the festoon lights that illuminate the striking architecture of the Engine Hall, a Manchester landmark that makes up the historic part of PHM’s museum complex.
Some of the North West’s finest makers, live music, meet the makers experiences, and incredible food and drink are all part of PHM’s 2026 Winter Makers Market. Stalls will be brimming with gifts and goodies galore, fair trade finds, and Christmas cheer.
Just a handful of stalls that’ll be ready to welcome the crowds are:
- Abi Prints — bright, bold, neon‑drenched artwork; affordable rainbow‑colour prints.
- Distort Design — urban cityscape artworks blending posters, street art and signage; textiles, cushions, lampshades.
- Amai Studio — delicate crochet accessories including earrings and hair scrunchies.
- Artley Yarn — colourful knitted‑wire creations; Christmas decorations, wall hangings, word art.
- Lucy Ridges — miniature artworks featuring messages such as “This too shall pass” and “Deeds not words”.
- HOMEWORK — characterful papier‑mâché figures; quirky, personality‑filled gifts.
- Gather (PHM café) — currywurst and fries, Christmas dinner sandwiches, soft drinks, bar drinks, hot drinks.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Hallé Choir will perform on Saturday, with Magic Voices Choir taking to the stage on Sunday, filling the Engine Hall with seasonal cheer.
Interactive workshops at the PHM Winter Makers Market
Interactive workshops will include Spirited Women, a historical cocktail tasting. Led by historian Simon Sharp, it explores women who shaped drinking culture from early pubs to champagne; includes a cocktail inspired by their stories; £20 plus booking fee.
There will also be a Christmas lino printing workshop with illustrator Halina Isherwood. Create your own lino stamp and experiment with printing festive cards and tags ready for decorating those Christmas gifts; £20 plus booking fee.
Winter Makers Market preview evening
On Friday 20 November between 5.00pm to 8.00pm, the Winter Makers Market weekend gets underway with a preview evening. Upon arrival to the museum a warm PHM welcome is accompanied by a warming glass of mulled wine to get the evening off to a festive start.
Live music from the museum’s resident jazz band, Quinta, sets the scene for an evening of shopping and socialising, with a full house of stalls to explore in the magnificent Engine Hall and accompanying gallery. There will be candle making demonstrations taking place from Recyled Wax, who will also be collecting pre-loved candles to be recycled into something new. A beautifully wrapped Christmas tree candle is your special gift to take home.
Preview evening tickets are £10, include a glass of mulled wine together with all the activities outlined.
Avoid the crowds this festive season and drop into the People’s History Museum Winter Makers Market.
📍 People’s History Museum is located at Leftbank, Manchester M3 3ER.
