It was a cold, blustery day in the city centre of Manchester. As i bustled my way through the Christmas crowds i knew what awaited me was something spectacular. I, along with my Mum, Sister and Grandma was on my way to the prestigious Manchester Christmas Markets. It was around early december time in 2009, i had lived in the city for my entire life but this was to be the first time i visited the markets.
I was filled with hopes and anticipation. Unsure of what to expect my family and i weaved our way to Albert square. It was dark and gloomy but as we approached the atmosphere seemed to instantly change. What stood before us was a lively square, filled with christmas lights, soft music and the sweet smell home cooked food.
The haze of christmas lights lit up the air and with just once glance an image of christmas joy filled my mind.
The entire square was packed to the seems with wooden huts, stalls and seating areas. Looking on through the crowds i remember thinking to myself how magical everything looked, i had never seen such a scene of warmth and happiness within the city and it filled my whole body with joy. Desperate to see everything we hurriedly made our way into the market and began browsing the huts. The cobbles underfoot and the old fashioned clothes the stall owners wore made me feel as if id just stepped out of a movie. Each wooden stall held within it a different array of goodies, sweets, jewelry, bags, candles. Every way you looked you were greeted with a different image.
Hundreds of people were packed within the confines of the square, the noise of laughter and chatter was unmissable and it made the whole place light up. Smiles graced the faces of every single person, each taking from the experience their own personal memories. For me, the one thing i cannot forget is the christmas tree hut. As i walked over to the small wooden hut at the very edge of the market my eyes were filled with the sight of hundreds of small, real fur christmas tress. Each under 5ft tall, they looked so delicate with their thin branches filled with delicate needles. The smell was just incredible, its something that cant be described. You know yourself if you have had the pleasure of having a real christmas tree how beautiful and soothing that aroma is. As i wound my way around each tree i felt like a child in a sweet shop, it was just something about them that i loved.
Continuing around the market a group of german men were stood in a huddle, each playing a different instrument. The songs they played were familiar, christmas carols with a slight german twist on them. A captive audience stood around, admiring and taking in the music. Despite the cold temperatures, the men never once looked like quitting, instead they played their music all through the evening and made the experience for the visitors magical.
Right on the door step of the large stately town hall, it seemed only right that centre stage was a huge inflatable Father Christmas, yes some might have called it tacky but to me it was a perfect addition to the winter wonderland the city had so marvelously created. Seated about 30 feet high on at arch that lead right into the town hall, it was a grand and spectacular sight to be seen. With lights, glitter and sparkle on every edge it was without a doubt the main attraction. (as well as the singing reindeer head).
Before i knew it the evening was drawing to a close, i had eaten great food, seen some wonderful sights and spoken to some of the most warm hearted people i had ever met. For me, this visit to the market was not to be a one of thing, after the great arrival i had been shown i knew this was a place i would continue to visit for a long time to come!
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