A Christmas Market

At the weekend we drove over to Manchester to visit the huge Christmas Market which stretches through the city centre.. 

Our first stop was lunch - there was a massive selection of European food to choose from. There was a  huge Bratwurst sausage hotdog for Mr.B. and a very tasty paella for me, followed by hot chocolate and mince pies. Suitably refreshed, we joined the crowds thronging around the busy stalls. The festive spirit was certainly in full swing and we both began to feel quite Christmassy too.

My husband really liked these old-fashioned Father Christmas figures. I'll be honest, I find them quite spooky when they're assembled on masse

I preferred this guy leaning over the top of a wooden chalet.

And how cute is this little reindeer!

This stall was full of evergreen plants and garden wreaths full of bird food. I now have one in my garden too!

Lots and lots of tasty treats for sale.

My friend has a pale blue campervan just like this one ... this could be a new career move for her when teaching all gets too much.

We were very taken with the wooden decorations on this stall which reminded us of our trip to Switzerland in the summer. We eventually splashed out on a little carousel complete with a nativity, which spins when the candles are lit. I'm looking forward having it out on display very soon. I might even take it into school to show the children in assembly.

This Christmas market is enormous ..... and certainly as good as those I've visited in Milan and Krakow. We spent more than two hours wandering around, mostly in the Albert Square area in front of the majestic town hall. 

Later, we were dismayed to discover we had only managed to see two of the nine areas! 

Next year we will have to be much better prepared!