It’s that time of year again when Christmas markets pop up across the UK and there are plenty near Bolton to enjoy.

As the temperatures get cooler, wandering through Christmas markets can really get you into the festive spirit.

If you’re looking for gifts for loved ones or you simply fancy seeing what your local Christmas markets have to offer, look no further.

Here are some of the Christmas markets you can get to within an hour’s drive of Bolton.

5 Christmas markets you can visit near Bolton

Darwen Lights Switch On and Festive Markets

Location: Darwen Market Square, Croft Street, Darwen, Lancashire, BB3 1BH

See the lights switch on in Darwen’s Market Square and take a stroll through the festive markets.

Look forward to a performance by K-Klass who will perform their 90s hits Rhythm is a Mystery and Let Me Show You.

Taking place on Saturday, November 16, the festive markets will see Father Christmas return with some storytelling plus fairground rides, pottery painting and more.

You can find out more about the festive event via the Visit Lancashire website and the Darwen Town Centre Facebook page.

Manchester Christmas market

Location: Several streets in Manchester city centre

Manchester’s Christmas market is back for another year with handmade gifts, crafts as well as food and drink.

@lifeinmanchester EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MANCHESTER’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS THIS YEAR 🎄🎅🎁 The Christmas Markets start this Friday so here is some key info ✨ #manchester #lifeinmanchester #manchesterlife #manchesterlifestyle #manchesterchristmas #ukchristmas #christmasinmanchester #manchesterchristmasmarkets #christmasmarkets #whattodoinmanchester #porkypig #yorkshirepuddingwrap #minipancakes #manchesterwinter #manchesterweekend #bestthingstodoinmanchester #ukchristmasmarket #manchesterchristmasmarkets2024 ♬ Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

The market will take place across several streets in the city centre, including:

  • King Street West
  • St Ann’s Square
  • Exchange Street
  • New Cathedral Street
  • Exchange Square
  • Corn Exchange
  • Cathedral Gardens
  • Market Street
  • Piccadilly Gardens

The Christmas market in Manchester opens on Friday, November 8 and closes on Sunday, December 22.

You can visit every day with Visit Manchester explaining: “Craft and gift stalls will trade from 10am to 8pm, while food and drink stalls will serve from 11am to 9pm daily.

“On the final day, 22 December, the markets close at 6pm, except for the food and drink stalls at Cathedral Gardens, which will remain open until 31 December.”

See the Local Events page to find out more See the Local Events page to find out more (Image: Newsquest)

Chorley Christmas Lights Switch On & Totally Locally Christmas Market

Location: Market Street, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 2SN

Visit Chorley for its Christmas Light Switch On and “a brilliant festive and party atmosphere in the town centre”, according to Visit Lancashire.

Returning for another year is The Totally Locally Christmas Market which promises a variety of independent traders and entertainment including children's rides and more.

You can find more information on the Check Out Chorley website.

A brief history of Christmas markets

Christmas markets

Location: Market Street, Whitworth, Rochdale, Lancashire, OL12 8DP

On Sunday, November 24, you can enjoy festive food, music and stalls at The Ashcroft’s Christmas markets.

The event will take place on Market Street from 11am until 3pm and you can find out more about it via the Visit Lancashire website.

Frost Festival Leigh

Location: Leigh town centre

Leigh is hosting lots of festivities this year with its Frost Festival which includes Christmas markets, a light parade and Christmas light switch-on.

Visitors can also enjoy some evening entertainment and the pop-up food festival.

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Visit Wigan said: “Join us in Leigh town centre, as we kick off our Christmas festivities. We start the day with Christmas markets on Bradshawgate and Spinning Gate car park along with funfair and community stage on the latter.

“As the sun sets, it’s time to ‘Light Up Leigh’ with the dazzling light parade, taking a tour of the town centre and switching on the Christmas lights as you go.

“We end the festivities with an evening of entertainment on the main stage in partnership with the Early Doors Club, alongside the return of the Frost Feast pop-up food festival.”

The event will take place on Sunday, November 17.