For me, Christmas has always meant barbecues on the beach as summer begins, sunshine-soaked mornings around the tree and barefoot parties in the garden. However, since I moved to London from  New Zealand last year, I have been trying to get into the winter Christmas spirit.

Last year, I visited my first-ever winter Christmas Market in Edinburgh, and I was not a fan. I think it’s important to try everything twice, so this year I headed back to the markets — but with a twist. Rather than visit Edinburgh’s market and do battle with the crowds there, I headed to Manchester instead.

My visit coincided with Manchester’s market being voted the best in the UK by both Time Out and holiday experts at Christmas Tree World — and I can see why.

On the day I visited, the sun was shining and the markets were buzzing with life. I chose to visit the market in Albert Square, but if you want to explore Manchester’s markets, they are scattered throughout the city. The one in Albert Square had a helter skelter as well as a Ferris wheel, but I had one thing on my mind and one thing only: I wanted a Yorkshire pudding wrap.

My boyfriend was busy telling me he doubted that I would find one because it wasn’t really very Christmassy, but as we rounded a corner and I gleefully spotted a sign selling exactly what I wanted.

I chose to have my wrap served in a bowl, and went for pork as my meat choice. It set me back £11 and the serving was absolutely massive. It was exactly what I fancied, the meat was perfectly seasoned, all the trimmings were cooked perfectly, and the gravy was thick, rich and salty — just how I like it.

As delicious as it was, the portion was so generous that I actually couldn’t finish it, much to my embarrassment. 

Next up on the agenda was another first: mulled wine. At the Edinburgh Market last year I tried a mulled cider and absolutely hated it so this was a little nerve wracking.

I went for an apple and blackberry mulled wine, which I thought was £6.50 but ended up costing me £10 because I had missed the “mug deposit” charge of £3.50.

Luckily, this was well worth the confusion because, unlike my last mulled alcoholic beverage, this one was utterly delicious. It tasted a bit like hot Ribena, which I love anyway and warmed me right up. It felt like the perfect drink for sipping beside the fire as the rain poured down outside. I was a huge fan; however, I am still waiting for my money back for returning my mug to the stall.

My final act at the Manchester Christmas Market was a crumble. I paid £8 for an apple and cinnamon crumble with vanilla custard, and while it wasn’t the best I have ever had in my life, it was sweet, delicious and hit the spot perfectly.

In my opinion, the Manchester Market absolutely blows Edinburgh out of the water. While it was busy and full of life, I could still walk through with ease and never queued for more than five minutes for anything. Additionally, the food was of higher quality, and all the stalls were operated by charming, smiley staff. I left feeling invigorated and excited for Christmas — and I highly recommend anyone in the area check it out.