By Georgia Robinson

Featured image: Adrianos Falkonakis

Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens

Spending time outdoors this time of year might not feel intuitive, but if you can stand the chill then a stroll around Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens is a great way to embrace the season.

Between acres of woodland and an abundance of flora and fauna, there’s something to do no matter your interest. If the idea of a walk around the beautiful grounds isn’t enough to coax you from under your duvet, their festive refreshments will.

Serving up a selection of season drinks from cupfuls of boozy mulled wine to Black Forest hot chocolates, the Fletcher Moss Food Truck is Fletcher Moss’s cute outdoor cafe that also offers homemade bakes and lunch options. Despite being outdoors, the cafe has a cosy vibe with a twinkling canopy of overhead lights, benches, and hand-drawn menus – all the makings of a perfect afternoon (and photo op).

Millgate Lane, Didsbury, M20 2SW, @fletchermossfoodtruck

K Craft Studio

For creative souls, K Craft Studio at Kampus is offering up dozens of Christmassy workshops this winter.

From crafting Christmas-themed candles to festive home accessories, K Craft Studio is the perfect place to go to get into the Christmas spirit, learn a new skill, and maybe even come away with some sustainable, handmade gifts for your loved ones.

In addition to this, K Craft Studio offers social events like cocktail making classes, doll-making, and plant pot painting sessions all year round.

Studio 6, Makers Quarter Kampus, 2/F, 28 Minshull Street, M1 3EF, @kcraftstudio.mcr

Altrincham Christmas Markets

Popular for its string of indie restaurants, charity shops, and parks, Altrincham is probably already on your radar. For Christmas, the town has been transformed into a winter wonderland with outdoor markets and festive events.

Featuring wreath-making workshops and independent merchants selling countless trinkets, the Altrincham markets are a wonderful place to take part in the festivities without having to brave the madness of the Piccadilly Xmas markets.

Market Street, Altrincham, WA14 1SA

Half Dozen Other

Open every day of the week, Half Dozen Other whips up a rotating menu of classic breads and pastries with a twist. This spot has just been nominated for the Independent Food Producer of the Year award at the @mcrfoodfest awards for its sweet treats that have people queueing around the block.

Their famous pistachio croissant has had a Christmas makeover, decorated with dried raspberries and dunked in white chocolate for the traditional red, white, and green Xmas colour scheme. Their winter line-up also features mince pie danishes, eggnog custard tarts, salted caramel croissants, Christmas pudding crookies (that’s a croissant and cookie hybrid), and Bailey’s pan Suisse.

To see their full menu, check out their Instagram and visit them Saturday and Sunday until 4pm to pick up a treat, but be quick because once they’re gone, they’re gone.

17 Red Bank, Cheetham Mill, M4 4HF, @halfdozenother

The Oast House

Ordinarily a cocktail bar, restaurant and live music venue, The Oast House takes decking the halls to a whole new level. Every year, an epic Christmas Teepee sets up camp in The Oast House’s courtyard offering a snug hideaway complete with fairy lights, fire pits, and faux fur throws.

Benefitting from The Oast House’s festive menu, why not escape the weather and enjoy their showstopping seasonal cocktails, like their pink gin baubles served on a Christmas tree, or a warming mulled wine?

Keeping the party season alive, the Teepee will play host to a magical NYE event to ring in the new year. Keep an eye on their socials for more info.

Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3AY, @theoasthousemcr