The ‘worst’ Christmas market ever has been slammed for £9 hot chocolate and no festive stalls

FURIOUS shoppers have slammed their Christmas market when a visitor was charged £9 for a cup of hot chocolate.

Outraged people have claimed it’s “cheaper to go to Germany” than to stay in Manchester to see the Christmas markets.

1

Angry shoppers have vented their frustration on TripAdvisor and Facebook after Manchester’s Christmas markets failed to fill them with festive cheer.

A disappointed bettor wrote: “Increasing hotel meal prices and prices etc… if you stay three nights it’s cheaper to go to Germany.”

Another explained that he and his partner were “ripped off” after their bill for two cups of coconut was £16 – and when they came back later they saw it had gone up to £18.

Someone else commented, “I spent almost enough £20 on a vegan hot dog sandwich (which I’ve never tried) and a salt beef sandwich which btw looked gross when cooked.”

The same user branded the venue “disgusting markets,” not “Christmas markets.”

Other disappointed customers complained about the lack of festive fun and branded the stalls as a rip-off to make money.

“Nothing Christmassy at all, before Covid it was lovely stalls selling Christmas decorations, now it’s all food and drink mainly £15 for 2 cups of hot chocolate, cocktails £9 for a snowball – just pure greed,” added another added.

“Very disappointed, definitely won’t be returning this year or in the near future,” they continued.

“Overpriced beer and food, too busy and no real Christmas stuff just the same old hot Vimto and Aldi sausages at exorbitant prices,” agreed a second.

However, others were delighted with what they found on the market and left raving reviews.

One visitor said: “Better than last year I really don’t understand growing adults crying about the markets being too food orientated – it was always a mainly food and drink based thing – much like Christmas itself which I think is the point is.”

“My daughter and I had a lovely afternoon visiting the Christmas markets in Manchester,” agreed another.

“We walked around the stalls and had mulled wine, fortified coffee, vegan cakes and hot bratwurst and plant-based sweets. We had such a good time,” they added.

Others thought the prices were reasonable, with one market visitor commenting: “We had a great day at the Manchester Christmas Market, money well spent on lots of great gift ideas.

“If you start at Albert Square and work your way backwards towards the Arndale Center there is a great atmosphere and plenty of food and drink at not bad prices.”

A third agreed: “This year I felt like there were more stalls spread out, my favorite part was the Albert Square stalls.

“Also recommend ice skating if you want a good laugh. Great hot chocolate, crepes and a wide variety of food.

“It definitely gets in the Christmas spirit.”

Councilor Pat Karney, chief Christmas spokesman for Manchester City Council, told the Daily Star: “We know not everyone has the money to have a hot chocolate or mulled wine, which is why our Christmas offering isn’t just about the markets every year.

“The city center is at its best right now with our famous big Santa Claus in St. Peter’s Square and a fabulous Christmas Lights Path which includes walkable baubles and stars, Christmas trees and a twinkling Manchester Bee – all free to explore and enjoy.

“We also have a fantastic program of free fun for families every weekend leading up to Christmas with a series of magical festive Sundays funded in partnership with business partners in the city center and, as a festive first for the city, the first ever Manchester Christmas Parade to be held on Sunday 11 December.”