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Christmas shopping would be unbearable without regular breaks for an alfresco bratwurst washed down with spiced Gluhwein. This is why more than a million visitors from far and wide are expected to flock to Manchester again this year to browse the traditional wooden chalets and twinkling stalls of the city's famous Christmas Market.

Launched in 1998, when the congress of Frankfurt hosted a small traditional German Market with just 17 stalls, Manchester's Christmas Market has grown to 200 stalls in six city centre sites. The original traders from Frankfurt have been joined by an ever-increasing mix of European and local producers, offering everything from art & crafts to food and fashion items.

This year, as the market celebrates its tenth anniversary, it promises the greatest ever variety of fabulous gifts and taste-bud tempting treats from across Europe and beyond.

So feel free to join the crowds in Manchester city centre's streets and squares for a guaranteed dose of festive cheer. Whether you are looking for an unusual gift or just want to stock up on authentic continental specialities to add a bit of fun to your Christmas dinner, this is the place to visit. Even if you don't fancy shopping, there is no better place to meet your mates for a cold Bavarian beer or a cup of mulled wine to toast the approaching New Year.

"People travel from all over the country to visit us and we are contacted by traders from right across Europe each year keen for a place here," says Mark Legomski, head of Markets for Manchester City Council. "Such is the popularity that our stalls are always 100 per cent allocated no matter how much we grow, and it's now waiting list only. The festive atmosphere this creates is fantastic and it's a wonderful place to be for experiencing some real Christmas spirit."

Last year, the Christmas Market contributed an estimated £42.6 million to the local economy, with a daily average of 43,000 people visiting the market in Albert Square alone over the five weeks it was open. It is no wonder the market has become a Christmas classic and the mainstay of Manchester's events calendar.

"We have really made our mark on the Christmas market industry and know many of our traders extremely well," continues Legomski. "It's particularly pleasing to have watched local traders develop their businesses over the years through our market."

Manchester Christmas Market opens on Nov 18 and runs until Dec 21 in six central locations. Here is a quick look at what is happening where:

Albert Square, daily, 10am - 9pm

Situated directly in front of Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square will once again host the European Christmas Market. Here you can enjoy tasty treats including continental sausages, spiced Gluhwein, Bavarian beer and hot chestnuts. Also available in Albert Square is a wide range of continental specialities like sausages, cheeses, marinated olives and chocolate to take home. Non food items for sale include Christmas decorations, leather goods, jewellery and natural skincare products.

Brazennose Street, daily, 10am - 7pm

Introduced in 2006, the World Christmas Market on Brazennose Street (directly opposite Albert Square) features dozens of stalls selling everything from Indian handmade leather boxes to fairly-traded ornaments from Africa and fabulous jewellery from Bali.

St Ann's Square, daily, 10am - 8pm

This picturesque square in the heart of Manchester's shopping district hosts a traditional German Christmas Market, the original market from Frankfurt, featuring wooden toys and decorations.

Exchange Street, daily, 10am - 7.30pm

Adjoining St Ann's Square, Exchange Street will come alive with a cluster of arts and crafts stalls selling a delightful selection of handmade gifts, including glass jewellery and original paintings.

New Cathedral Street, daily, 10am - 7.30pm

For more arts and crafts visit New Cathedral Street, along the walkway between Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. Here you will find jewellery, driftwood sculptures and mohair shawls among other fabulous products.

Exchange Square, daily, 10am - 9pm

New this year, the Christmas Market is taking over Exchange Square, with more food and drink traders.

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