The charming Christmas village only 25 minutes from the hustle and bustle

Hoards of people head to the ever-expanding, ever-popular, ever festive Manchester Christmas markets every year. This year the amazing markets celebrate 20 successful years of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, but despite the success, we have to admit; it is a rather busy place where you usually find yourself drinking mulled wine squished uncomfortably close to a stranger!

Let’s discuss the lovely hidden festive gems just a short journey away from the centre of Manchester, surrounded by countryside and sometimes even an inch or two of snow. Grab your mittens, don your furry snood and let’s explore the Christmas events in the suburbs!

A short 25-minute train journey away from the centre of Manchester you will find the charming village of Uppermill. Decorated with twinkling lights, frost and the odd sprig of mistletoe this delightful village has so much more than amazing homemade cupcakes and cute Christmas cards.

Eden floral styling is a gorgeous florist in the heart of Uppermill with rustic decor and vibrant hand-tied bouquets. The lovely team at Eden hold amazing events every December in which you can go home with a full belly and up to three beautiful creations to really add Christmas spirit to your home. The Eden team hold various workshops over the December period ranging from a simple wreath creation class through to a full day making three incredible traditional Christmas decorative assortments.

The one day workshop is held in the scenic Weavers Factory with views of the breathtaking Saddleworth moors. Materials for all decorative pieces are provided and there is even a homemade picnic lunch! After a day of one to one support and creative guidance, you will not only go home with new skills and a flair for design, but you will also have a Christmas wreath, Garland and a gorgeous table center piece to go with your tasty turkey!

If you don’t have a weekend to spare with the Christmas rush looming, you can also book in for a simple Wreath creation class which takes less time and still ensures you go home with something pretty.

Further down the glistening highstreet is a cosy and inviting cafe-wine bar with the best coffee in the whole of Manchester, so much so that you will ask for this stuff in an IV! The Christmas time sees the already incredibly adorable cafe turn into nothing but a Winter wonderland. With DIY rustic hampers containing scrumptious treats, Caffe Grande Abaco is the perfect place to sip mulled wine and mull over the Christmas treats you will place in your handmade hamper.

Not only will you find tempting homemade desserts, tasty soup and the best Italian bread and cheese boards you’ve ever seen; you will also find prosecco, world craft beers, and festive coffees. Accompanied by vocalists throughout the festive period singing the soundtrack to your perfect cute date night, you can wrap yourself up in a fluffy blanket and snuggle down with a mug of mulled wine, or five! Caffe Grande Abaco is the perfect place to tick off your Christmas list this December.

As soon as you are sufficiently full to the brim with mulled wine and all caroled out, you can continue your walk down the high street to the gorgeous boutique by the village park. Covered in ivy and wrapped with a gold bow is the lovely Hebe, a shop filled with handmade candles, soaps and even handbags Selfridges would cry over!

If you’re looking for quirky and unusual Christmas cards to make the neighbours talk then this little shop is the place to visit! Not only will this treasure trove ensure your loved ones don’t get gifts they want to return, they are also holding a Christmas event where you can have a drink and even get some free goodies! What else could you want while you undertake the tedious task of Christmas shopping? Hebe is a beautiful independent shop with charm, beautiful treats for your nose and gorgeous trimmings for your luscious tree!

Christmas pudding isn’t for everyone and you most certainly don’t have to force down that dry Christmas cake you’ve rushed this year! The Vintage Cupcake Kitchen has all your tasty treats sorted for when you’ve eaten too much turkey! The vintage shop always smells of freshly whipped up cupcake batter and just baked brownies and this time of year the hot chocolate is to die for!

The shop is of course covered in Christmas spirit and beautiful twinkling lights and you can also find a large selection of Christmas cakes ranging from cheesecakes to traybakes and of course their famous cupcakes! Cakes can be preordered in time for your Christmas get together and wrapped with a gorgeous bow, the perfect gift for the cake lover in the family!

Your last stop in this charming village should always be one of its incredible bars and there is nowhere better than Muse. Quirky neon signs mixed with a stunning menu with a mixture of the best funky music you can think of, Muse is where you need to finish your festive rural trip!

From brunch, lunch and even a Christmas day menu you will find everything served in this popular venue will make your mouth water.

Spend Christmas Eve bringing in the festive period in true style with a live brass band, turkey sandwiches and mulled wine, or even book yourself in for the After Dark Bottomless Brunch… Why wouldn’t you! The bottomless brunch includes not only Prosecco, Pornstar Martinis, and Gin & tonics but you will also be treated to Sushi, Sliders and Red Velvet cake. What more could you ask for?

Yes, we do all love the Manchester Christmas markets with its charm, Gluhwein and hog roasts, but sometimes a change can be just what Father Christmas ordered! Take a short train ride to the gorgeous village of Uppermill and discover a rural Christmas this year!

Written by, Alicia Potts,

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