Manchester Christmas Markets have reopened for the 2026 festive season, bringing more than 200 stalls to the city centre. The markets launched on Friday, November 6, offering festive shopping, food and drink across the streets of Manchester.
Timber chalets are set up throughout the city, giving visitors the chance to browse handcrafted presents, artisan products and international food and drink, alongside family-friendly festive attractions.
Attractions and New Additions
Albert Square will be the focal point of the celebrations, featuring a 50-metre-tall Ferris wheel and a pop-up pub. Manchester's Giant Santa will return once more, accompanied by a vintage Helter-Skelter.
This year introduces a brand new tree installation complete with a life-sized selfie sleigh. Cathedral Gardens houses Skate MCR, a covered ice-skating rink surrounded by further stalls.
In a month's time, the Manchester Christmas Parade will proceed, with further details about the occasion to be announced before Sunday, December 6. Overall, the markets will comprise 210 stalls across 10 separate city centre locations.
Dates, Entry and Getting There
Manchester Christmas Markets will run from Friday, November 6 until Tuesday, December 22. The festivities at Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens will remain open throughout the Christmas period until Sunday, January 3. Skate MCR ice rink will be open from Friday, November 6 to Sunday, January 3, and the market is open seven days a week from 10am until 9pm.
Entry to Manchester Christmas Market is free, and no ticket is required. The market is most easily reached by public transport, as Manchester city centre benefits from train, tram and bus services. Manchester's Victoria and Piccadilly Stations are within walking distance of the markets.
Trams and buses on the Bee Network operate every 12 minutes, and are described as the "easiest, cheapest and fastest" method of reaching the markets. Roads and car parks are said to be extremely busy, with the alternative of using Greater Manchester's Park and Ride sites instead. Several car parks are within walking distance of the markets, with Piccadilly Plaza and Chorlton Street being the nearest.
