The 2026 Manchester Christmas Markets opened on Friday 6 November with more than 200 stalls across ten city centre locations, including a brand-new foodie hub at Lincoln Square and the return of the 50-metre wheel, Helter Skelter and Zippy Santa atop a Christmas cracker.
Opening day highlights
The markets, named weeks ago as the best in the UK and second-best in the world, were officially opened by Councillor Garry Bridges, Leader of Manchester City Council, supported by traders and former Lord Mayor Councillor Carl Austin-Behan. The event marks the first markets without the late councillor Pat Karney, who championed the markets and was known as 'Mr Manchester Christmas Markets'.
In tribute, Albert Square's new No 10 North Pole Pub features a snug named Karney's Corner, with a picture of the councillor and a gold plaque bearing the words 'Mr Manchester Christmas Markets'. Bridges paid tribute, saying: "I think it's probably fair to say that Pat loved Christmas more than Father Christmas himself and it feels very strange not to have him once again celebrating the opening of our legendary Christmas Markets with us. We owe it to him and the city to make sure therefore that Christmas this year in Manchester is the very best yet, and we're going all out to make sure it is."
New and returning attractions
This year introduces a new market location at Lincoln Square, off Brazennose Street, with over a dozen stalls and trucks offering food and drinks plus undercover seating. Offerings include tacos, Korean hot dogs, salt and pepper chicken, loaded gyros, churros, and steak and chips.
In Albert Square, Brazilian bakers The Flat Baker are serving artisan pastries including Tiramisu Danish, Pink Forest Cookie and Gingerbread Roll. A limited-edition range of festive Manchester winter woollies, including a Zippy-themed jumper, tote bags, scarves and hats, is available exclusively at The Manchester Shop stall.
Other locations and opening times
St Ann's Square has been reorganised, with the Cirque de Noel Bar at the front and new food stalls including Oh My Donut, Pancake House, Yard & Coop, and Ma Cuisine Francaise, plus a Guinness bar where a pint costs £7.75. Cathedral Gardens hosts Skate MCR with an undercover ice rink and traders including Fondue and Irish Spice Bags.
Markets run daily from 6 November until Tuesday 22 December, except at Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens, which remain open until Sunday 3 January 2027.
