Manchester Christmas Markets have returned to the city centre for 2026, with more than 200 stalls spread across ten locations. The festive season officially kicked off on Friday 6 November, and this year's event brings several new additions, including a new hub at Lincoln Square and the return of Zippy Santa to Albert Square.
New attractions and locations
Albert Square is the main hub this year, with Manchester Town Hall providing the backdrop after years of refurbishment works near completion. The Big Wheel and retro Helter Skelter return, alongside a new walk-through Christmas cracker tunnel topped with Zippy Santa. Visitors can walk through the tunnel while a loop of famous Christmas songs plays.
Piccadilly Gardens is out of action this year due to refurbishment, so a new location at Lincoln Square has been introduced, featuring street food stalls formerly at Piccadilly Gardens, including BangGa BangGa Korean hot dogs, salt and pepper chicken, smash burgers and churros, plus a craft beer and cocktail bar.
Family-friendly highlights
Albert Square offers a new festive display with a big red Santa "selfie sleigh" set within a mini forest of snow-covered fir trees. The giant Santa returns for the first time in nearly a decade, sitting atop an enormous walk-through green Christmas Cracker with a "Christmas countdown" tracker and colour-changing lights.
Rides are available across the markets, including the Big Wheel, Helter Skelter, a merry-go-round on Market Street, and a mini ferris wheel at Cathedral Gardens. The ice skating rink, Skate MCR, is also open at Cathedral Gardens.
Prices for rides, food and drink
The Big Wheel on Albert Square costs £6 off peak for children aged 12 or under and £8 for adults and teenagers. Peak pricing is £7.50 for children and £9.50 for adults and teens. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs £30, or £24 off peak. A private gondola experience for up to six people, including fast track and a complimentary souvenir photo, is £65.
Other rides, including the mini ferris wheel and merry-go-round, are from £4 a go. Fairground games vary in price, with the knock the cans down stall costing £6 for two balls, £8 for three balls and £10 for four balls.
For food and drink, a mug of gluhwein costs from £5.50 to £6.50, a pint of beer, lager or cider is between £6 and £7, and bratwurst sausages are £8. Hot drinks start from around £4.50, while loaded hot chocolates start from £5.
Opening times
Markets across the city are open daily from Friday 6 November until Tuesday 22 December, except at Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens, which remain open until Sunday 3 January 2027. Stalls are open from 10am to 9pm daily, with an earlier closing time of 5pm on December 22.
