Manchester Christmas Markets have been named the best in the UK for the second year running, according to research by Christmas Tree World. The city topped the list for 2026 with a score of 7.64 out of 10, beating Edinburgh and Birmingham.
How the rankings were compiled
Analysts examined Google searches, December hotel prices, entry fees, number of stalls and proximity to public transport to determine the best markets across the country. Each market was scored out of 10.
Manchester achieved its top score thanks to 633,400 annual searches, the third highest on the list after Edinburgh and Hyde Park, along with its high number of stalls (over 200) and convenient walking times to public transport. A hotel stay in the city costs around £107 per night on average in December.
Top five and full list
Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets ranked second with a score of 6.95, while Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market took third place. Bath and York completed the top five.
The full list of the UK’s best Christmas markets for 2026 is: Manchester Christmas Markets, Edinburgh Christmas Market, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, Bath Christmas Market, York St Nicholas Fair, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, Nottingham Winter Wonderland, Chester Christmas Market, and Leeds Christmas Market.
Dates and changes for 2026
The dates for this year’s Manchester Christmas Markets have been officially confirmed. The markets will open on Friday, November 6 and close on Tuesday, December 22. However, Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens will remain open over the Christmas period until Sunday, January 3.
This year will see the bigger return of Albert Square, following last year’s partial return. Piccadilly Gardens, which has been home to the ‘Winter Gardens’ since refurbishment works began at the town hall, will be out of action this year. A new addition for 2026 has been announced: Lincoln Square.
A new layout is planned for St Ann’s Square this year with a larger number of market stalls set to operate there. In total, there will be 210 stalls spread out across the city centre.
