Manchester Christmas Markets open today, Friday, November 6, bringing more than 200 stalls, an ice rink and a Ferris wheel to the city centre. The event is one of the biggest Christmas markets in the UK.
What to expect at the markets
Wooden chalets line parts of Manchester, where visitors can shop for handmade gifts, artisan products, and international food and drink, as well as take part in family-friendly festive experiences. Albert Square will be at the heart of the festivities, hosting the 50-metre-high Ferris wheel and a pop-up pub. Manchester's Giant Santa will also make a comeback alongside a vintage Helter-Skelter.
This year marks the first for a new tree installation with a life-sized selfie sleigh. Over at Cathedral Gardens sits Skate MCR, an undercover ice-skating rink with additional stalls. In a month's time, the Manchester Christmas Parade will take place, with more details about the event to come on Sunday, December 6.
Where and when
The market is spread across the city centre as hundreds of stalls make up the festive atmosphere. This year, locations include Albert Square, Lincoln Square, King Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, and Market Street.
Manchester Christmas Markets will open on Friday, November 6 and run until Tuesday, December 22. The festivities at Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens will remain open throughout the Christmas period until Sunday, January 3. Meanwhile, Skate MCR ice rink will be open from Friday, November 6 to Sunday, January 3. The market is open seven days a week from 10am until 9pm.
Getting there
It is free to visit Manchester Christmas Market and you do not need a ticket to enter. The market is best accessed by public transport as Manchester city centre is served by trains, trams and buses. Manchester's Victoria and Piccadilly Stations are an easy walk to the markets. Trams and buses on the Bee Network run every 12 minutes, and are said to be the "easiest, cheapest and fastest" way to get to the markets.
Roads and car parks are said to be very busy, with the option of using Greater Manchester's Park & Ride locations instead. There are multiple car parks within a walking distance of the markets, with Piccadilly Plaza and Chorlton Street being the closest.
