Manchester's Christmas markets return to the city centre on Friday, November 6, with the main hub back at Albert Square for the first time since 2017. The markets will run until Tuesday, December 22, except for stalls at Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens, which will remain open until Sunday, January 3, 2027.
Locations and new additions
The markets will be held across 10 locations in the city centre. Albert Square marks the return of the main market hub as the multi-million pound refurbishment of the town hall reaches its end. The city's giant zippy Santa will look out over the square again for the first time since 2017.
Albert Square will also host the 50m Big Wheel, a new pop-up pub, and a range of food and retail stalls. New this year is a live artisan pastry baking hut and a selfie sleigh inside a Christmas tree.
Other market locations include King Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, and Market Street. Lincoln Square is new for this year, hosting an array of stalls, while Piccadilly Gardens, which served as the main hub in recent years, will not be used.
Opening and closing times
All market locations except Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens are open daily from 10am to 9pm, with stalls closing at 6pm on the final day of trading, December 22. On Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens, stalls open from 10am to 9pm each day, closing at 5pm on Christmas Eve. They reopen on December 26 and run until January 3 from 10am to 6pm daily, except on New Year's Eve, when Cathedral Gardens closes at 6pm and Albert Square remains open until just after midnight.
Food and attractions
Visitors to Cathedral Gardens can take to the ice at Skate MCR, the ice rink protected from the elements, which remains open through the festive season until the new year. The markets feature a wide range of food stalls, including jerk chicken, gourmet lasagne, Brazilian dishes, and Korean hotdogs, alongside traditional Bratwurst and Gluhwein.
