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Manchester Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Adorned with a captivating array of twinkling lights and traditional market stalls, Manchester's Christmas Markets offer delectable festive delights, global culinary delights, diverse handmade crafts and a myriad of Christmas ornaments.
What dates are Manchester Christmas markets on?
The Manchester Christmas markets will bring festive cheer to the city from 8 November to 22 December. You can explore craft and gift stalls daily from 10 am to 8 pm, while food and drink stalls will be open from 11 am to 9 pm. On 22 December, the markets will close at 6 pm, but the celebration will continue at Cathedral Gardens, where food and drink stalls will remain open until 31 December.
Do you need tickets?
While entry to Manchester Christmas Markets is free, please note that certain attractions may require tickets. For added convenience, consider pre-booking a variety of exciting experiences online in advance, including the ice rink at Cathedral Gardens.
Where are the Manchester Christmas markets?
The Manchester Christmas Markets bring festive cheer to the heart of the city, with numerous stalls spread across nine bustling locations. Each site offers its own unique atmosphere, making it a must-visit seasonal experience. Here are the locations for 2024:
- King Street West: This area offers a selection of Italian and Mediterranean food, along with elegant decorations and unique French soaps.
- St Ann's Square and Exchange Street: As the original site of Manchester's first Christmas Market, this area features an undercover bar and traditional German-style Bavarian stalls hosted by the market's longest-serving traders.
- New Cathedral Street: Shoppers can find handmade candles, ceramics, and locally crafted gifts, making it perfect for those looking for distinctive items.
- Exchange Square: One of the largest areas of the markets, this lively spot offers mulled wine, specialist food stalls, and local crafts, creating a lively festive atmosphere.
- Corn Exchange - Surrounded by historic architecture, this area features a variety of delicious handmade food, unique crafts, and eco-friendly decorations crafted from recycled wood.
- Cathedral Gardens - As a family-friendly hub, this location includes an ice rink open until 1 January and food and drink stalls surrounding the area until 31 December.
- Market Street - This bustling area features lively stalls offering crafts, jewellery, gifts, and fresh produce, making it a popular choice for holiday shoppers.
- Piccadilly Gardens - As the centrepiece of the markets, Piccadilly Gardens offers live entertainment and vibrant festive decor, along with two marquees with undercover areas for eating and drinking.
How to reach the Manchester Christmas markets?
If you're planning to visit the Manchester Christmas markets, here are some easy ways to get there:
- By tram: Trams are a convenient option with stops at Exchange Square, right next to the Cathedral Gardens market, and Piccadilly Gardens, close to Winter Gardens, the main hub of stalls.
- By train: You can arrive at Manchester Piccadilly, which is a 9-minute walk to Piccadilly Gardens, or Manchester Victoria, which is an 8-minute walk to St Ann's Square and 12 minutes to King Street West.
- By bus: Bus stops at Piccadilly Gardens are ideal for accessing Winter Gardens. Alternatively, you can get off at Portland Street or Shudehill Interchange and walk to Exchange Square in 5 minutes.
- By car: There are several car parks near the markets, including the NCP at Piccadilly Plaza and Chorlton Street. If you'd prefer not to drive into the city centre, you can use one of the Park and Ride locations across Greater Manchester.
Where can you park?
If you're driving to the Christmas markets, there are plenty of convenient parking options nearby. The nearest car parks are at Piccadilly Plaza and Chorlton Street, with Chorlton Street being open 24/7. You can also use one of the Park and Ride locations located across Greater Manchester for a hassle-free experience.
What to expect at the Manchester Christmas markets?
Christmas in Manchester is a magical time, with a plethora of events, festivities, markets, shows, and more, all coming together to infuse the city with the enchantment of the most wonderful season of the year.
How many stalls will be there?
With over 200 stalls spread across nine festive locations, the Manchester Christmas markets create a magical experience. On King Street, one can usually find French soaps, personalised decorations, and beautifully crafted Salford Rum bottles. For fine ornaments, expertly mixed cocktails, and charming light-up decorations, check out New Cathedral Street. Exchange Square offers handmade clothing, babywear, and unique gifts, while the Corn Exchange brings Nepalese jumpers and artisan chocolates. Market Street is usually filled with extraordinary finds, from stylish hats to candles and macaroons. Here, you can expect to explore local and international crafts, savour delicious treats, and enjoy festive drinks in iconic mugs.
Things to do at the Manchester Christmas markets
Skate Manchester Ice Rink in Cathedral Gardens
For those seeking a break from shopping and dining or looking for a family-friendly adventure, Skate Manchester's ice skating rink is a must-visit attraction, open from 8 November to 1 January. Nestled in the enchanting Cathedral Gardens near the National Football Museum, this giant, fully covered ice rink guarantees fun regardless of the weather. The twinkling fairy lights and roof create a magical atmosphere, inviting everyone to bundle up and embrace the festive spirit while gliding across the ice!
Where can I find Big Santa?
For those eager to spot the enormous Santa this year, he has returned to his prominent spot outside Central Library on St Peter's Square. Perched high above the square, Santa keeps a watchful eye on who's been naughty or nice, embodying the festive spirit. While Santa stands at the heart of the enchanting festive light trail, you can also keep an eye out for giant walk-through baubles and the iconic Manchester bee, which add to the festive charm.
Food and Drinks
At the Manchester Christmas markets, you can immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere filled with hot drinks that warm you against the Northern chill. Savour traditional glÃÂÃÂÃÂühwein, hearty German beer, and festive cocktails while indulging in mouthwatering treats like artisanal fudge, bratwurst sausages, hog roast sandwiches, Greek gyros, and salt 'n' pepper fries. For food lovers, there's a plethora of craft ale makers, cheesemongers, and fruit cake bakers. Noteworthy are the handmade gingerbread houses by Gingerbread House Confections, a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Where to stay in Manchester?
Manchester City Centre is where all the action unfolds during the Christmas markets, making it the ideal place to stay. The city centre is home to a diverse selection of hotels, charming B&Bs, and budget-friendly hostels, each offering its own unique atmosphere. To make the most of your experience, be sure to explore the fantastic deals available on this page for maximum savings on hotel stays. Remember, a comfortable hotel stay is key to recharging for another thrilling day at the markets!
Other things to do in Manchester
Manchester is a vibrant city with a rich history, offering plenty of attractions and activities for visitors. Here are five things you can do in the city:
- Explore Manchester's football heritage: Take a tour of the iconic grounds of Manchester United and Manchester City, and discover the rich social history of the beautiful game at the National Football Museum.
- Hop on the Polar Express 2024 Train Ride: Take a magical journey on the heritage steam train departing from Bury Bolton Street Station, where children can meet Santa and enjoy festive treats along the way.
- Visit LEGOLAND Discovery Centre: Dive into a world of creativity with over 2 million LEGO bricks, offering an exciting and unique indoor playground designed for children aged 3-10 years.
- Admire gothic architecture: Be captivated by the stunning gothic design of John Rylands Library and the historic grandeur of Manchester Cathedral.
- Explore Manchester's museums and galleries: Discover fine art at Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth, and delve into history at the Manchester Museum and the Imperial War Museum North.
Christmas Essentials: Christmas Shop | Christmas Gifts | Christmas Pyjamas | Christmas Decorations | Christmas Market Breaks | Christmas Jumpers | Christmas Trees