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Manchester Christmas Market 2026
Will there be a Christmas Market in Manchester this Year?
Manchester Christmas Markets are an annual event and have already been given the go-ahead for 2026.
Council bosses have confirmed that the refurbishment of Manchester’s historic Albert Square is now complete in time for the return of the November 2025 Christmas Market.
With 300+ wooden chalets spread across 10 different locations throughout the city, Manchester has one of the biggest and best ‘Christmas Sehenswürdigkeiten’ (German Christmas markets) in the UK.
Manchester Christmas Market Location
Where are the Manchester Christmas markets 2026?
Manchester Christmas Markets are spread across the city centre, in various locations, but they are so easy to follow and are all within walking distance of each other.
In the evenings the town looks magical all lit up and they have street entertainment too.
Best Sat Nav Address: Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1AF
The Closest rail links are Deansgate and Victoria train station.
Manchester Christmas Market Dates 2026
What date are the Christmas Markets in Manchester?
The CONFIRMED official opening date for Manchester Christmas Market 2025 is Friday 7th November 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2025
Manchester’s Christmas Markets will open across the city on Friday 7 November and close on Monday 22 December, 2025.
The extended date of Jan 4th is for ‘A Taste of Christmas’ on Albert Square and the stalls at Cathedral Gardens which will remain open until January 2026.
Previous Dates
- Saturday 10th November – Sunday 22nd December 2024
- Saturday 11th November – Friday 22nd December 2023
Manchester Christmas Market Opening Times
Manchester Market Retail stalls will be open Daily at 10am until 8pm
Manchester Market Food & Drink stalls will be open Daily at 10am until 9pm
Do you have to Pay Entry to Manchester Christmas Market?
No, it’s completely free to take a stroll around all of the Christmas markets in Manchester – day or night! The only thing you would need to pay for is the ice skating rink and purchases from stalls or food and drink vendors.
Cheap Hotels Near Manchester Christmas Market
The best time to visit Manchester Christmas market if you’re planning to stay overnight is on a Sunday. Rooms go for as little as £20pp on Sundays which is 80% cheaper than a Friday or Saturday.
This search was based on Sunday 21st December 2026
Travelodge – There are 5 to choose from within a 5 mile radius and priced, £35.99 per couple (£18 per person) or £44.99 for a family of 4 (£11 per person) Book a Stay
Premier Inn – There are 7 to choose from within a 5 mile radius and priced from £46 per couple (£23 per person) Book a Stay
What’s on at Manchester Christmas Market in 2026
- 50-metre-high ferris wheel at Albert Square
- A vintage Carousel and fairground rides at Albert Square
- Ice Rink located at Cathedral Gardens
- Entertainment from Thursday to Sunday, including kid’s shows at Cathedral Gardens
- German Market Stalls
- Street Entertainers throughout the city
- Food & Drink Stalls
- Winter Gardens will host yuletide bars offering locally brewed ales, food stalls, craft sellers and a stage with live music and DJs throughout the festive season. Live Music & DJs
How Busy is Manchester Christmas Market?
As with all Christmas markets, Manchester can get very busy. Weekdays are always best to visit if you’re looking to avoid crowds.
The weekends from Friday – Sunday are the busiest, as well as the full week prior to Christmas Day.
Other Popular UK Christmas Markets
- Brighton Christmas Market
- Bath Christmas Market
- Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
- Edinburgh Christmas Market
- York Christmas Market
If you have any further questions about Manchester Christmas Market, please let us know in the comments below…
3 Comments
Will Manchester Christmas market stalls be back in front of the Town Hall in 2024 ?
The stalls are set across Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange and King Street.
Hi Allan, we have just had confirmation that the Town Hall project, won’t be complete in time, so the main hub of the Christmas Markets in 2024 will be back at Piccadilly Gardens again.