Manchester Christmas Markets

This year the Manchester Christmas Markets will take place in various locations around and city streets spread across Manchester City Centre. The main hub will be located at the “Winter Gardens” on Piccadilly Gardens.

The festive events will launch on Friday 8th November 2024 and will be open until Sunday 22nd December 2024 from 10:00 until 21:00 every day! The retail stalls will close around 20:00 and the food stalls will close around 21:00.

The Christmas market stalls will be spread out over the following streets:

– King Street West
– St Ann’s Square
– Exchange Street
– New Cathedral Street
– Exchange Square
– Corn Exchange
– Cathedral Gardens
– Market Street
– Piccadilly Gardens

As you walk along the streets, you’ll find a whole host of delicious, scrumptious and festive food stalls from which to grab food! The indulgence starts here…because there is so much to try!

When I went to Manchester Christmas Market we tucked into Flat Baker’s buttery and flakey croissants for melted chocolate and Oreos – dipped in chocolate sauce. The croissants were so delicious – it’s a must-try! But as we wandered around, we saw so many food options and culinary delights, from dumpling stalls, katsu chicken, halloumi fries and donor kebabs to carvery meat, Korean corndogs, crimble crumble, loaded fries, and SO MUCH MORE! Whether you’re looking for sweet treats or hearty meals, you’ll find all sorts of delicious food here! Not to mention all the drink options! German beer, luxury oat hot chocolate, German lager and a whole host of soft drinks. Head to the much-loved Piccadilly Street Food Market for all things scrumptious and yummy.

Are you looking for Christmas gift ideas or stocking fillers, or just need a family day filled with family fun? You can browse the markets or craft stalls and find all sorts of weird and wonderful items! There are over 225 stalls to discover, from handmade gift sets, woollen jumpers, bespoke crafts, artisan chocolates, thoughtful keepsakes and photo frames to even a French soap stall! With a wide range of gift stalls, you can find all sorts of presents to get you into the festive spirit.

You can also jam to live music and DJs playing on the stage, so the festive atmosphere is always lively! Get up and have a boogie, or just enjoy the Christmas spirit under the twinkling fairy lights! This festive extravaganza is one of the reasons why it’s my favourite city for Christmas!

The market mugs are back! All visitors who purchase a hot chocolate will be asked to pay a £3.00 deposit. For wine or a pint of beer, you’ll need to pay £1.50. You can either choose to return the mug or keep it for your memories.

Manchester’s giant Santa has returned! He will be placed outside Central Library in St Peter’s Square, ready to have some festive fun! This giant Santa is powered with LED light bulbs, making this a sparkly Christmas for everyone. Weighing 2.3 tonnes and 12- metres high, this will be the main attraction every evening.

There is also a nativity scene in St Ann’s Square, light sculptures in Piccadilly Gardens and a large Christmas tree in St. Nick in St Peter’s Square. This festive Christmas tree is made entirely from recycled materials and is reused each year – we love an environmentally conscious feature!

You’ll also find a Manchester bee, GIANT walk-through baubles and many more festive lights twinkling in the night. Go exploring and see what you can find!

The fan-favourite wonderland in Piccadilly Gardens is back again – transformed into the Winter Gardens! With an array of craft and gift stalls, as well as tasty food and refreshments.

Warm up by the log fires, enjoy live entertainment and sip on festive cocktails at the family-friendly winter gardens!

The Christmas Market is easily located in the City Centre, making it accessible to all!

The market is close to the Deansgate and Victoria train stations. There are various car parks within walking distance, the nearest being Piccadilly Plaza and Chorlton Street.