Manchester Christmas Markets: All you need to know
Manchester City CouncilOne of Greater Manchester's most beloved events, the Christmas Markets, is just around the corner.
This year, the markets will take place at 10 different sites across the city centre, including a newly reopened section of Albert Square, and also feature other activities such as an ice skating rink and the Manchester Festive Wheel.
The markets will open from Friday, with opening hours varying from site to site.
Here's all the details you need if you're planning to head along.
Where are the markets?
The markets will be held at:
- Albert Square
- St Ann's Square
- King Street
- Exchange Street
- New Cathedral Street
- Exchange Square
- Corn Exchange
- Cathedral Gardens
- Market Street
- Piccadilly Gardens
When will they be open?
Most of Manchester's Christmas Markets will be open from Friday until Monday 22 December.
However, the stalls at Cathedral Gardens and Albert's Square's 'A Taste of Christmas' activities will remain open until 4 January 2026.
The opening times vary between sites, with all of the details listed on the Manchester City Council website.
What other activities are on offer?
Beyond market stalls, Albert Square will also have a Christmas themed light-up walk-through, game stalls, a traditional carousel, and a helter skelter ride.
It will also be home to the Manchester Festive Wheel, which will be open daily from 7 November to 4 January from 10:00 to 20:45 GMT - excluding Christmas Day.
The Skate Manchester ice skating venue opened this week at Cathedral Gardens, and will also remain open until 4 January.
Manchester City CouncilHow much does it cost?
Entry to the Manchester Christmas Markets will be free, and visitors will not need to book.
Manchester City Councillor Pat Karney has previously told the BBC market traders had been asked to keep food and drink prices "as low as possible".
Tickets for the Festival Wheel are £8 per adult and £6 for kids under 12. They can be pre-booked via the the Manchester Festive Wheel website.
Tickets for the skating rink start at £17.50 for adults and £13.75 for children on "off peak" dates. They can be booked on the Skate Manchester website.
How do I get there?
Car parking spaces will be available in the city centre, including car parks at the city's universities, such as Booth Street West car park off Oxford Road.
However, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has warned that the roads in the city centre are expected to be very busy.
The markets can also be easily accessed by bus, train or Metrolink. There are 24 park and ride sites around Greater Manchester.
More information on how to get to the markets is available on the TfGM website.
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