Christmas

It’s literally the most wonderful time of the year and we’re going big.

When we say big, we mean massive. Whether it be the countless festive events going on in and around Greater Manchester, seasonal deals at our favourite restaurants and bars or the legendary Manchester Christmas Markets, we’ve got you covered.

Speaking of the markets…

Manchester Christmas Markets 2025

The Manchester Christmas Markets are back and they’re going to be bigger and better than ever (we know we say that every year but we’re never wrong).

This year, Albert Square will be included as one of ten sites as the Town Hall renovation makes progress, with Piccadilly Gardens still utilised as a busy hub for Dutch pancakes, gluhwein and bratwurst.

Each year the Manchester Christmas Markets attract over nine million visitors each year with people travelling from all over to visit what are categorically the Christmas Markets in the UK. Just our opinion, but also a fact.

The markets kick off on Friday 7 November and close on Monday 22 December, except for A Taste of Christmas on Albert Square and the stalls at Cathedral Gardens which will remain open throughout the Christmas period until 4 January 2026.

See you there for a beer and a bratwurst!

The Winter Gardens (formerly known as…

Piccadilly Gardens). Manchester City Centre’s busiest green spot will be getting a festive transformation into the Winter Gardens: the heart of the Christmas markets. Here you’ll be able to warm up with a hot sangria, tuck into Manc poutine or bubble and squeak, and fill up on warm cookie dough and Belgian brownies.

Once you’re all filled up you can wander over to the market stalls and browse over Cheshire Cheese Company’s cheeses, chutney, jams & spreads or The Great British Cheese Company’s waxed truckle cheese. You can find the perfect Christmas gift at Silver Flowers where they have silver jewellery made with flowers set in resin. For the perfect evening pick-me-up, you can head to the sweet stand and get your own pick ‘n’ mix sugar rush.

The central hub will include a live music stage, hosting various DJs and bands throughout the festive season. There’ll also be marquee seating, large booths and festoon lighting in the Dock 53 area, as well as a huge selection of food and drink, of course. Don’t tire yourself out too much though, there’s so much more of the Manchester Christmas Markets to see.

Cathedral Gardens

This is the place to be for family fun and Skate Manchester’s ice rink.

Once you’ve skated up an appetite, you can browse all of the food and drink they have on offer, which includes the world-famous Yorkshire pudding wraps — which is exactly what it sounds like: a roast dinner in a Yorkie. Best to wash it down with a big stein of Bavarian beer or a mulled wine. Sounds like the perfect meal, to be honest.

Explore Manchester through the Markets this holiday season

There are over nine different market locations this year and there will obviously be other smaller pockets spread all over the city centre throughout the festive season.

Take the opportunity to explore the City Centre through the Christmas Markets where you can fill up on delicious grub and get all of your Christmas gifts sorted from local vendors.

Find out more about the Manchester Christmas Markets in the articles below, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.