Everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 – dates, locations, and more

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Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 - dates, locations, and essential information

Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 - dates, locations, and essential information

Manchester Christmas Markets will be taking over the city centre this festive season, with hundreds of little wooden huts lining the streets.

Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bringing thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on fantastic festive treats and soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.

This year will see a bigger return of Albert Square, after the headline-grabbing partial return at last year’s event – with the big wheel also set to make a comeback.

There’s also set to be some new locations too for 2026, with Lincoln Square joining in on the action, as well as big changes to St Ann’s Square with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’ bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.

There will be a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre, and Manchester

When are the Manchester Christmas Markets 2026?

This year’s Manchester Christmas Markets will take place between Friday 6 November and Monday 22 December, across 10 different city centre locations.

Some sites will remain open even longer though – there’ll be festivities continuing at both Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens (which is home to the Skate Manchester ice rink) until Sunday 3 January 2027.

Another date for your diary is the Manchester Christmas Parade, which will see floats and performers filling the city on Sunday 6 December.

Manchester Christmas Markets locations

Manchester Christmas Markets

There are some brand-new spots to check out this year as the markets officially leave Piccadilly Gardens and return to their spiritual home around Albert Square.

Notably, Lincoln Square will be hosting a food and drink-focused market for the first time.

St Ann’s Square will also have a brand-new look, and Albert Square will again be home to a helter-skelter and a big wheel, along with loads of food, drink, and festive retail.

The locations are:

You can see more about what each location will offer HERE.

Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 opening and closing times

The vast majority of the Manchester Christmas Markets locations will be open from 10am to 9pm daily, through to 22 December.

The only exceptions are as follows:

Albert Square

Cathedral Gardens

Food and drink highlights at the Manchester Christmas Markets

Great North Pie Co. at the Manchester Christmas Markets. Credit: The Manc Group
Hong Kong French Toast at the Manchester Christmas Markets. Credit: The Manc Group

Until the markets are officially open, we’re not sure exactly what this year’s top stalls and must-eats will be – but looking at the trader list, we can give you a good idea.

The always-popular Yorkshire Pudding Wraps from Porky Pig will be back in Exchange Square, along with the iconic Witch House German bratwursts a short distance away on New Cathedral Street.

Other traders we loved in 2025 who’ll be returning this year include Great North Pie, Flat Baker, Hong Kong French Toast, and Oi Dumplings.

Travel advice and how to get to the Manchester Christmas Markets

As usual, passengers are advised to travel with public transport wherever possible, as the city centre will be very busy with both Christmas Markets visitors and shoppers.

There are eight tram stops in the city centre that will put you within walking distance of the festivities, with St Peter’s Square the closest to the main site at Albert Square.

Trains and buses also serve the city centre well, but if you really need to drive, TfGM is advising to make use of the park and ride system rather than risking traffic delays in town.

See more on the Bee Network website HERE.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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