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All the locations for Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 have been confirmed

We're nearing closer to the official opening of the city's flagship festive event on Friday 10 November.

Emily Sergeant - 23rd October 2023

All the locations where wooden huts and hives of festive activity will be popping up across the city centre in just a few weeks time have been revealed.

As the nights draw in, the air gets nippier, and we all fully start to embrace everything the upcoming colder season has to offer, it won’t be long now before Manchester‘s flagship festive event returns to spread some cheer right across the city centre.

Manchester Christmas Markets officially open for 2023 on Friday 10 November.

The iconic annual event is an absolute staple in Manchester’s festive events calendar, and always draws in thousands of visitors from all across the globe each year.

And now, with only three weeks left to go before the fun arrives, Manchester City Council has confirmed all the locations across the city centre where wooden huts will be lining the streets and visitors will be able to tuck into a wide range of festive foods and drinks, and shop for Christmas gifts from countless independent traders.

More than 225 stalls will be popping up across nine sites throughout the city centre, the Council has confirmed.

This year’s Christmas Markets will see the iconic ski chalet-style market stalls take over Piccadilly Gardens – which is, once again, set to be transformed into the ‘Winter Gardens’ – as well as Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange, and King Street.

Here’s all the locations and a brief rundown of what you can expect to find at them this year.

Winter Gardens 

Piccadilly Gardens will again be transformed into the magical ‘Winter Gardens’.

You can expect a mix of craft and gift stalls, alongside food and drink, as well as the return of the fabulous Scandi-style tipi festooned with lights and traditional log fires, and of course, this is the home of the iconic Manchester Christmas Windmill too.

St Ann’s Square and Exchange Street

Did you know that St Ann’s Square is the oldest Christmas market site in Manchester, and was home to the city’s first seasonal stalls 25 years ago? Here you can expect continental cheeses, fresh authentic paella, bratwurst, salt and pepper chicken, festive hot drinks, and… alien sculptures?

Sounds like there’s something for everyone then.

Market Street

Market Street will be home to an exclusive craft and gift area, with over 40 stalls full of extraordinary gift ideas – from tweed hats, spiced rum, Christmas decorations, and candles, to jewellery, gift sets of cheese truckles and much more.

King Street

King Street is set to be a must-visit for foodies and shoppers alike this year.

Authentic Italian deli, Ballaro, will be serving up fresh cannelloni and arancini, while El Gato Negro will bring some Mediterranean menu flavours, and you can also expect a range of crafts too – including the always-popular French soap stall, personalised tree decorations, handmade wooden furniture, and beautifully-illustrated bottles from local distillery, Salford Rum. 

New Cathedral Street

New Cathedral will be your go-to spot for high end gifts and foodie favourites.

Head here if you’re looking for handmade candles, ceramics, local spirits, and thoughtful keepsakes, all before you savour a cold beer and currywurst from The Witch House, a hearty burrito from Mango Rays, or a cheesy ‘Parmo’ from local legends, Parmageddon. 

Exchange Square

This will be one of the largest of the city centre Christmas market sites this year, and is the place to grab a Mancunian mulled wine, try the much-loved legendary Yorkshire pudding wrap from Porky Pig, as well as everything from birria bowls and hot curries, to mini pancakes and fresh fudge.

You’ll also find clothing, soaps, boutique babywear, local crafts, and handmade gifts too.

The Corn Exchange

Set between Corn Exchange and Shambles Square is where you’ll find some of the most unique gifts available this year, so expect handmade pies, Nepalese woollen jumpers, handmade jewellery, Christmas decorations made from recycled wood, and so much more.

Cathedral Gardens

Cathedral Gardens will be at the heart of the family festive fun this year, as this is where you’ll find Skate Manchester’s huge covered ice rink, and free live entertainment hosted every Thursday to Sunday all the way up to New Year’s Eve.

You can also warm up with authentic crepes, gourmet hotdogs, and hot chocolate too.

Read more:

• The Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 return date has officially been confirmed
• Singalong ‘carol-oke’ Alpine winter huts are coming back to Manchester for Christmas
• 30% of Brits have apparently already started doing their Christmas shopping

Featured Image – Manchester City Council