“Last updated: 28 August 2025”
This year, Manchester Christmas Markets takes place from 7 November until 22 December 2025. Also at the Cathedral Gardens section of the Market and Albert Square, the food and drink stalls will re-open after Christmas through to Sunday 4th January 2026 which will be called ‘A Taste Of Christmas’. Here is our guide:
The family-friendly Winter Gardens will have a selection of bars, food stalls, craft sellers and a stage with live music and DJ’s.
This year isn’t “just another Christmas”—it’s the grand home‑coming to Albert Square, the markets’ spiritual birthplace, after six long winters away during the £400 m Town Hall restoration. Manchester City Council has confirmed that “most of the transformed and enlarged square will be made available to support 2025’s Christmas programme.” Expect the iconic light‑up Santa to reclaim his perch, a fresh layout of traditional chalets and a nightly programme of choirs and brass bands—all wrapped into the city’s ten‑site festive trail. This year there will be a Big Ferris Wheel too.
Fast facts at a glance
| 2025 (Confirmed Dates) | 2024 pattern | |
|---|---|---|
| Main dates | Fri 7th Nov – Monday 22nd Dec | 8th Nov – 22nd Dec 2024 |
| Daily hours | Craft stalls 10 AM–8 PM; food & drink 11 AM–9 PM |
Same as 2024 |
| Late opening | Cathedral Gardens and Albert Square billed as “A Taste of Christmas” stays open until Sunday 4 January 2026. | – |
| New for 2025 | Albert Square returns, Christmas Parade 2.0 and an enormous 50m high ferris wheel. | – |
Market map & locations (all within a 15‑min walk)
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Albert Square — returning flagship site with giant Santa, heritage chalets and the Town Hall backdrop + an enormous 50m high ferris wheel. There will also be a vintage Carousel for children of all ages, along with other Christmas fairground-style attractions.
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Winter Gardens, Piccadilly Gardens — two heated food marquees & live music
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St Ann’s Square — the Bavarian heart with artisan gifts
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King Street — boutique crafts & Mediterranean bites
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Market Street — indie makers’ row
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New Cathedral Street — high‑end gifts, Witch House bar
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Exchange Square — windmill tower, Yorkshire‑pudding wraps
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Corn Exchange — chocolate, pies, indoor refuge
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Cathedral Gardens — Skate Manchester rink, Victorian carousel
- Exchange Street – Alpine wooden chalets
What’s new besides Albert Square?
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Christmas Parade 2.0 with 400 performers winding from the Cathedral to Deansgate early December.
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Extra sustainability touches: reusable‑mug deposit (£3.50) and hydrotreated‑vegetable‑oil generators.
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Larger covered Winter Gardens for all‑weather dining.
- Albert Square will play host to an emormous 50m high ferris wheel.
Eat & drink like a local
| Must‑try | Where | Why it’s great |
|---|---|---|
| Porky Pig Yorkshire‑pudding wrap | Exchange Square | legendary northern comfort food |
| Raclette‑smothered spuds | Winter Gardens | alpine cheese waterfall |
| Mancunian mulled wine | Albert Square | brewed with Salford Rum in reusable mugs |
| Churros con chocolate (vegan) | Market Street | sweet street‑food fix |
| Salt‑and‑pepper chicken | St Ann’s Square | local cult favourite pop‑up |
Entertainment & family fun
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Skate Manchester covered rink (08th Nov – 01st Jan) with disco nights.
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Giant Santa selfie station back in Albert Square.
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Free photo booths and brass bands roaming daily after 4 PM.
- Vintage Carousel for children of all ages, along with other Christmas fairground-style attractions.
Sustainable & accessible visiting
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Return‑and‑reuse mug system (£3.50 deposit).
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80 % UK‑based traders, cutting freight emissions.
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Step‑free routes marked; accessible toilets at Albert Square, Winter Gardens & Cathedral Gardens.
Getting there & around
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Metrolink stops: Piccadilly Gardens, Exchange Square, St Peter’s Square (for Albert Sq).
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Rail: Manchester Piccadilly & Victoria are 10 min walks.
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Park‑and‑Ride: free at East Didsbury, Radcliffe, Ladywell with combined tram ticket.
Hotels Near Manchester Christmas Markets 2025
Luxury
| Hotel | Walk to Albert Sq | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| The Lowry Hotel | 10 min | Riverside, spa, fine dining |
| Kimpton Clocktower | 6 min | Victorian grandeur, social hour |
| Hotel Gotham | 5 min | Art‑deco rooms, rooftop bar |
Mid‑range
| Hotel | Walk | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Native Manchester (Ducie St) | 12 min | Loft apartments, cinema |
| Leonardo Hotel Central | 7 min | Steps from tram, big breakfasts |
| Motel One Royal Exchange | 4 min | Design‑led, great price |
Budget
| Hotel | Walk | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| easyHotel Manchester | 8 min | No‑frills ensuite pods |
| YHA Manchester | 15 min | Canal‑side hostel, parking |
| Selina NQ1 | 9 min | Hostel/privates, co‑working |
48‑hour festive itinerary (with Albert Sq focus)
Day 1 (Fri)
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14:00 – Check‑in, head straight to Albert Square for raclette & first mug.
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17:00 – Twilight skate at Cathedral Gardens.
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19:30 – Rooftop cocktails at Gotham overlooking Town Hall lights.
Day 2 (Sat)
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10:00 – Shop St Ann’s & King Street stalls.
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13:00 – Yorkshire‑pudding wrap lunch in Exchange Sq.
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15:00 – Brass band on Market St, collect parade spot if parade weekend.
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18:00 – Christmas Parade or evening choir on Albert Square stage.
Day 3 (Sun)
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09:30 – Brunch at Ducie St Warehouse.
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11:00 – Souvenir mug swap in Albert Square.
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12:00 – Depart via Piccadilly station.
Final thoughts
With Albert Square finally back in the festive fold, Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 blend nostalgic charm with fresh attractions across ten buzzing zones. Book early, pack layers, and let the city’s beating heart—under the watchful glow of giant Santa—deliver your most memorable Christmas yet.
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When do Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 start and finish?
The Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 will run from Friday, 7 November until Monday 22 December 2025. However there are extended dates for A Taste of Christmas on Albert Square and the stalls at Cathedral Gardens which will remain open for an extended run throughout the Christmas period, from Friday 7 November until Sunday 4 January 2026.
What are the opening times for Manchester Christmas Markets 2025?
Most stalls open daily from 10 am to 9 pm. Food and drink stalls often stay open later, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where are the Manchester Christmas Markets located in 2025?
They’re spread across several areas of the city centre, including Albert Square, St Ann’s Square, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Square, King Street and Market Street.
Is there an entrance fee for Manchester Christmas Markets?
No – entry to all areas of the markets is completely free.
Are the Manchester Christmas Markets family-friendly?
Yes! There’s an ice rink at Cathedral Gardens, fairground rides, kids’ workshops, and plenty of family-friendly food options.
What food and drinks can I try at the markets?
Enjoy traditional German sausages, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, hot chocolate, mini pancakes, churros, artisan cheeses and much more.
Can I pay by card at the markets?
Most traders accept card payments, but it’s a good idea to bring some cash for small purchases or older stalls.
Where can I park when visiting the markets?
Use one of Manchester’s city centre car parks or Park & Ride services. Parking can be limited and expensive, so public transport is often easier.
Are the Manchester Christmas Markets accessible?
Yes, most areas have step-free access and facilities for wheelchair users. It’s best to check the latest info from the official website closer to your visit.
Are dogs allowed at Manchester Christmas Markets?
Dogs on a lead are usually allowed, but it can get very crowded, so it may not be suitable for nervous pets.
