Manchester Christmas Markets 2024 Dates Announced

The Manchester Christmas markets are back, continuing a tradition that started in 1998. They’ve grown into some of the busiest in the UK, attracting big crowds daily.

In 2024, several markets are spread across the city centre. Keep reading for all the details of this year’s festivities (provisional dates have been announced).

Manchester Christmas Markets 2024

Dates – Confirmed (Provisional)

Manchester Christmas Market dates: 8th November to 21st December 2024 (provisional).

Update: Dates were tentatively announced in August and are expected to be confirmed in October. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office, available here (scroll to the very bottom of their page).

Note: Read further below for what to expect at each location.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Locations:
Piccadilly Gardens
Cathedral Gardens
Exchange Square
The Corn Exchange
New Cathedral Street
St Ann’s Square
King Street
Market Street
Opening times: 10am to 9pm.
Street food stalls: 10am to 6pm.
Craft stalls: 10am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Travel and Accommodation

Recommended tour: Manchester City walking tour.
Public transport: Blue, Purple and Yellow line trams stop at Piccadilly Gardens and the Blue, Green and Navy lines stop at Market Street.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Travel tips: Each of the market locations are within walking distance of each other. However, if you need to, you can take the free city bus that loops by most events.
Where to stay: BrewDog Hotel is only a 3-minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free.
Christmas Parade: Sunday, 1st December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Christmas Lights Trail: Central Library on St Peter’s Square.
Santa: You can meet Father Christmas at Santa’s Grotto at St Peter’s Square.
Ice skating: Skate Manchester at Cathedral Gardens: 8th November to 1st January 2025 (confirmed). Closed Christmas Day. Find prices and book online.
Reason to visit: Big Santa, the Christmas light trail, great gift shopping, loads of events.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: There are many options, including vegan bratwurst and five-bean chilli.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Yorkshire pudding wraps, fried chicken, hot cookie dough, a gin bar and of course, gluhwein.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: It’s advisable to leave your dog at home, except for assistance dogs.

Where to Stay

If you are visiting from afar, consider spending 3 or 4 nights in Manchester to experience the city’s sights, attractions and cultural events.

The markets are located in a loop that covers the city’s cultural centre. In the centre of this loop is the BrewDog Hotel.

I recommend staying here because of its location and sustainability measures. This hotel is only a 3-minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens.

Discover additional places to stay in my hotels in Manchester guide.

Get ideas for your next travel break with our UK Christmas Markets List. It lists places to go across the country.

Location

List of All Locations

1. Piccadilly Gardens

Winter Gardens takes over Piccadilly Gardens in November, featuring new food stalls, DJs and live music.

The adult-only Nordic-themed double tipi bar is a highlight, with traditional log fires and live entertainment each evening. There is plenty of undercover seating to stay dry in Manchester’s unpredictable weather.

Don’t miss the 4-metre-tall Manchester Windmill, an iconic feature of the market.

2. Cathedral Gardens

Cathedral Gardens dates: 8th November to 1st January 2025 (confirmed).

Cathedral Gardens is known as the most family-friendly of Manchester’s markets, staying open until New Year’s Eve, well after others have closed. It attracts families and late-season visitors with its lively atmosphere.

The market features unique handmade crafts, including pottery, wooden toys and jewellery. A highlight is the popular Skate Manchester ice rink, which begins with a Halloween-themed skate before transitioning to a Christmas setting.

3. Exchange Square

Food is the highlight at Exchange Square, with Yorkshire pudding wraps drawing large crowds. It offers a range of international dishes, including hot curries and gourmet pizzas.

The Mill Exchange bar serves a Mancunian version of mulled wine made from local ingredients.

The market extends into the Corn Exchange area, featuring various goods.

4. New Cathedral Street

New Cathedral Street focuses on sustainability and vegan options, offering cruelty-free beauty products and plant-based foods like five-bean chillis and bratwursts.

The drink selection includes inventive cocktails and local gins, perfect for a gin and tonic or hot gin punch.

High-end gift stalls feature items such as fine cast ornaments and old-fashioned liquorice.

5. St Ann’s Square

St Ann’s Square is a hub for winter festivities, with local artisans selling bespoke jewellery, unique decorations and handmade toys.

Food options include home-style chicken dishes, burgers and wood-fired pizzas.

German influence is strong here, with stalls serving German beers, warm cherry gluhwein and Mancunian-themed foods.

6. King Street

King Street features a French-themed market with freshly baked croissants, macarons and crème brûlée.

Decorative stalls offer artisan cheeses, cured meats, and French holiday ornaments.

The gin bar, stocked with 100 varieties, is a popular spot for sampling gins from around the world.

7. Market Street

Market Street offers over 40 stalls focusing on artisan gifts and stocking fillers.

Find handcrafted decorations, from wooden reindeer to glass baubles, and a range of hand-poured candles made from natural ingredients like soy wax.

Bonus Event: Big Santa

St Peter’s Square doesn’t host a market but is home to Manchester’s Big Santa, a giant figure that has been a local tradition for years.

Big Santa is set to light up on 15th November 2024 (unconfirmed), creating a festive photo opportunity and brightening the skyline.

What to Expect

The markets are a key part of Manchester’s winter celebrations, spread across multiple squares with 225 stalls, themed bars, rides and activities.

Shop for unique gifts and stocking fillers, and try various foods. Among the ski chalet stalls, you’ll also find the Skate Manchester ice rink, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Food Stalls

• Ballaro Cannelloni: Italian deli on King Street serving house-made cannelloni with fillings like ricotta and spinach.
• El Gato Negro Tapas: Offers Mediterranean tapas such as patatas bravas, calamari and chorizo.
• German Beers: Various stalls serve a selection of German beers, perfect to pair with other German dishes.
• Salt and Pepper Chicken Fries: From Yard and Coop, featuring seasoned fried chicken.
• Bratwurst: Traditional German sausages cooked on swing grills, available with or without a bun and a choice of condiments.
• Vegan Bratwursts: Plant-based sausages for those looking for a vegan option.
• Old-Fashioned Liquorice: Traditional sweet liquorice.
• Currywurst: Sliced bratwurst topped with curry ketchup, served with bread or fries.
• Vegan Five-Bean Chilli: Hearty plant-based chilli featuring five types of beans.
• New York Bagels: Fresh fillings like cream cheese, smoked salmon, or roast vegetables.
• Yorkshire Pudding Wrap from Porky Pig: A twist on a Sunday roast, with meat, vegetables, and gravy wrapped in a large Yorkshire pudding.
• Hot Curries: Various stalls offer spiced curries, typically served with naan or rice.
• Mini Pancakes: Small, fluffy pancakes topped with sugar or syrup, served hot.
• Fresh Fudge: Handmade fudge in flavours like chocolate, vanilla, and walnut, often sold in small blocks.
• Crepes: Thin French pancakes made to order, with fillings like Nutella, strawberries, or bananas.
• Gourmet Hotdogs: High-quality hotdogs with creative toppings.
• Amsterdam Frites: Dutch-style fries served in a cone, topped with sauces like mayonnaise, ketchup, or satay.

Craft Stalls

• Fine-Cast Ornaments: Intricate decorations made from fine-cast materials, showcasing designs like snowflakes, reindeer, or angels.
• Light-Up Decorations: Decorations with integrated lights featuring traditional motifs, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
• Handmade Wooden Furniture: Locally crafted furniture, including chairs, tables and wooden stools.
• Personalised Tree Decorations: Customised tree ornaments with options for adding names, dates, or messages.
• French Soap Stall: Imported French soaps made with natural ingredients such as lavender, olive oil, or honey.
• Nepalese Woollen Jumpers: Durable woollen jumpers featuring traditional Nepalese designs.
• Artisan Chocolates: Handmade chocolates from local chocolatiers, including pralines and experimental flavours.
• Coconut Macaroons: Freshly baked macaroons, often sold in decorative boxes or tins.
• Cheese Truckle Gift Sets: Sets of small cheese wheels in various flavours, including cheddar and Stilton.
• High-End Gift Stalls: Luxurious items like fine leather goods, silk scarves, and designer accessories are found on New Cathedral Street.

Sustainability Tips

• Eco-Friendly Hotels: Book hotels like The Brewdog, which use renewable energy sources and adopt sustainable practices to minimise environmental impact.
• Public Transport: Use Manchester’s Metrolink tram system, buses, or the city’s Bee Network for cycling and walking. These options provide green alternatives to driving and taxis.
• Sustainable Dining: Visit restaurants and cafes that offer sustainably sourced or plant-based meals. Look for local spots that emphasise eco-friendly practices.
• Reduce Food Waste: Order only what you can finish when dining out, and ask for a takeaway bag for leftovers. Consider sharing meals at food stalls to prevent waste.
• Support Local Businesses: Purchase from shops with the “Made in Manchester” label to support local artisans and ethical businesses.
• Green Events: Attend eco-conscious events like Lightwaves, the digital light festival that uses energy-efficient LED lights. Check for other events prioritising sustainability.
• Donate Unwanted Items: If you have excess items, donate them to local charity shops such as Barnardo’s. This helps reduce waste and supports the local community.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.