Dates, times & locations confirmed for this year’s Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester’s famous Christmas Markets return this Friday, marking the 27th edition of the beloved festive staple in the city.

Launching on Fri 7 Nov for a six-week run, more than 274 market stalls will be spread across the city, including the long-awaited return of Albert Square, which has been out of action due to the ongoing restoration of Manchester Town Hall.

This year’s Manchester Christmas markets can also be found at St Ann’s Square, King Street, Exchange Square, Exchange Street, The Corn Exchange, New Cathedral Street, and Market Street, as well as Cathedral Gardens overlooking Skate Manchester’s ice rink, and the Winter Gardens at Piccadilly.

The markets will be open daily until Mon 22 Dec, except at Cathedral Gardens and Albert Square, which will remain open until Sun 4 Jan, alongside the ice rink at Cathedral Gardens and festive fairground attractions at Albert Square.

Ahead of Friday’s opening, Manchester Council has released a map detailing the various market locations and festive attractions, including a new-for-this-year giant Ferris Wheel on Albert Square, and the live stage in St Ann’s Square, which will feature a different setlist every day.

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “The festive season is my absolute favourite time of the year, and the opening of our world-famous Christmas markets is a big date in the Manchester calendar that can never come round soon enough for me. With an amazing 274 stalls to get round this year, I’m going to have my work cut out to get to all of them, but I’m definitely going to give it a go!

“The markets look set to be absolutely incredible this year. See you there for Manchester’s best Christmas ever – I can’t wait!”

For more information about Manchester’s Christmas markets, click here.