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

Locations and dates for Manchester’s famous Christmas Markets and festive parade have been confirmed.

Officially opening on Fri 6 Nov, this year’s markets will run until Tue 22 Dec, with traders at Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens extending their stay until Sun 3 Jan.

Visitors can browse more than 210 stalls spread throughout the city centre, including a brand-new market location at Lincoln Square off Brazennose Street.

Following the successful return of Christmas festivities to the partially re-opened Albert Square last year, the square will once again be at the heart of the city’s countdown to Christmas. The iconic 50-metre-high Ferris wheel will be back, along with a pop-up pub, family-favourite Helter-Skelter and plenty of food and drink options.

Other Christmas Market locations across the city this year include King Street, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, and Market Street. Festivities will also return to St Ann’s Square, with a new layout meaning even more space for stalls.

The always popular Skate MCR is back at Cathedral Gardens, too, bringing an undercover, all-weather ice rink to the historic site, with Zippy also back to oversee proceedings. The Manchester Christmas Parade will take place on Sun 6 Dec, with further details to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “There’s nowhere that does Christmas quite like Manchester. We’re the number one Christmas city and we’re pulling out all the stops this year to make sure we stay top of the Christmas tree.

“The return of Christmas festivities last year to Albert Square was a triumph and we’re looking to build on this success with a fantastic festive offer there again this year that is sure to be a hit with everyone who visits.

“Our legendary Christmas markets draw thousands upon thousands of visitors every year from right around the world and this year’s markets look set to be the very best yet, with a brand-new location in Lincoln Square just around the corner from Albert Square, and a brand-new look and even more stalls in St Ann’s Square.

“And with the return of Zippy Santa keeping his watchful eye over the city, the ice rink in Cathedral Gardens, and our made-for-memories Christmas Parade, Christmas in Manchester will be absolutely magical this year and we can’t wait to welcome everyone and celebrate the festive season with them.”