Everything you need to know about Manchester 2026 Christmas Markets: Confirmed dates & locations

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

Opening officially on Fri 6 Nov, this year’s markets will run until Tue 22 Dec, with traders at Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens staying 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.

After Christmas festivities returned to the partially reopened 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.

Where will this year’s Manchester Christmas markets be located?

• Albert Square (Fri 6 Nov – Sun 3 Jan)
• Lincoln Square (Fri 6 Nov – Tue 22 Dec)
• King Street (Fri 6 Nov – Tue 22 Dec)
• St Ann’s Square (Fri 6 Nov – Tue 22 Dec)
• Corn Exchange (Fri 6 Nov – Tue 22 Dec)
• Exchange Street (Fri 6 Nov – Tue 22 Dec)
• New Cathedral Street (Fri 6 Nov – Tue 22 Dec)
• Market Street (Fri 6 Nov – Tue 22 Dec)
• Exchange Square (Fri 6 Nov – Tue 22 Dec)
• Cathedral Gardens (Fri 6 Nov – Sun 3 Jan)

Councillor Garry Bridges, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “By far the best way to get to our world-beating Christmas Markets is to travel in by public transport or to come in by bike.

“With ten different market locations across the city centre – each one of them no more than a few minutes’ walk from either a tram, train, or bus stop, plus plenty of places for cyclists to park and lock up their bikes – this will be by far the easiest and greenest way of getting into Manchester at what is always a really busy time for the city with large numbers of visitors.

“Christmas in Manchester looks set to be even more amazing this year with the city at its sparkly best and we can’t wait to welcome everyone as they join us in celebrating the festive season with a visit to our legendary Christmas Markets.”