Manchester Christmas Markets: What date do the festive markets start?

Manchester Council has confirmed the dates and locations for the 26th edition of Manchester’s famous Christmas markets.

While 2024 had been touted as the year the famous markets returned to Albert Square, delays to the ongoing redevelopment have dashed those hopes.

The markets haven’t been at their usual home of Albert Square for five years now, due to it being closed as part of the Manchester Town Hall redevelopment project — said to be the biggest heritage project in the UK — which started back in 2018.

However, the council have promised a magical return of the markets across other city centre locations, with Piccadilly Gardens again acting as the main hub for this year’s festivities.

Elsewhere, Cathedral Gardens, Market Street, Exchange Square, St Ann’s Square and King Street will all host the iconic wooden stalls throughout the Christmas period.

What date do this year’s Christmas markets begin?

Manchester City Council has confirmed that Manchester Christmas Markets will open on Fri 8 Nov, and will open daily until Sun 22 Dec. The food and drink stalls at Cathedral Gardens will stay open for slightly longer, operating until Tue 31 Dec.

Also returning this year will be Manchester’s Christmas lights trail and the much-loved Manchester Christmas Parade — though a date is still to be confirmed for the procession.

Cathedral Gardens will also play host to the covered ice rink again, offering visitors the chance to strap on their skates whatever the weather. The ice rink will be open from Fri 8 Nov – Wed 1 Jan.

Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson said: “Everyone knows by now that Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year and Manchester is my favourite place in the world to be during the festive season.

“Christmas is going to be wonderful in Manchester this year, with enough seasonal stalls across the city in our best-ever Christmas Markets to make sure that everyone gets their Christmas wrapped before the big day.

“And of course, Christmas in Santa’s favourite city simply would not be Christmas without the heart-warming event of the season, our magical Manchester Christmas Parade, which will be back again this year and promises to melt even the hardest of hearts.

“We’ve loved seeing how much our families enjoy it since our first Christmas Parade in 2022 and this year’s is going to be even more joyous and amazing – utterly unmissable!  Not long to wait now until all will be revealed!”