Manchester’s ‘Christmas Markets’ has now officially opened

The festive season in Manchester has officially begun with the opening today of Manchester’s world-beating Christmas Markets.

This year marks a special year for the UK’s capital of Christmas as it was exactly 25 Christmases ago that Manchester’s first-ever Christmas market took place in 1998.

A quarter of a century later the markets continue to attract Mancunians and visitors alike to the city in their thousands to fill up on the fantastic festive treats on offer.

With over 225 stalls across nine sites in the city centre selling food, drink, crafts and seasonal gifts, and just this week voted Europe’s favourite Christmas Markets, the markets are a must-see attraction for visitors and local people alike, guaranteed to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

This year sees the iconic wooden ski chalet market stalls take over Piccadilly Gardens – transformed for the festive season into the Winter Gardens – as well as Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange and King Street

With food and drink stalls cooking up everything from vegan 5-bean Chilli, gourmet Italian pizza, Bratwurst and Korean Hotdogs, to pancakes and everyone’s favourite chocolate dipped Churros, there’s plenty to satisfy foodies and Christmas shoppers alike.

Visitors looking for a hot drink or a cheeky tipple with friends also won’t be disappointed with a selection of drinks to quench the thirstiest of Christmas market-goers – whether it’s a hot chocolate laden with marshmallows whipped cream and festive sprinkles they’re after, or a grown-up Gluhwein, German beer, or even Salford Rum.

Christmas present hunters will also be spoilt for choice with gifts from amazing crafters and producers, selling all kinds of things from tweed hats, and Christmas decorations, to candles, fine soaps, jewellery, and gift sets of cheese truckles.

Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council’s Christmas spokesperson, said: “And they’re back!  Our world-famous Christmas Markets are now open and Christmas has officially begun in Santa’s favourite city.

“And what a special year it is for Europe’s best-loved Christmas market! 25 years on and our world-beating Christmas Markets look amazing and are better than ever this year.  Filled with all the sights, sounds and magic of the season and stuffed full of surprises and treats for all the family, they are a treat you won’t want to miss. 

 “Christmas starts here – come and see us!”

Manchester’s Christmas markets open on Friday 10 November and close on Thursday 21 December.  They are open daily at the following times:

All craft stalls 10 am – 8 pm

All bars and food stalls 11 am – 9 pm