Manchester’s Christmas Markets take to over ten City Centre locations

Manchester’s legendary Christmas Markets are set to take over ten different locations across the city centre this year in a fun-filled festive bonanza that will also see the return of the city’s much-loved Zippy Santa and full-of-the festive-feels, Manchester Christmas Parade.

With over 210 stalls spread out across the city centre, the Christmas Markets will open on Friday 6 November and close on Tuesday 22 December – except at Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens where market stalls will remain open over the Christmas period until Sunday 3 January. 

Following the hugely 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, staying open throughout the festive season for families to enjoy into the new year.

Back on the square for 2026 is the iconic 50-metre-high Ferris wheel – THE Christmas hit of the season last year with its stunning Santa’s sleigh view across the city from the top, and as seen in the social feeds of practically every one of the thousands upon thousands of visitors to Manchester’s Christmas Markets last year.

And with other surprises in store including a Manchester Christmas Markets pop-up ‘pub’ for the festive season, alongside an exciting mix of food, drink, and craft stalls, plus the magnificent family favourite Helter-Skelter, Albert Square looks set to be an even bigger hit this year with seasonal shoppers of all ages.

Just around the corner from Albert Square, this year’s Christmas Markets also see the addition of a brand-new market location, with Lincoln Square off Brazennose Street transformed for the festive season with over a dozen market stalls and trucks, offering a mouth-watering selection of food and drinks.

Other Christmas Market locations across the city this year include King Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, and Market Street.

Christmas Market regulars who visit St Ann’s Square this year will see a big difference on the square which is one of the longest-running of the city’s Christmas market locations – with even more craft, food, and drink stalls on offer in a brand-new layout providing more choice and even better browsing opportunities around the stalls.

And over at Cathedral Gardens Skate MCR is back, transforming the gardens into the ultimate winter destination with a range of market stalls alongside an undercover ice rink – perfect for a seasonal skate whatever the weather – that will remain open through the festive season until 3 January.

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.”

The Manchester Christmas Parade will be held this year on Sunday 6 December, with more details to follow in the coming weeks.