Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market might be one of the oldest (starting in 1997) and longest (running for a total of 54 days), and to many the best (just ask these guys). But if there’s one other Christmas market whose name is always brought up in conversation with ours, it’s the UK’s Third City’s.
Having returned at the weekend (Friday, November 7), Manchester Christmas Markets is back this festive season with hundreds of food traders, gift stalls and pop-up bars across the city centre—there are more than 200 across ten sites, including a reopened section of Albert Square.
What will I find at Manchester Christmas Markets?
The main event, ‘A Taste of Christmas’, at Albert Square is hosting everything from a huge 50-metre-high Ferris wheel (Birmingham’s is only 40 metres) and a vintage carrousel for children, to its own Christmas mini-market—filled with must-have crafts and gifts, and independent food and drink outlets. Make sure to check out the Christmas-themed light-up and walk-through installations, too!
That’s just where the city-wide festive markets begin. You can browse local crafts, tuck into Yorkshire pudding wraps and Dutch pancakes, and swig hot drinks from the market’s iconic mugs at stalls across Manchester. There’s also Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink at Cathedral Gardens. Head to the following locations:
- Piccadilly Gardens
- Albert Square
- St Ann’s Square
- Exchange Square
- New Cathedral Street
- King Street
- Exchange Street
- Market Street
- The Corn Exchange
- Cathedral Gardens
When are the markets on?
Manchester Christmas Markets run from November 7 to December 22. However, ‘A Taste of Christmas’ on Albert Square, alongside the ice rink and market stalls at Cathedral Gardens, will remain open until January 4, 2026. Craft stalls will be open each day from 10am to 8pm, whilst food and drink stalls will open from 11am to 9pm.
How do I get to Manchester?
You can get a train from Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly that takes only an hour and a half. Alternatively, you can drive via the M6 for roughly two hours.
You can learn more about Manchester Christmas Markets by heading here.