While you might still be enjoying Autumn, it won’t be long until it’s time to stroll through Christmas markets with a hot chocolate in hand under the fairy lights.
Whether you’re planning your annual trip to Manchester’s Christmas markets or you’re visiting for the first time, you might be wondering what to expect this year.
From the start date to the stalls that will be set up within the streets of Manchester, here’s everything you need to know about the city’s Christmas markets.
When do the Manchester Christmas markets start?
The Christmas markets will open in Manchester on Friday, November 10 and close on Thursday, December 21.
The stalls are open daily at the following times:
- All craft stalls – 10am – 8pm
- All bars and food stalls – 11am - 9pm
This year is a special one as it was exactly 25 Christmases ago that Manchester's first-ever Christmas market took place in 1998.
Where will the Manchester Christmas markets be?
As in previous years, the Christmas markets will be spread across multiple streets in Manchester.
The ski chalet market stalls will take over Piccadilly Gardens which will again be transformed into the Winter Gardens.
The markets will also be located at Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange and King Street.
What to expect at Manchester’s Christmas markets in 2023
The Manchester Christmas Parade is returning this year and will take place on Sunday, December 3.
Festive Sundays are also back with family-friendly entertainment pop-ups designed to bring a smile to everyone's faces.
They are delivered in partnership with the Manchester Business Improvement District and will take place on November 26 as well as December 10 and 17.
The Manchester Christmas lights trail will be part of the celebrations again and visitors can expect giant walk-through baubles, a Manchester bee and Santa Claus himself in front of Central Library on St Peter's Square.
Father Christmas will take up residence in St Peter's Square after Remembrance Sunday.
If you fancy going ice skating this winter, head to Skate Manchester’s rink in Cathedral Gardens where you can twirl around a Christmas tree while listening to Christmas songs under twinkly lights.
The Ice Rink in Cathedral Gardens will be open for Christmas skaters from November 2 - January 2 but will also be offering spooky Scare Skates from October 27 - 31.
The food and drink stalls in Cathedral Gardens alongside the skate rink will remain open until 31 December.
Here’s what you can expect in each location:
Winter Gardens (Piccadilly Gardens)
Things to expect:
- A mix of craft and gift stalls plus food and drink
- The tipi returns with lights and log fires
- Music or live entertainment every night with undercover seating
- Manchester Christmas Windmill (4 metres high)
- Winter tipples and exclusive cocktails
- Fresh churros, Korean corndogs, fresh gyros and more food
St Ann's Square and Exchange Street
- Variety of stalls
- Fresh authentic paella, bratwurst, or salt and pepper chicken from Northern Quarter’s Yard and Coop
- Undercover bar
Market Street
- Exclusive craft and gift area with more than 40 stalls from tweed hats, spiced rum, Christmas decorations and candles, to jewellery, gift sets of cheese truckles and more
- Manchester coconut macaroons served hot from the oven
King Street
- Fresh cannelloni and arancini from Authentic Italian deli, Ballaro
- Mediterranean menu flavours from El Gato Negro - seated area will be outside their stall
- Craft stalls include a French soap stall, personalised tree decorations, handmade wooden furniture and beautifully illustrated bottles from local distillery, Salford Rum
New Cathedral Street
- High-end gifts and foodie favourites
- Selection of handmade candles, ceramics, local spirits, and thoughtful keepsakes
- Enjoy cold beer and currywurst from The Witch House, a hearty burrito from Mango Rays or a cheesy ‘Parmo’ from Parmageddon
Exchange Square
- The Mill Exchange will offer mulled wine on-site
- Food options include: Yorkshire pudding wrap from Porky Pig and everything from birria bowls and hot curries to mini pancakes and fresh fudge
- Clothing, soaps, boutique babywear, local crafts and handmade gifts available
The Corn Exchange
- Unique gifts will be set between Corn Exchange and Shambles Square
- Expect handmade pies, Nepalese woollen jumpers, handmade jewellery, Christmas decorations made from recycled wood, plus photo frames, artisan chocolates and more
Cathedral Gardens
- Skate Manchester ice rink
- Live entertainment every Thursday to Sunday up to New Year’s Eve
- Authentic crepes, gourmet hotdogs, hot chocolate and more
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council's Christmas spokesperson, said: "Christmas is looking even better than ever in Manchester this year, with the opening of our world-famous Christmas markets now only three weeks away and a stocking rammed full of things for all the family to see and enjoy over the festive season, including our magical Manchester Christmas Parade.
"And what a special year for our world-beating markets! Hard to believe it was exactly 25 Christmases ago that Manchester's first-ever Christmas market took place.
"A quarter of a century later and the markets bring visitors from quite literally all over the world to fill upon the fantastic festive treats on offer.
"Everyone knows Manchester is the city that Santa loves best and we just can't wait to share all the Christmas fun and festivities with everyone."
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