Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 Guide
Manchester, Greater Manchester • 7 Nov – 22 Dec 2025 • England
More than 300 stalls return across the city centre, with Albert Square back in the mix alongside Exchange Square, St Ann’s Square and Piccadilly Gardens.
Why visit in 2025?
- Giant snow globe and festive wheel in The Winter Gardens
- Manchester Town Hall backdrop after restoration
- International street food village plus local artisan makers
At a glance
Locations
Citywide: Albert Square, Piccadilly Gardens, St Ann’s Square, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street & King Street.
Opening hours (2025)
- Daily: 10am – 9pm
- Food & drink stalls open until 9pm-10pm
- Cathedral Gardens ice rink runs until January 4, 2026
Costs
Free to explore. Ferris wheel, ice rink, Winter Funland and other premium experiences are ticketed.
Contact
Why Manchester’s markets stand out
Manchester transformed the UK festive scene in 1999 with one of the first large-scale continental markets. Today it sprawls across the city, offering more than 300 stalls from global traders. Albert Square returns as the headline location in 2025 following renovation works, with the giant Santa perched on the Town Hall and a Bavarian beer hall beneath. Each zone has its own vibe: Cathedral Gardens hosts Skate Manchester and the family-friendly funfair, King Street focuses on French flavour, and Exchange Street is the place for craft spirits and artisan chocolate.
The city embraces the festive takeover with the Manchester Christmas Parade (7 December 2025), neighbourhood light trails and extended late-night openings. Sustainability continues to be a focus with paper cups, reusable souvenirs and a ban on single-use plastics at stalls.
Getting there
By train
Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria and Oxford Road stations put you within a 10-minute walk of the main squares. Direct trains arrive from London Euston, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool and beyond. Tram (Metrolink) stops across the city make hopping between zones easy.
By coach
National Express, Megabus and FlixBus use the new Manchester Coach Station (next to Chorlton Street). From there it’s a 5-minute walk to Piccadilly Gardens. Stagecoach and Bee Network buses run round-the-clock services.
Driving & parking
Try the Arndale, King Street West, First Street or Great Northern car parks. If parking outside the centre, use the Park & Ride sites at East Didsbury, Ashton Moss or Ladywell and jump on the tram.
Accessibility
All main locations are pedestrian friendly with drop kerbs and accessible toilets nearby (including at Manchester Arndale and Corn Exchange). The council publishes an accessibility map closer to opening.
Need-to-know details
- Tell me something unusual: Keep an eye out for the return of the giant light-up Santa (nicknamed “Zippy”) on Albert Square – the city’s unofficial festive mascot.
- Year established: 1999.
- Typical attendance: Around 9 million visitors each year.
- Official opening: The Mayor of Greater Manchester and civic guests from across Europe lead the launch.
- Entry cost: Free across all sites.
Top things to do
- Eat your way around the world: Sample Hungarian goulash, Dutch pancakes, Greek gyros, Yorkshire pudding wraps and Manchester’s own somethings from Porky Pig.
- Bavarian beer halls: Visit Albert Square or St Ann’s Square for steins, oompah bands and Alpine chalets.
- Skate Manchester: Glide under the glass canopy at Cathedral Gardens, then warm up with hot chocolate in the après ski lodge.
- Shop indie: Pick up handmade decorations, jewellery, vegan beauty products and locally distilled gins.
Make a weekend of it
Explore Manchester’s world-class culture: the Science and Industry Museum, John Rylands Library, Manchester Art Gallery and music venues in the Northern Quarter. Football fans can tour Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium. For retail therapy head to the Trafford Centre or independent boutiques in Ancoats.
Plan your trip
Accommodation
Book hotels or guesthouses as early as possible—weekend dates around the market book up quickly. Consider nearby villages for boutique stays.
Travel
Rail is often the most convenient way to arrive. If driving, look for park and ride services to avoid city-centre congestion.
Accessibility
Most markets provide accessible routes, but cobbles and temporary surfaces can be uneven—check the organiser accessibility guide linked below.
Weather Ready
Pack layers, waterproof footwear and gloves (touchscreen-friendly for photos). Early sessions are quieter; evenings bring the best atmosphere.