Manchester
Manchester Christmas Markets 2026: dates, locations and hotels in the middle of it all
More than 210 stalls across ten locations, a Ferris wheel above the rooftops and mulled wine in front of the Victorian Town Hall. Manchester has some of Britain’s biggest Christmas markets. Here are the 2026 dates, the locations, the food and the hotels right by the markets.
The smell of mulled wine and grilled sausages drifts over Albert Square, and in front of the Victorian Town Hall the wooden chalets stand shoulder to shoulder. A 50-metre Ferris wheel glows above the rooftops, and from a stage nearby someone sings along to a carol everyone knows. Manchester calls itself Britain’s Christmas city, and from November it is hard to disagree.
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Short answer: Manchester Christmas Markets 2026
Dates: 6 November to 22 December 2026.
Open longest: Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens stay open until early January.
Size: More than 210 stalls across ten city-centre locations.
New for 2026: a market on Lincoln Square.
Check the organiser’s latest times before you travel.
Stay in the middle of the markets
A short walk to Albert Square: Kimpton Clocktower, in a red Victorian building. See rooms at Kimpton Clocktower
By St Ann’s Square: Stock Exchange Hotel, in the old exchange building. See rooms at Stock Exchange Hotel
The locations
Albert Square
In front of the Town Hall lies the city’s best-known Christmas market, with food, drink and live music. This is where the atmosphere is biggest in the evening.
Cathedral Gardens and the ice rink
By the cathedral is the most family-friendly market, with a large covered ice rink, Skate Manchester.
St Ann’s Square, King Street and Exchange Square
In the central shopping streets, stalls selling crafts, gifts and food stand side by side with the shops. St Ann’s Square has a new layout for 2026, with more food and drink traders.
The Ferris wheel
The 50-metre Ferris wheel gives views over the whole centre, and is especially lovely after dark.
The Northern Quarter, a short walk from the markets.
What to try
Mulled wine: served in mugs you can take home.
Bratwurst and sausages: from the grills on Albert Square.
Yorkshire pudding wraps: a festive favourite with turkey, stuffing and gravy rolled in a Yorkshire pudding.
Hot chocolate and churros: for the cold evenings.
Combine with football
In December both Manchester City and Manchester United play home games, so a Christmas trip pairs well with a match. Read more in our guide to a football trip to Manchester.
A pint after the market
Manchester is a pub city, and in December the pubs fill with people carrying shopping bags and wearing Christmas jumpers. Settle into one of the old Victorian pubs in the centre, or head to the Northern Quarter, where bars, record shops and cafés sit close together. Many have live music at weekends, and the atmosphere lasts long after the stalls have closed.
Where to stay
Kimpton Clocktower: a short walk to the markets
A hotel in a red Victorian brick building with a clock tower, around ten minutes’ walk from the Town Hall.
Book your stay: See rooms at Kimpton Clocktower
Stock Exchange Hotel: in the old exchange
An elegant hotel in Manchester’s old stock exchange building, near St Ann’s Square.
Book your stay: See rooms at Stock Exchange Hotel
Motel One Manchester-Piccadilly: affordable and central
An affordable design hotel by Piccadilly station, within walking distance of every market.
Book your stay: See rooms at Motel One Manchester-Piccadilly
See more in our guide to where to stay in Manchester.
Frequently asked questions about Manchester Christmas Markets
When do Manchester Christmas Markets open in 2026?
On Friday 6 November 2026, and most close on 22 December.
Which Christmas markets are open after Christmas?
Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens stay open until early January.
Are the Christmas markets free?
Yes, the markets are free. The ice rink and Ferris wheel cost extra.