The unmistakable glow of Manchester Christmas Markets 2024 is set to illuminate the city centre once again, transforming streets and squares into a wintry wonderland from Friday, 8 November, through to Sunday, 22 December.
Spanning nine vibrant locations, this celebrated extravaganza is the UK’s largest Christmas market, featuring more than 200 stalls packed with seasonal delights. From handcrafted gifts and artisan wares to a culinary feast of sweet treats, savoury snacks and festive drinks – we recommend the gluhwein. You can even take your mug home with you if you pay a bit extra. Make sure to ask for a clean one! There are also plenty of non-alcoholic flavours.
At the heart of Manchester’s Christmas markets, Piccadilly Gardens will once again become Winter Gardens, the epicentre of festive cheer, while Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, St Ann’s Square and more will offer unique experiences to visitors of all ages.
Manchester Christmas Markets 2024 : The Venues
Piccadilly Gardens: The Winter Gardens
Open daily from 10am to 9pm, with craft stalls open until 8pm, Winter Gardens promises a lively hub of food, drink and entertainment. This year you can discover featuring pancakes, churros, bratwursts and street food from around the globe, alongside bars serving continental ales and festive favourites. Enjoy live music and entertainment under marquees and covered seating areas – ensuring even Manchester’s rain can’t dim the festive spirit.
Market Street: Christmas Shopping Haven
Operating Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm (10am to 6pm on Sundays), Market Street is a bustling hub for bespoke gifts and artisanal crafts. With 45 stalls offering everything from handmade candles and Christmas decorations to spiced rum and cheese truckles, this is the perfect spot to tick off your gift list while indulging in freshly baked coconut macaroons.
Cathedral Gardens: Family Festivities
Open daily from 10am to 9pm and extending through to 31 December, Cathedral Gardens caters to families and young visitors with its charming offerings. Highlights include Skate Manchester’s expansive covered ice rink and free live entertainment running Thursday to Sunday. Warm up with gourmet hot dogs, crepes, and hot chocolate as you take in the festive atmosphere.
St Ann’s Square and Exchange Street: The Original Manchester Market Experience
The original Manchester Christmas Market, St Ann’s Square retains its nostalgic charm, open daily from 10am to 9pm (craft stalls until 8pm). Enjoy authentic German goods, from cherry glühwein to bratwursts, and unique local flavours like Northern Quarter favourite Yard & Coop’s salt and pepper chicken.
New Cathedral Street: High-End Holiday Shopping
For discerning shoppers, New Cathedral Street is the destination of choice. Open daily from 10am to 9pm, this area is dedicated to sophisticated gifts and gourmet delights. Browse handmade ceramics, artisanal spirits and keepsakes, or enjoy festive fare like currywurst from The Witch House, where we enjoyed our gluhwein. and burritos from Wrap Up.
Exchange Square: Festive Feasting and Unique Finds
Exchange Square, one of the largest Christmas market Manchester sites, opens daily from 10am to 9pm and is a haven for foodies and craft lovers alike. Sip Mancunian mulled wine at The Mill Exchange and indulge in favourites like Yorkshire pudding wraps from Porky Pig or birria bowls. Explore stalls offering boutique babywear, handmade gifts, and artisan soaps.
King Street: A Gourmet Delight
King Street is a must-visit for foodies, operating daily from 10am to 9pm. This culinary hotspot features authentic Italian delicacies from Ballaro, Mediterranean-inspired treats from El Gato Negro, and more. Shoppers can peruse popular stalls selling French soaps, personalised decorations, and illustrated Salford Rum bottles.
The Corn Exchange: Quirky Gifts Galore
Nestled between the Corn Exchange and Shambles Square, this location offers a unique mix of gifts and crafts daily from 10am to 9pm. Expect handmade pies, Nepalese wool jumpers, recycled wood decorations, and artisan chocolates to add an extra touch of magic to your Christmas shopping. From cosy drinks to dazzling gifts, Manchester’s Christmas markets are a festive fixture not to be missed, promising six weeks of magic, music and merriment across the city.
Other Festive Things To Do in Manchester
Manchester in winter is not just about Christmas markets. Head to Mayfield Park for the Twilight Trail, a wonderful combination of light illuminations and soul music. This is next to Escape to Freight Island, a great place to wrap up your evening. There are also some great pubs in Manchester. If you are seeking somewhere warm to go, Manchester has some great museums and art galleries. Read Mark Bibby Jackson’s Taking the Train for a Festive Manchester City Break – Travel Begins at 40 to discover more.
Manchester Christmas Markets Map
Christmas Markets Trail 2024 – Google My Maps#
Things To Do in Manchester
For more ideas on what to do on a Manchester city break click here.
Where to Stay in Manchester
We recommend the Hyatt House Manchester or adjoining Hyatt Regency in the student part of Manchester. For more details of Hyatt House Manchester click here, and for Hyatt Regency Manchester, here.
Train from London to Manchester
Just hop on the train. The ride from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly with Avanti takes just over two hours if you select the fast train.
