Winter is coming, which means one thing in the north of England: it’s nearly time for Manchester Christmas Markets.
Every year, over 200 chalet-style stalls take over the city streets, selling mulled wine, gourmet treats and handmade gifts. This year, the market will also include a German-style bar, live music stage, ice skating rink and Santa’s Grotto.
Plan your trip to Manchester Christmas markets with our pocket guide.
Manchester Christmas market near City Hall. Image Credit: Getty Images, benedek
When are the Manchester Christmas Markets?
Christmas starts early in Manchester with the markets opening on Friday 8 November 2024. They will continue for six weeks, culminating on Sunday 22 December 2024. After Christmas Day, there will be a small selection of food and drink stalls at Cathedral Gardens until Tuesday 31 December 2024. Holiday gifts and goods stands are open from 10am to 8pm daily, whilst food and drink will be available from 11am to 9pm.
Read also: Best things to do in Manchester: a guide to England's capital of the north
Where are the Manchester Christmas Markets located?
There are nine markets spread out across the Capital of the North, taking over: the Winter Gardens at Piccadilly, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, St Ann's Square and Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, King Street and the Corn Exchange.
From Manchester Piccadilly station, the best way to get to the Christmas markets is on foot. It takes around 30 minutes to walk from one side to the other. Alternatively, hop on a free Metrolink bus that zips between the market’s key locations.
How to get to the Manchester Christmas Markets by train?
Manchester Victoria and Piccadilly are the closest train stations to the Christmas markets. London to Manchester takes just 2h 6m by train with multiple direct services available each day. From Liverpool, direct trains run every hour (from 31m). Edinburgh also has a direct link with Manchester Oxford Road station (from 3h 04m).
Santa looming over St Peter's Square in Manchester, England. Image Credit: Getty Images, Maryia Tsikhanava
Why are the Manchester Christmas Markets famous?
Manchester is one of the biggest cities in the UK. Since 1998, its Christmas markets have become increasingly popular, ballooning into one of the largest in the UK. Hundreds of stalls dominate the city center, alongside an ice skating rink, live entertainment and festive illuminations, including a giant Santa Claus that looms over St Peter’s Square.
Are the Manchester Christmas Markets worth visiting?
Definitely! If you’re visiting the north of England over the holiday season, it’s worth catching the train to Manchester and spending the afternoon perusing the stalls.
Best hotels near Manchester Christmas Markets
For five-star luxury, book The Edwardian Manchester. This upscale hotel sits inside the elegant Victorian Free Trade Hall building. Unwind at the indoor lap pool and spa, followed by award-winning food at the onsite Mexican-Japanese fusion restaurant Peter Street Kitchen. From here, you’re less than five-minutes walk to the Christmas markets.
If you’re traveling with kids or prefer more privacy, Wilde Aparthotels offer studios and one-bedroom condos in St Peter’s Square. Full kitchens with Nespresso coffee machines and a 24-hour fitness center are just a few of the perks here.
Christmas Bratwurst hot dog. Image Credit: Getty Images, domoyega
What foods are popular at the Manchester Christmas Markets?
German Christmas treats inspire many of the food options at Manchester Christmas markets. Bratwurst hot dogs slathered in mustard are a favorite. However, Manchester is a very multicultural city, so expect everything from fried Indian bhajis to Moroccan spiced tagine. Don’t leave without trying an iconic Yorkshire pudding wrap. This British classic is like a savory Dutch baby pancake, filled with roast beef, potatoes, veggies and drizzled with gravy.
Read also: Eat your way through Europe’s most gastronomic destinations
Fun facts about Manchester Christmas Markets
- Did you know Manchester Christmas markets are one of the most popular in the world, according to TikTok? The market had over 16.4 million views on the app in 2023.
- St Ann’s Square was the location for the first Manchester Christmas market in December 1998.
- Every year, the market has a Christmas Lights Trail, a magical illuminated display featuring Santa Claus, enormous walk-through baubles and the symbolic Manchester bee.
Aerial view of Manchester. Image Credit: Getty Images, Michelle McMahon
5 things to do in Manchester besides the Christmas Markets
Pop into the Manchester Museum. From T-Rex skeletons to exotic frogs, there are over four million items inside this award-winning museum, which charts history from prehistoric man to the modern day. Or venture across the city to peek inside the John Rylands Library with its Harry Potter-esque galleries.
Manchester has a rich musical history. Head to the Northern Quarter to pick up a vinyl at one of the city’s record stores, like Piccadilly Records and Vinyl Exchange. Vintage shops, homeware boutiques and artisan coffee houses abound here.
Soccer fans should catch the train to Old Trafford, Manchester United’s stadium, to tour the stands and explore its popular museum.
Ready to visit Manchester? Download the Trainline app to book train tickets to this year’s glittering Christmas markets. And if you’re keen to explore other Christmas markets throughout Europe, check out our comprehensive guides below:
- Best German Christmas Markets in 2024 to add to your holiday wishlist
- See two of Prague’s best Christmas markets in Old Town
- See the angelic Christkind at the Nuremberg Christmas market
- Wien-ter Wonderland: visit Vienna’s Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas market
Christmas toys at Manchester Christmas Market. Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Manuta
