It's the most wonderful time of the year! Fun and festivities are about to arrive in Manchester city centre for our favourite of the city's festive events; the annual Manchester Christmas Markets! Is it really Christmas until you've hit St Ann's Square for a mug of gluhwein and a comically enormous sausage?! We don't think so!
Maybe you fancy trying the Christmas Markets for the first time this year? Whether you're new to the whole experience or need a refresher from last year, we've got all the visitor information you'll need to know right here!
When do Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 start?
The all-important question! We're delighted to say that Manchester Christmas Markets start on Friday 10th November 2023 and runs through until Thursday 21st December.
We're already getting lots of goodies together at The Manchester Shop for our stall, in fact, we had to start in August! We can't wait to get our hut set up and meet all the Mancs and non-Mancs that come to visit us.
2023 Manchester Christmas Markets Opening Times
The 2023 Manchester Christmas Markets are open every day from 10 am across all locations.
The closing time for the 2023 Manchester Christmas Markets is 8pm.
Our top tip - if you have a day off in the week and you want to enjoy a casual stroll, grab a festive coffee, wrap up warm and try to get down there early on a weekday. The popularity of the markets means that at the weekend, it's easier to get swept up in the crowds and it can be trickier to give the time that all the fabulous independent traders deserve. Although, we have to say that the atmosphere at the weekends is fantastic! Why not visit twice to give both a try?
Where are Manchester Christmas Markets 2023?
The markets take place all over the city. Although Manchester City Council are yet to announce the specific locations for Manchester Christmas Markets, we're sure it will look a lot like 2022 —
- Piccadilly Gardens - The family-friendly "Winter Gardens" hub space, stays open a little longer than the rest of the markets, usually trading until after the new year.
- St Ann's Square - The festive home of The Manchester Shop! You'll find us here as well as lots of other creatives and a lovely, cosy gluhwein bar.
- Exchange Square - The one-stop spot for food from all over the world, from chicken schwarma to Dutch pancakes!
- New Cathedral Street - Sandwiched between luxury brand stores, enjoy this catwalk of high-end gifts and crafty creatives.
- King Street - Ooh la la, it's the French quarter! Looking for garlic mushrooms, delicate macarons and delicious crepes? Get down to King Street
- Market Street - Looking for something unique from an independent maker? Shop the high street differently this year, ditch the big brands and have a look at the huts on Market Street.
- Cathedral Gardens - If you're looking for a great day out with the kids, how about taking them to the ever-popular Skate Manchester ice rink? There is ice skating and family-friendly shows during the end of the week, plus food and drink if you need to refresh.
Not familiar with these streets in Manchester? This simple map is great to have on your phone if you need a hand navigating your way around. Please note, due to the ongoing refurbishment of the Town Hall, Albert Square will again not be in use this year.
What will I see at Manchester Christmas Markets 2023?
Drink Stalls
When you're wandering around the Christmas markets, you might be feeling the chill of the Northern weather! The best way to deal with that is a lovely hot drink from one of the fabulously festive drink stalls.
Yay Manchester Christmas Market Mug!!!!! #mcrchristmas pic.twitter.com/bAZp4WDlQp
— 🏳️🌈Child Of Hekate🏳️🌈🌒🌕🌘She/Her (@HappyDaiz1981) December 18, 2023
If you fancy something extra Christmas-y, get down to the German-themed Bavarian Beer House decked out like a traditional wood cabin on New Cathedral Street for a mug of gluhwein! Or if hot, spiced wine isn't your thing, you'll be able to grab a deluxe hot chocolate (with all the extras) or a traditional style stein of German beer. Looking for something special? Try one of their signature festive cocktails!
Christmas Markets doing bumper business today.
— Pat Karney (@patkarney) December 19, 2023
Last few days.
Thanks to all the -@MancXmasMarkets council staff who have worked so hard to make them a success. pic.twitter.com/APmPKVS54p
Other spots for a drink at the markets include Exchange Square, St. Ann's Square and King Street, where you'll be able to grab some refreshments and recharge before more shopping, or spend the night with your pals enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Food Stalls
Whether you're grabbing a gift for someone special, or getting something tasty on the go, the range of food at the Christmas markets varies from artisan fudge to the iconic bratwurst sausages!
If you're looking for something hot and tasty, there are lots of choices from all over the world. Our favourites are the traditional hog roast sandwiches, greek gyros and salt ‘n' pepper fries, all super tasty and great to enjoy while you're having a wander. We also love grabbing a deluxe grilled cheese sandwich from our Northern Quarter neighbours Northern Soul.
Or if you've got a foodie friend who you want to get an extra special pressie for, there are lots of makers of craft ale, cheesemongers, fruit cake bakers and so much more for you to choose from. Our favourites are Gingerbread House Confections, with gorgeous handmade gingerbread houses that taste as delicious as they look!
Craft Stalls
If you're looking for something one-of-a-kind and completely unique for the perfect Christmas gift, take some time to enjoy the array of craft stores at the Christmas Market. You'll find huts featuring handcrafted items that are usually made by the person at the stall, perfect for if you want to find out more about a special potential purchase.
We think these independent traders are what makes the Christmas Markets special, from fine luxury leather accessories to handmade soaps and pampering products. Our favourites are Metal Art Productions, creating awesome metal sculptures from recycled materials!
Fancy something very Mancunian? The Manchester Shop will be there too, make sure you pop down to St. Ann's Square to pay us a visit!
Festive Ice Rink
If you fancy doing something a bit more adventurous than shopping and eating, or you're looking for something that the whole family can enjoy, get down to the Skate Manchester ice skating rink!
Cathedral Gardens near the National Football Museum will once again be taken over by a giant ice skating rink this year, fully covered for you to have fun whatever the weather, under the roof and the fairy lights. Wrap up warm, book your tickets online and get your skates on! Skate Manchester is open from Friday 21st October 2023 to Monday 2nd January 2023, a few weeks earlier and later than the rest of the markets.
Manchester Christmas markets Santa
The giant Santa is now up in St Peter’s Square! 🎅 🎁
— BBC Radio Manchester (@BBCRadioManc) November 16, 2023
Are you in the Christmas spirit? Or is it too early?
Listen back to when we visited #Manchester Christmas Markets last week 📱 https://t.co/rFAY8kxENm pic.twitter.com/ew3Mif84Ti
As well as the beginning of the Christmas Market, another big annual festive event is the switching on of the Christmas Lights. A fabulous night that fills the city with sparkle, its main attraction is a giant spectacle that makes everyone smile every year - Santa!
When it's not being renovated, an enormous Father Christmas sits on Manchester Town Hall in Albert Square for the whole festive season. But while it's being worked on, he's found his new home in St. Peter's Square outside Manchester Library.
Manchester Lights Switch-On 2023 will take place on Saturday 12th November 2023. Want to keep up with what our giant Manc Santa is up to during the festive season? You can follow him on Twitter!
Manchester Christmas Markets Karaoke Huts
Fancy breaking away from the busy markets and cosying up in a winter wonderland cabin? Take a short stroll down to Great Northern Square to visit Bar Hütte, an Alpine ski-style bar! These private huts with hygge rustic decor are available for private hire, whether you want a drink with the family, an after-work karaoke session or take advantage of their party lodge for prosecco and sing-a-longs!
There's more to do than just have fun boozing! Take your doggo down to get some Insta-ready pics in their Bark Hütte puppy grotto, book for their Christmas wreath-making workshop, or take the kids to meet the man himself, Father Christmas!
Bar Hütte is open from 9th November 2023, book early and you can start planning which songs you're going to sing!
Where can I find The Manchester Shop at Manchester Christmas Markets?
You'll be able to find us at our spot in St Ann's Square! It's yet to be confirmed, but usually, we're directly opposite McDonald's, so it's easy to get to from Deansgate or Market Street.
If you're going to the market to look for Manchester bee-related gifts or something for the top Manc in your life, there's no better place to come to than The Manchester Shop! We'll have a massive range of unique Manchester-themed Christmas gifts, cosy winter accessories, gorgeous Manchester bee jewellery and loads more.
Can I pay by card at Manchester Christmas Markets?
It depends on who you're buying from! Most small traders will have a card machine available, however, if you find someone who only accepts cash, there are plenty of banks and ATMs around Manchester where you can withdraw money.
How do I get to Manchester Christmas Markets?
However you would normally get into Manchester city centre would be your best way of getting to the markets as it's so widespread across the city. If you're unsure about how to get public transport into the city centre from where you live, TFGM and National Rail are great resources to help you plan your journey. Check your bus routes for stops at Shudehill, Piccadilly Gardens or Portland Street and you'll be able to access the markets easily from there.
Manchester Christmas Markets Parking
There are a few multi-storey car parks and on-street parking available in various locations, but it's worth noting that the busy atmosphere and one-way routes around Manchester city centre can make it difficult to drive and park! The Visit Manchester website advises to “avoid the stress of parking and treat yourself to a Gluhwein or fine ale at one of the many bars along the market trail.” But if you do need to drive in, here are some local car parks that are close to the Christmas markets -
- Abingdon Street, M1 6DD
- Aquatic Centre, M13 9SS
- Arena car park, M3 1LE
- Arndale Centre, M4 1EY
- Bloom Street, M1 3LY
- Bridge Street, M3 5HH
- Bridgewater Hall, M15 4PS
- Chepstow Street, M1 5JN
- Chester Street, M1 5GE
- China Town, M1 4EE
Manchester Christmas Markets Postcode
Looking to drive to the Christmas market? If you need to park up, try one of the postcodes above for a local car park. Or if you want to try some on street parking near the market hub, here are some postcodes for nearby locations -
- Piccadilly Gardens, M1 1RN
- St Ann's Square, M2 7DH
- Exchange Square, M3 1BD
- New Cathedral Street, M1 1AD
- King Street, M2 6AG
- Market Street, M1 1PW
- Cathedral Gardens, M4 3BG
What's the best train station for Manchester Christmas Markets?
As the markets take place all over Manchester city centre, you could travel to any of the train stations and easily get to any of the major locations. But if you'd like to see somewhere specific, here's a quick rundown of where to go and what's nearby.
- Manchester Piccadilly - Five minutes from Winter Gardens in Piccadilly, Market Street markets are around the corner.
- Manchester Victoria - Across the road from Skate Manchester ice rink, next to the Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street markets.
- Manchester Oxford Road - could be a good place to start if you wanted to see the magnificent giant Santa at St. Peter's Square which is just a five-minute walk from the station, but the nearest market spot from there is St. Ann's Square or King Street.
- Manchester Deansgate - A little bit further from all the Christmas market action, but only a 10 minute walk from the alpine karaoke bar huts at Great Northern.
Manchester Christmas Markets Hotels
If you want to make your trip to Manchester Christmas Markets even more special this year, you could check in to one of the city's top hotels for a festive overnight stay. What's better than spending your day filling up on delicious food and shopping til you drop, then coming back to a luxurious room and pampering yourself with all the trimmings?! The city centre is full of hotels, B&Bs and hostels of all shapes and sizes, but here are some of our favourites who like to put on a show at Christmas time...
- Kimpton Clocktower Hotel - Built in 1891 and previously the historic Refuge Assurance Company building, this hotel boasts boutique rooms and excellent food. Their Sunday Roasts are particularly fantastic, featuring the extra Mancunian Vimto braised cabbage. With tonnes of original features and the Winter Garden indoor conservatory decked out with fairy lights and festive decor, a stay here could make your Christmas extra special. But perhaps it's not for the faint-hearted, as one of the rooms is reported to be haunted!
- Dakota - New, chic and ultra-modern, Dakota offers designer luxury accommodation and sociable dining experiences for all. If you're thinking about celebrating Christmas with a loved one in style, why not book for their Christmas day and boxing day package, which promises breakfast and dinner during the festivities plus a luxurious room for two nights.
- Hotel Brooklyn - Inspired by 1920s New York glamour, Hotel Brooklyn offers a variety of ways to celebrate the festive season. From Christmas-themed afternoon tea, to High Jinks and Jazz Christmas Party Nights, a stay here could be the icing on the Christmas cake.
- The Midland - Nothing says luxury in Manchester then a stay at the Midland hotel. Opened in 1903, the enormous and elaborate red brick exterior and elegant baroque interiors have been wowing guests for over 100 years. It's place is marked in Manchester history as being the spot where Charles Rolls met Henry Royce, leading to the formation of Rolls-Royce Limited in 1904. They're yet to announce what they have in store over the festive period, but we're sure it will always be magical.
Looking for some festive Manchester gifts? Check out our Manchester Christmas Decorations and Gifts at The Manchester Shop for baubles, gift boxes, candles and more!