Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester Christmas Market is one of the Christmas Markets UK. In this article, we will tell you about the history of the festive fair, available entertainment, events and much more.

History of Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester Christmas Markets first took place in 1998. The history of this fair began in Saint Anne's Square. Since then, the markets have spread throughout the city centre and have become hugely popular.

Initially, Christmas markets were associated with the sale of meat, but over time they have evolved into venues for selling seasonal treats, decorations and handicrafts. A simple bazaar has become one of the largest festive markets in Great Britain and Europe.

In the 2000s, the fair expanded, with new pavilions appearing every year. The range of goods on sale also expanded.

Changes also affected the location. In addition to St Ann's Square, areas appeared in other squares and streets: Piccadilly Gardens, Albert Square, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, King Street, Exchange Street and others.

In 2023, the Manchester Christmas market celebrated its 25th anniversary. It already had more than 225 stalls located in nine venues throughout the city centre. In its early years, the fair was more artisanal and ‘traditional’ with wooden stalls, handmade goods, Christmas paraphernalia, and European traditions. Its organisers were inspired by the fairs of Central Europe.

Gradually, the format of the market underwent some changes, with the addition of street food, bar culture, festive entertainment and concerts. Themed areas, family areas and festive events were also added.

Today, the Manchester Christmas Market is not just a market, but an event that encompasses the entire central part of the city, transforming it into a Christmas wonderland during the holiday season.

Entertainment

Visitors to the Christmas market have the opportunity to have a great time at Skate Manchester in Cathedral Gardens, skating under the lights of the garlands. In addition, they can enjoy live performances with festive shows, music and family acts.

Children can meet Santa Claus and enjoy themed attractions. There is also a carousel and other Christmas-themed entertainment.

Manchester Christmas Markets locations

Manchester Christmas Markets has several locations:

1. Market Street – here you will find more than 40 stalls selling crafts, gifts, handmade decorations, candles, Christmas decorations, delicacies and sweets.
2. Exchange Square is a food court selling burritos, hot dishes, desserts, mulled wine, as well as souvenirs and handicrafts.
3. The Corn Exchange offers handicrafts, gifts, handmade decorations, and souvenirs. People come here for a more ‘peaceful’ shopping experience, away from the noise of the street.
4. King Street is home to food stalls offering continental cuisine, delicacies, cheeses, alcoholic beverages, and gifts.
5. St Ann's Square is one of the traditional marketplaces with a cosy atmosphere, where crafts are honoured and festive goods are sold.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the entertainment areas, such as Albert Square, where there is a mini-market. Cathedral Gardens has an ice rink, and Piccadilly Gardens has Winter Gardens with tents, food, handicrafts, drinks, and indoor recreation.

Map

The Manchester Christmas Markets map shows the main locations:

1. Albert Square — the central festive area with large fairground stalls, a Ferris wheel, Christmas decorations and food.
2. Piccadilly Gardens.
3. Market Street.
4. Cathedral Gardens.
5. St Ann's Square.

All locations are in the centre of Manchester, and it's easy to walk between them, taking only 10-15 minutes. The map helps you find your way around. In addition to the stalls, it shows entrances, toilets, transport stops, an ice rink and a Ferris wheel. Use the map when planning your visit to the fair.

How to get there?

There are several ways to get to the Manchester Christmas Markets. Choose the option that is most convenient for you.

By bus

The closest bus stations to the markets are Piccadilly Gardens and Shudehill Interchange. From there, it takes 5-10 minutes to walk to the desired location.

Those living outside Manchester should take a bus heading towards the city centre, with the final stop at Piccadilly Gardens or Shudehill. During the Christmas season, specialised buses run from distant cities, such as the Stagecoach X61 route available from Preston.

By train

The most convenient railway stations are Manchester Piccadilly station and Manchester Victoria station. From there, you can reach the markets by tram or on foot. There are other stations, such as Deansgate station. However, on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m., it may be closed during market hours.

By underground

The city has a convenient tram system called Metrolink. Tram stops are located close to most market locations.

From St Peter's Square tram stop, it is only a 4-10 minute walk to Albert Square or King Street. Market Street tram stop is also a 5-10 minute walk from the market. Piccadilly Gardens tram stop is next to one of the main market locations.

Information for visitors

When planning a visit to Manchester Christmas Markets, check out the location of the hotels closest to the market and find out what food will be available at the fair.

Hotels nearby

Hotels closest to the market:

• Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel. Located at Piccadilly Gardens, this is an excellent option for those who want to be at the heart of the action.
• Britannia Sachas Hotel. Located in the Northern Quarter, close to the centre and the markets. Rooms are available at a more affordable price compared to hotels in the very centre.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester – Piccadilly. An excellent choice for those who value comfort and convenience. The hotel is located a short distance from the centre and markets. The service here is higher than in a hostel, and the price is reasonable.
• The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel. A high-class hotel with a good rating, located within walking distance of the fairgrounds. A great option for those planning to walk around the city centre.

Food at Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester Christmas Markets offers visitors a wide variety of food. For example, in the Piccadilly Gardens area, you can try Greek gyros, Yorkshire pudding, Chinese dumplings, Brazilian street food, Korean hot dogs and sweets.

In the Albert Square area, there is a ‘mini-market’ with wooden kiosks selling traditional German sausages, as well as pancakes, pancakes, and hot drinks. In the Exchange Square area, Mexican food, Indian curries, pancakes, and sweets — various street foods — are popular. In the King Street area, dishes such as chicken, waffles, Greek gyros, pizza, as well as Mediterranean food and delicacies such as cheese and cold cuts are offered.

Other places offer traditional Christmas market treats:

• hot chocolate;
• mulled wine;
• pastries;
• sweets;
• snacks.

Parking

Piccadilly Gardens Car Park is a couple of minutes' walk from the market, but it fills up quickly on holidays and there may not be enough space for everyone. In this case, it is worth considering alternative options:

1. CitiPark Dale Street (75 Dale Street, M1 2HG) is located 3-5 minutes' walk from the centre, not far from Piccadilly.
2. NCP Port Street Car Park is located 5-6 minutes' walk away.
3. RCP / Printworks Car Park (Printworks / Shudehill area, close to Victoria Arena) is about a 5-minute walk away. This is convenient if the centre is too crowded.

You can also consider the ‘Park & Ride’ option, leaving your car away from the centre and taking the tram to your destination.

Tickets

Admission to the fair itself is free. There is a charge for food, drinks and entertainment. Mulled wine, for example, costs around £5.50, a pint of beer £6.50, champagne £7, hot chocolate £4.50 and sausages around £8.

A ride on the Ferris wheel costs £8 for adults and around £6 for children under 12. An adult ticket for the ice rink costs £17.5-19.5, and a child's ticket costs around £13.75.

Reviews

Nora:

Manchester Christmas Markets is a place where you can immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, taste traditional Christmas food and have a lot of positive experiences. We visit it almost every year.

Emma:

All locations of Manchester Christmas Markets are worth visiting, especially the Ferris wheel and the ice rink. Our children were delighted with the decorations, the lighting and, of course, the delicious food.

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