All TEN locations, and some of the stalls and attractions to expect, as we head on countdown for the return of Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester Christmas Markets will spread to TEN locations for 2025 – pictured is Exchange Square(Image: Mark Waugh Manchester Press Photography Ltd)
We are now on full festive countdown, with Manchester’s famous Christmas Markets set to spread out across the city in just three weeks time.
This year will see the return of the famous wooden chalets to Albert Square, for the first time in six years, with a “mini market” and festive fairground which will include a big wheel outside Manchester Town Hall.
Albert Square will join NINE other city centre locations in what is set to be a bumper year for the Manchester Christmas Markets across the city.
Here we have an update on what to expect at each location of the markets, as well as the full listings for dates and times across the markets sites.
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The main markets sites will open from Friday, November 7 and run through to Monday, December 22.
But both Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens, which hosts this year’s Skate Manchester ice rink, will stay open up until January 4 this year.
Here’s everything we know so far about the return of the festive markets, including the daily opening times which slightly differ depending on the location.
All the locations – and opening timesAlbert Square
Works are underway to get Albert Square back in use for the Manchester Christmas Markets(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
The big news for 2025 is the return of Albert Square to hosting Christmas markets stalls – although we’re told to prepare for “something a little bit different”.
As the square is not completely refurbished yet, as part of the ongoing multi-million pound Our Town Hall project, there will be a mini market here rather than a complete return.
There will also be “exciting fairground-style attractions” with a 50-metre-high Ferris wheel set to deliver some breathtaking views over Manchester Town Hall.
There’ll be a bespoke market featuring twinkling lights and covered seating in wooden chalets serving local food, drink and crafts from Christmas traders.
Foodies will love the tasty waffles and pancakes from The German Pancake House, Wrap Up will be serving a new menu of loaded hash browns, and the popular Mr Crimble’s Crumble stall will have a new second location here this year.
Plus the traditional German swing grill, with freshly cooked bratwursts and German beers on tap, will return to Albert Square.
Opening Times: 7 November to 23 December: 10am to 9pm; 24 December (Christmas Eve): 10am to 5pm; 25 December (Christmas Day): closed; 26 to 30 December: 10am to 6pm; 31 December (New Year’s Eve): 10–12.30am; 1 to 4 January: 10am to 6pm
The Winter Gardens
Piccadilly Gardens will become “Winter Gardens” again(Image: Mark Waugh Manchester Press Photography Ltd)
Piccadilly Gardens will once again become The Winter Gardens for 2025 with a host of hot food and drink stalls from around the globe.
You can tuck into Greek gyros, Yorkshire pudding and shepherd’s pies. Choose from Chinese dumplings, Brazilian street food, and Korean hot dogs. Mr Crimble Crumble will also be back serving their famous crumbles.
Craft and gift stalls here will include pottery, jewellery, desserts, cheeses, and more.
Enjoy a beer, spirit, or hot drink. Or get cosy in covered seating areas and sing along to classic tunes in Bar Hutte’s karaoke huts, here in an additional location for 2025.
Opening times: from 10am to 9pm daily from 7 November to 22 December
Market Street
Market Street is very much the gift zone of the markets. You’ll only find one hot drink stall and no alcohol, so this is not the place to head if you’re after a gluhwein, pint or a hot sausage.
Expect more than forty stalls though offering bespoke crafts, gifts and produce.
There will be tweed hats, candles and Christmas decorations. Plus, you can stock up on spiced rum, coconut macaroons, cheese truckles and foodie treats.
Opening times: From November 7 to December 22, open 10am to 9pm every day except Sundays, when the market will close at 6pm.
Cathedral Gardens
Cathedral Gardens will host the ice skating rink
Traditionally the more family-focussed area of the markets, this is where you’ll find Skate Manchester’s huge, covered ice rink (open daily) and free live entertainment hosted every Thursday to Sunday all the way up to New Year’s Eve.
On the food front, you’ll find Yorkshire pudding wraps (not by Porky Pig though – he’s only on Exchange Square), authentic crepes, gourmet hot dogs, hot chocolate, and much more.
Opening times: Skate Manchester officially opens in time for the October half term, from October 24 running straight through then to January 4. Full opening times are:-
- 24 October to 6 November: 10am to 8pm
- 7 November to 23 December: 10am to 9pm
- 24 December (Christmas Eve): 10am to 5pm
- 25 December (Christmas Day): closed
- 26 December to 4 January: 10am to 5pm
St Ann’s Square and Exchange Street
Manchester Christmas Markets will be back on St Ann’s Square for 2025(Image: Manchester Evening News)
St Ann’s Square was the original site of Manchester’s first-ever Christmas Market. This year it’s back with some of the longest-standing traders including the German beers, cherry gluhwein and bratwurst stalls.
Live music will be a feature here, as well as a raft of gift stalls.
Exchange Street will see the return of the popular chocolate taps from last year, as well as a newcomer this year, loaded hash browns.
Opening times: from 10am to 9pm daily from 7 November to 22 December
New Cathedral Street
New Cathedral Street from above(Image: Mark Waugh Manchester Press Photography Ltd)
New Cathedral Street is known as the spot for high end gifts and foodie favourites. Craft-lovers can expect handmade beeswax candles, ceramics, local spirits, and keepsakes on offer.
This is also the place you can get those 1 litre steins of Bavarian beer and German bratwurst and currywurst from The Witch House – it’s the one with the famous giant sausage above the stall.
You can also tuck into steak frites from Artisan Catering, and experience a taste of Mexico with a delicious burrito from Mango Rays. Craft lagers, hot drinks and mead will be on offer at Bar 3. Also keep your eye out for gourmet Scotch eggs on sale.
Opening times: from 10am to 8pm daily from 7 November to 22 December
Exchange Square
Exchange Square will host the Christmas Markets(Image: Manchester Evening News)
One of the largest and often busiest market locations in the city, Exchange Square is famously the location of the Porky Pig Yorkshire pudding stand.
The Mill Exchange is back with its range of flavoured mulled wines, and you can also find Dutch mini pancakes here.
You can tuck into Mexican tacos, Indian curries,hot chocolates and cocktails too.
You’ll also find festive crafts and treats. Browse soaps, boutique babywear and tweed clothing. And stock up on Italian biscuits, cannoli, Turkish delight and baklava.
Opening times: From 10am to 9pm daily from 7 November to 22 December
The Corn Exchange
The Corn Exchange is the place for gifts(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Situated between the Corn Exchange and Shambles Square, you’ll find some of the most unique gifts available on the Christmas Markets here from a range of crafters. And as there are no hot food and drink stalls here, it’s a more dedicated zone for shoppers.
There will be handmade pork pies and pork scratching, artisan chocolate truffles and brownies, woollen jumpers and toys, handmade jewellery and the popular Christmas decorations and name plaques.
Opening times: From 10am to 8pm daily from 7 November to 22 December
King Street
King Street will boast some new bars this year(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Traditionally the continental food market area in the city, King Street will welcome two new bars this year offering “an upmarket drinking experience”. You’ll find festive cocktails, German beers and craft ales.
Food stalls here will be serving chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, as well as traditional French cuisine, Italian pizza and arancini, Greek gyros, and Spanish dishes.
Browse soap, decorations, local spirits, truckle cheeses and chocolate kisses. Or visit the Italian deli for gourmet meats, cheeses and Mediterranean produce.
Opening times: From 10am to 9pm daily from 7 November to 22 December