The huge Christmas markets are back for their 27th run
Manchester Christmas Markets are back for 2025
Manchester Christmas Markets are back for 2025. The markets officially opened on Friday, November 7, with various locations across Manchester city centre. Located just down the M62 from Liverpool, they have become a go-to destination for many of us over the Christmas period.
The main market locations will run until Monday, December 22 and the Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens, which is where the ice rink can be found, will run until January 4.
It’s safe to say they’re absolutely huge. With 10 locations and over 200 stalls across Manchester city centre, it feels like you’d need a full day just to tackle them all. There are some new additions and familiar favourites this year, with an impressive food, drink and gift offering.
I visited the Manchester Christmas Markets on their opening day and there were a few things that stood out from my visit.
1. They are huge
A pretty obvious stand out for anyone who has visited before, but even after attending for several years it never fails to take me back by just how expansive they are. I found myself walking around with Google Maps open as I tried to navigate my way from Albert Square to Piccadilly Gardens.
The great thing is that the layout works so that you’re never too far from a stall. From Albert Square you can go onto St Ann’s Square, from there onto Exchange Street and then you’ll find yourself on Market Street and across the way from Piccadilly Gardens – albeit with sore feet.
Thankfully, you’ll find a few places to stop for a mulled wine along the way. This year, the market has 274 stalls and can be found across various locations:
- Albert Square
- St Ann’s Square
- King Street
- Exchange Street
- New Cathedral Street
- Exchange Square
- Corn Exchange
- Cathedral Gardens
- Market Street
- Piccadilly Gardens
2. It’s a foodie’s dream
Loaded roasties and pigs in blankets at Piccadilly Gardens
Classic Bratwurst, loaded Amsterdam fries, Hong Kong french toast, scrambled pancakes, the markets have got it all. You won’t fail to find something you’re in the mood for here. After browsing the selection in Piccadilly Gardens, I settled on a non-alcoholic mulled wine, loaded roast potatoes and a side of pigs in blankets, costing me £18.50.
There’s also a big drink selection with bars never a far walk away. Some drinks come in a reusable mug which require deposits of £3.50.
Take a look at the full food and drink prices here.
3. Albert Square is back
Albert Square at Manchester Christmas Market
The Christmas market location at Albert Square has returned for the first time in several years. Visitors will find a mix of stalls, a traditional carousel, helter skelter and even a selfie sleigh. The location is also home to a huge big wheel called the Manchester Festive Wheel which offers incredible views of the city.
According to its website, the huge big wheel lasts around 10-12 minutes and can accomodate up to six people per gondala. Its 50m high, according to Manchester Evening News, and can be booked in advance online.
4. Hash browns are popular
Hash and Dash at Manchester Christmas Markets
Now, it’s early days and I am sure TikTok will soon have the answer to the market’s most popular food stalls. Over the years, social media has been filled with videos of huge queues for croissants dipped in chocolate, edible hot chocolate cups and Yorkshire pudding wraps.
As my partner and I walked around the markets, the one place we noticed was popular was Hash Dash located in St Ann’s Square. The stall serves a selection of loaded hash browns including salt and pepper. They looked and smelt delicious.
Returning favourite Bang Ga Bang Ga, serving cheesy Korean corn dogs, was also quite busy when we visited the Piccadilly Gardens part of the markets.
How to get to Manchester Christmas Markets?
Visit Manchester advises “public transport is the best way to get to and from Manchester Christmas Markets”, with the city centre served by trains, trams and buses. Trains connect to Merseyside via Victoria and Piccadilly Stations, which are both an easy walk to the markets.
For visitors wishing to drive, Visit Manchester states that “the roads around the city centre will be very busy”, as will car parks, so visitors should drive at quieter times to beat the traffic and plan their car park. Visitors can also use one of the 24 park and rides to park for free and hop on the tram.
Manchester Christmas Markets opening hours
Opening dates: November 7 – December 22 2025 (A Taste of Christmas on Albert Square and the stalls at Cathedral Gardens which will remain open throughout the Christmas period until January 4 2026).
Opening hours: Craft Stalls 10am – 8pm, Food and Drink Stalls 10am – 9pm
More information can be found on the Visit Manchester website.