Christmas Markets in and around Manchester
Find some excellent and unique Christmas presents, get a belly-full of festive food, and revel in the good cheer at the Christmas markets in Manchester this year
By James Stokes | Updated Dec 16 2024
Manchester’s Christmas markets are open until 22nd December
Piccadilly Gardens - open daily, 10am-9pm
Piccadilly Gardens is at the heart of Manchester’s Christmas Market in 2024, transformed over the festive period into the Winter Gardens; the area will feature an array of food stalls (including in the Picadilly Street Food Market) offering everything from bratwursts to churros, along with a vibrant street food market serving global dishes. For entertainment, live music and performances will be available under marquees, ensuring the festivities continue regardless of the weather.
Market Street - open daily, 10am-8pm (6pm on Sundays)
Market Street will be absolutely bustling, with 45 stalls selling bespoke crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats. You’ll find everything from Christmas decorations and spiced rum to handmade jewellery and freshly baked macaroons. It’s a great spot to tick off your Christmas shopping while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Cathedral Gardens - open daily, 10am-9pm
Families will love Cathedral Gardens, where you can enjoy Skate Manchester’s large covered ice rink, as well as free live entertainment every Thursday to Sunday all the way up until New Year’s Eve! Among the many food stalls you'll find delicious treats like authentic crepes, gourmet hot dogs, and hot chocolate. It’s the perfect location for a winter day out with something for everyone!
St Ann’s Square and Exchange Street - open daily, 10am-9pm
St Ann’s Square is the site of the original Manchester Christmas Market, and it's where you’ll find some of the market’s longest-standing traders, offering a huge selection of authentic German goods, from bratwurst to traditional glühwein, plus salt and pepper chicken from Northern Quarter favourites Yard and Coop - perfect for soaking up the festive atmosphere with a boozy drink or a tasty bite
New Cathedral Street - open daily, 10am-9pm
For high-end gifts and delicious food, head to New Cathedral Street, home to craft stalls selling handmade candles, ceramics, and local spirits - it's the perfect place to find those special, unique Christmas gifts. You can also enjoy hearty meals like currywurst from The Witch House, or a burrito from Wrap Up!
Exchange Square - open daily, 10am-9pm
One of the largest market sites in Manchester, Exchange Square features a whole host of craft stalls (that will close at 8pm). Here, visitors can enjoy the iconic Mancunian mulled wine at The Mill Exchange, alongside a variety of culinary delights like mini pancakes, birria bowls and the absolutely smashing Yorkshire pudding wraps from Porky Pig. You’ll also find a variety of handmade gifts, local crafts, and even boutique babywear.
King Street - open daily, 10am-9pm
Foodies and shoppers alike will enjoy King Street, where you’ll find fresh cannelloni and arancini from Ballaro, along with Mediterranean flavours from El Gato Negro. For unique gifts, there will be handmade wooden furniture, personalised tree decorations, the ever-popular French soap stall, and beautifully illustrated bottles from local distillery Salford Rum.
The Corn Exchange - open daily, 10am-9pm (craft stall close at 8pm)
Located between the Corn Exchange and Shambles Square, this market is home to unique, handmade gifts; Christmas decorations made from 100% recycled wood, woollen jumpers from Nepal, artisan chocolates, hearty pies and more.