Manchester Christmas Markets 2024: Dates, times, and locations

The festive season is just around the corner, and Manchester’s Christmas Markets are set to return bigger than ever in 2024. With seven full weekends of festive fun, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event.

Key details:?

Dates:

November 8 - December 22, 2024

Daily opening times:

Craft stalls: 10 am - 8 pm

Bars and food stalls: 11 am - 9 pm

Final day (Dec 22): All stalls close at 6 pm

Main hub: Piccadilly Gardens, transformed into Winter Gardens

Market zones and locations:

    •    Winter gardens (Piccadilly Gardens): The central hub features the famous Manchester Christmas Windmill, tipi tents, and a variety of winter drinks and food such as churros, corndogs, and gyros.

    •    St Ann’s square and Exchange Street: The oldest market area, offering continental cheeses, local gifts, and the famous Manchester Shop.

    •    Market street: Focuses on crafts and gifts, with over 40 stalls selling items like Christmas decorations, candles, and tweed hats.

    •    King street: Known for food stalls, offering authentic Italian delicacies and a variety of food and drink gifts.

    •    New cathedral street: Home to handmade crafts, candles, ceramics, and the iconic Witch House currywurst.

    •    Exchange square: Features the Mill Exchange, offering mulled wine and the legendary Yorkshire pudding wrap from Porky Pig.

    •    The corn exchange: Expect unique gifts like handmade pies, Nepalese woollen jumpers, and recycled wood decorations.

    •    Cathedral gardens: Home to the covered ice rink and live entertainment from Thursday to Sunday, with food stalls offering crepes, hot chocolate, and more.

Special features:

    •    Christmas lights trail: Enjoy stunning light displays throughout the city, including walk-through baubles, a Manchester bee, and Big Santa watching over St Peter’s Square.

    •    Skate Manchester: Covered ice rink in Cathedral Gardens, open until December 31.

    •    Christmas parade: The popular Manchester Christmas Parade returns this year, although the exact date is yet to be confirmed. Expect festive performers, music, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Picture credit: Manchester City Council