Manchester Christmas market at dusk with iconic architecture and festive Santa
David Dixon|CC BY-SA 2.0

Christmas Markets in Manchester

10 MarketsUnited Kingdom

Christmas markets in Manchester

Explore on the Map

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Weather

Climate averages and forecast for Manchester

9-Day Forecast

Updated daily from MET Norway

Sun
Nov 30
Fair
44°F
38°F
0.1 in
Mon
Dec 1
Rain
54°F
42°F
0.7 in
Tue
Dec 2
Partly cloudy
46°F
41°F
0.1 in
Wed
Dec 3
Light rain
45°F
40°F
0 in
Thu
Dec 4
Cloudy
45°F
40°F
0.2 in
Fri
Dec 5
Rain
45°F
35°F
0.3 in
Sat
Dec 6
Cloudy
49°F
46°F
0.1 in
Sun
Dec 7
Cloudy
46°F
41°F
0 in
Mon
Dec 8
Heavy rain
46°F
41°F
0.5 in

Typical Winter Weather

30-year average climate data for November through January

Typical Winter Weather
30-year average temperatures for Manchester
Month
Average
High
Average
Low
Average Monthly
Precipitation
Average Daily
Sunshine
November50°F41°F3.4 in1.8h
December46°F37°F3.3 in1.5h
January45°F36°F2.6 in1.7h
Weather forecast from MET Norway (CC BY 4.0)|Climate data: Source Meteostat (CC BY-NC 4.0, modified: avg temp calculated, unit conversion)

Experience Manchester

Watch videos showcasing the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere

Manchester Christmas Markets HYPE vs REALITY

Manchester Christmas Markets HYPE vs REALITY

Is the Manchester Christmas Markets Worth the Hype? Some come for TikTok-famous treats. Others for the collectible mugs. And some call it an overpriced rip-off. So, is it worth your time—or should you skip it entirely? In this video, I explore all nine locations of the market to show you exactly what they have to offer. 00:00 Intro 00:34 Cathedral Gardens 00:53 The Corn Exchange 01:14 Exchange Square 03:36 New Cathedral Street 04:21 St Ann's Square & Exchange Street 05:15 King Street 05:

Americans Visit the UK’s LARGEST Christmas Market (Manchester Christmas Markets)

Americans Visit the UK’s LARGEST Christmas Market (Manchester Christmas Markets)

We're experiencing our first-ever December in England, and we couldn't miss checking out the Christmas Markets! When we asked you which Christmas market we absolutely HAD to visit, Manchester was overwhelmingly your top recommendation. Join us as we explore Britain's largest Christmas Market, featuring over 200 stalls across multiple locations throughout the city. From traditional bratwurst to local Manchester specialties, we're trying as many of the different foods as we can and also checking o

I RATE the Manchester Christmas Market 2024

I RATE the Manchester Christmas Market 2024

The Manchester Christmas market is one of the largest and most popular in the whole of the UK. But what's all the fuss about? In this video I take a wander and judge Manchester on 5 key areas; Stall Variety, Food & Drink Offerings, Entertainment, Value for Money and how much festive cheer it brings This is the 3rd episode in my series of Christmas adventures for 2024. Thank you to everybody for joining me by watching, sharing, commenting and liking - I really do appreciate it. If you want to

Discover Manchester

Explore the magical atmosphere of Manchester's Christmas markets

Manchester Christmas market at dusk with iconic architecture and festive Santa
David Dixon|CC BY-SA 2.0
Manchester Christmas market with Gothic Cathedral and giant Santa figure
Ardfern|CC BY-SA 4.0
Manchester's iconic Christmas pyramid amidst a bustling winter market scene
Rept0n1x|CC BY-SA 2.0
Manchester's festive Albert Square bustling with winter charm and iconic Gothic architecture.
Ardfern|CC BY-SA 4.0
Manchester Town Hall's Gothic architecture adorned for Christmas warmth
Ardfern|CC BY-SA 4.0
Manchester Christmas market scene with festive stalls and warm evening lights
Ardfern|CC BY-SA 4.0
Manchester bustling Christmas market with festive stalls and illuminated decorations
David Dixon|CC BY-SA 2.0

Plan Your Visit to Manchester

Getting There

Manchester Airport, one of the UK's busiest hubs, offers direct flights from across Europe and beyond. Rail connections link the airport to the city centre efficiently, while Manchester Piccadilly station provides frequent services from London, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and other major British cities. The city benefits from excellent motorway access via the M6, M62, and M60.

Where to Stay

The city centre provides the most convenient base, with hotels ranging from budget chains to luxury properties. The Northern Quarter and Spinningfields districts offer stylish boutique options amid excellent dining and nightlife, while Deansgate and King Street place visitors near premium shopping and cultural venues.

Other Attractions

The Museum of Science and Industry celebrates Manchester's pioneering industrial heritage with interactive exhibits spanning textiles, computing, and railways. Football enthusiasts can tour Old Trafford or Etihad Stadium, while the Whitworth Art Gallery and Manchester Art Gallery showcase world-class collections. The Northern Quarter buzzes with independent shops, street art, and vibrant cafés. The historic John Rylands Library impresses with its Gothic Revival architecture, and Castlefield's revitalized waterways offer scenic walks among Roman ruins and Victorian warehouses. Peak District National Park makes an excellent day trip for countryside escapes.

History & Culture

Manchester's transformation from Roman fort to global powerhouse defines its character. Founded as Mamucium around AD 79, the settlement grew modestly until the Industrial Revolution catapulted it to international prominence. By the early 19th century, Manchester had become the world's first industrial city, earning the nickname Cottonopolis for its dominant textile trade. The city's mills, warehouses, and canals revolutionized manufacturing and commerce, while its political activism gave birth to movements for workers' rights and social reform.

Manchester's Christmas Markets began in 1999 when the city council partnered with German organizers to bring an authentic Continental market experience to Albert Square. Inspired by traditional German Weihnachtsmärkte, the event quickly grew from a modest gathering to one of Europe's largest festive celebrations. The markets expanded across multiple city centre locations, blending German traditions with Manchester's industrial heritage and multicultural character to create a distinctive seasonal attraction.

10 markets • Sorted by popularity

Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester City Centre
Free Entry
Ice SkatingFamily FriendlyCollectible MugsLight ShowLocal Vendors

Now in their 27th year, Manchester's Christmas Markets with their iconic wooden chalets have become legendary, drawing millions to the city centre each year. With over 200 stalls spread across nine locations, visitors can enjoy seasonal treats, mulled wine, and a wonderful festive atmosphere offering handmade gifts, craft items, and delicious food.

Manchester Christmas Markets - Albert Square

Albert Square
Free Entry
Family FriendlyCarouselCollectible MugsLocal VendorsHandmade Ornaments

Main market location in front of Manchester Town Hall

Manchester Christmas Markets - Cathedral Gardens

Cathedral Gardens
Free Entry
Ice SkatingLive MusicFamily FriendlyLocal VendorsHandmade Ornaments

Market location at Cathedral Gardens, open until 4 January 2026

Manchester Christmas Markets - Exchange Square

Exchange Square
Free Entry
Ice SkatingLive MusicFamily FriendlyCollectible MugsLocal Vendors

Market location at Exchange Square

Manchester Christmas Markets - Piccadilly Gardens

Piccadilly Gardens
Free Entry
Ice SkatingFamily FriendlyCollectible MugsLight ShowLocal Vendors

Market location at Piccadilly Gardens

Manchester Christmas Markets - New Cathedral Street

New Cathedral Street
Free Entry
Family FriendlyLocal VendorsHandmade OrnamentsTraditionalArtisan Crafts

Market stalls on New Cathedral Street

Manchester Christmas Markets - St Ann's Square

St Ann's Square
Free Entry
Live MusicFamily FriendlyCollectible MugsLocal VendorsHandmade Ornaments

Market location at historic St Ann's Square

Manchester Christmas Markets - King Street

King Street
Free Entry
Family FriendlyLocal VendorsFood CourtTraditionalArtisan Crafts

Market stalls along King Street

Manchester Christmas Markets - Market Street

Market Street
Free Entry
Family FriendlyCollectible MugsLocal VendorsHandmade OrnamentsTraditional

Market stalls along Market Street

Manchester Christmas Markets - Exchange Street

Exchange Street
Free Entry
Ice SkatingLive MusicFamily FriendlyCollectible MugsLocal Vendors

Market location on Exchange Street

Nearby Christmas Market Destinations

Explore other cities with Christmas markets near Manchester

Ready to Visit Manchester?

Discover 10 magical Christmas markets in the heart of United Kingdom