Manchester Christmas Markets

Albert Square, Manchester
© Copyright David Dixon

Manchester is the third largest city in Great Britain. A popular destination at any time of year, it's particularly hectic and thriving in the run up to Christmas, thanks to its world famous Christmas Markets, which this year will be open from 17 November to 23 December.

The Manchester Christmas Markets have been running since 1989, when the council of Frankfurt hosted a small traditional German market of just 17 stalls in St Ann's Square.  Today, the markets take over eight different sites around the city, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere. All are located within easy reach of each other.

St Ann's Square, where the first Christmas Market was held
© Copyright David Dixon

Over 200 stalls offer all kinds of goods including gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes, toys and an array of food and drink from across Europe. It's a truly international event with a uniquely Mancunian flavour. 

When it comes to gifts there's everything from fine amber jewellery, handcrafted leather bags, and top quality bonsai trees, to Dutch cheeses, French breads, and Spanish chorizo. And there's loads of places to grab a bite, either on the hoof or sitting under cover somewhere; Dutch mini pancakes, Hungarian goulash, Spanish paella and French profiteroles are just a few of the delights on offer. Last but not least, there's no shortage of stalls selling hot and cold drinks (coffee, hot chocolate, beer, wine and much more).

Brazennose Street Market
© Copyright David Dixon

Market sites

Here is a list of the individual markets. All except the Albert Square market are open 10am to 7.30pm in November (bars open until 9pm) and 10am to 8pm in December (bars open until 9pm). The Albert Square market is open from 10am to 9pm every day.  

The Corn Exchange
Exchange Square
New Cathedral Street
Exchange Street
St Ann's Square
King Street
Brazennose Street
Albert Square 

Go prepared
All the Christmas markets are outdoors, so you need to make sure that you dress suitably for spending time in the open air. You'll need warm clothing - a few layers is best. And remember, Manchester gets more than its fair share of rain, so it might be advisable to take an umbrella! Oh, and one last thing, the Albert Square market site is cobbled, and probably not the best place for high heels.

Photographs licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence