With the sound of jingle bells now just around the corner and less than four weeks to go until the opening of Manchester's legendary Christmas Markets, preparations are well underway for the festive season in the city.
And with hundreds of stalls across the city in ten different locations Manchester's Christmas Markets are already picking up the plaudits, even before they have officially opened.
Named only this week as the best Christmas Markets in the UK, Manchester Christmas Markets have also been crowned second best Christmas Markets in the World for 2026 - narrowly missing out to Nuremberg for the top spot and seeing off the likes of Christmas heavyweights New York and Strasbourg.
Albert Square is once again set to be at the centre of the city's countdown to Christmas festivities with several not-to-be-missed new features this year, including live artisan pastry baking with a heart - raising money for local charities - a pop-up festive pub that is sure to be everyone's favourite local by the time the markets are done, plus the return of the almighty giant Ferris Wheel with its stunning views from the top over the city, and a brand-new selfie sleigh nestled inside a giant Christmas tree.
Also back on Albert Square for the first time in nearly a decade will be everyone's favourite giant Santa, back once again in time-honoured tradition in front of Manchester's majestic Victorian town hall, keeping an eye on the city throughout the festive season, bringing an extra touch of Christmas magic to the square.
Just around the corner from Albert Square, this year's Christmas Markets also see the addition of a brand-new market location, with Lincoln Square off Brazennose Street transformed for the festive season with over a dozen market stalls and trucks, offering a mouth-watering selection of food and drinks, plus cosy undercover seating.
Other Christmas Market locations across the city this year include King Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, and Market Street.
Christmas Market regulars who visit St Ann's Square this year will see a big difference on the square which is one of the longest-running of the city's Christmas market locations - with even more craft, food, and drink stalls on offer in a brand-new layout providing more choice and even better browsing opportunities around the stalls.
And over at Cathedral Gardens Skate MCR is back, transforming the gardens into the ultimate winter destination with a range of market stalls alongside an undercover ice rink - perfect for a seasonal skate whatever the weather - that will remain open through the festive season until the new year.
Markets across the city will be open daily from Friday 6 November to Tuesday 22 December, except at Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens which will remain open until Sunday 3 January 2027.
Opening hours at all market locations (except Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens) are from 10 am - 9 pm, except on the final day of trading 22 December when stalls will close at 6 pm.
On Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens stalls will open from 10 am - 9 pm each day, before closing slightly earlier at 5 pm on Christmas Eve and reopening on 26 December until 3 January from 10 am - 6 pm each day, except for New Year's Eve, when Cathedral Gardens will close at 6 pm, whilst Albert Square will remain open until just after midnight.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said:
"Christmas can never come round quickly enough for me and I'm very excited for everything we've got coming up across the city - it's going to be fabulous. The festive season has to be my absolute favourite time of the year in Manchester because there's nowhere that does Christmas quite like we do.
"It's no surprise then that our legendary Christmas Markets have been voted the Best Christmas Markets in the UK. They've been helping make magical memories of Christmas in the city for generations of Mancunians for a good two-and-a-half decades now, and the crowds of people visiting them from up and down the country and far beyond gets bigger and bigger every time.
"We've been saying for years just how brilliant our markets are - they really are up there with the very best in the world and everyone should come. So it's no surprise either that as well as Best in the UK, we've also been voted second Best Christmas Markets in the World by a whisker - coming within touching distance of Nuremberg who bagged first place.
"I take my Santa's hat off to Nuremberg for being top of the Christmas tree once again this year - it's a beautiful place, full of tradition, and well worth a visit - but there's definitely room for two at the top next year. We'll bring the tinsel!"
Here's the lowdown on what to expect in each location:
Albert Square
Albert Square is a must-visit Christmas Market location, hosting a packed programme of festive experiences.
Thrill-seekers can take in the spectacular views of Manchester from the iconic 50-metre Ferris wheel, or enjoy a trip down memory lane on the vintage helter-skelter.
New for this year is the chance to pull up a seat at the festive pop-up pub for drinks and live entertainment, or relax in one of the many heated covered seating areas dotted around the square.
Browse food, drink and craft stalls from local and international traders. Watch as delicious pastries are baked and decorated with free live baking demonstrations and donations made to local charities for the number of pastries sold, warm up with a hot chocolate, or enjoy a Parisian sweet treat from the French toast stall.
Capture the festive magic inside the glittering Christmas Tree with its life-size sleigh plus ring lights for the perfect selfie, with enough room to gather friends and family for a group shot.
And bring the children to see Manchester's very own giant Santa sitting high above the markets in front of the Town Hall.
The markets will be open daily - except for Christmas Day - from Friday 6 November to Sunday 3 January 2027.
Lincoln Square
A brand-new Christmas market location for 2026 for foodies, just a step away from Albert Square.
Enjoy festive refreshments, seasonal treats and warming drinks from local and international traders with jerk chicken, homestyle lasagne and pasta, Korean corn dogs and much more.
And when you've eaten your fill wash it all down from the cosy comfort of a heated marquee with a seasonal special alcoholic hot chocolate or a festive spritzer from one of the truck bars..
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December and from 10am to 9pm every day except 22 December when it will close at 6 pm.
King Street
Shoppers, foodies and bar lovers will find all their favourites on King Street.
Browse soap, decorations, local spirits, truckle cheeses and chocolate kisses. Or visit the Italian deli for gourmet meats, cheeses and Mediterranean produce.
Visit mouth-watering food stalls for chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, and more. Try Hong Kong-style French toast, Italian pizza and arancini, Greek gyros, and traditional Spanish dishes, or warm up with award-winning pies, hot mash and seasonal veggies.
Gather with friends to enjoy a selection of festive cocktails, German beers and craft ales.
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December and from 10am to 9pm every day except 22 December when it will close at 6 pm.
St Ann's Square
The original home of Manchester Christmas Markets has been given a makeover and will have an exciting new layout for 2026 that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Savour the sounds of singers, buskers and community choirs. Take in the magical atmosphere from the comfort of an even bigger and better covered seating area.
Grab a bite to eat and enjoy the twinkling lights of a giant Christmas tree while sipping a Guinness from the dedicated Guinness cart, a glühwein, or festive cocktail.
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December and from 10am to 9pm every day except 22 December when it will close at 6 pm.
Corn Exchange
Browse the stalls in front of the Corn Exchange for unique gifts of all kinds from crafters.
Take home tasty festive treats, such as pork pies, handmade truffles and artisan cheeses, or shop for clothing, jewellery, fabulous accessories and more.
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December and from 10am to 9pm every day except 22 December when it will close at 6 pm.
Exchange Street
Exchange Street is back with many of the favourites you know and love.
Treat your taste buds to loaded hash browns and decadent hot chocolate. Visit the hot chocolate and strawberry stand, serving gourmet chocolate straight from the melting taps. Savour frosty affogatos and Dubai-inspired chocolate-covered strawberries.
Explore the stalls selling a range of crafts and gifts against a backdrop of twinkling festive lights.
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December and from 10am to 9pm every day except 22 December when it will close at 6 pm.
New Cathedral Street
New Cathedral Street is a must-visit destination for Christmas shopping.
The market will be open daily from 10am to 9pm.
Don't miss the traditional German bratwurst and beers or indulge yourself in delicious steak frites with hot raclette cheese poured over the fries.
Browse an amazing range of festive gifts and treats to choose from.
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December and from 10am to 9pm every day except 22 December when it will close at 6 pm.
Market Street
Market Street is back and bigger than ever, with even more stalls to explore craft and gift stalls
Get your Christmas shopping sorted as you browse unique gifts, handcrafted decorations and festive treats. Pick up everything from tweed hats and scented candles to Christmas ornaments, spiced rum and delicious foodie favourites.
When you're ready for a break from shopping, test your skills with carnival-style games including darts and hook-a-duck.
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December and from 10am to 9pm every day except 22 December when it will close at 6 pm.
Exchange Square
One of the largest Christmas Market locations, with festive food, drinks, gifts and crafts.
Warm up with a hot chocolate at the hugely popular hot chocolate bar – back for 2026, or enjoy a classic mulled wine, home-made here in Manchester.
Try a Yorkshire pudding wrap or a traditional bratwurst from the swing grill.
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December and from 10am to 9pm every day except 22 December when it will close at 6 pm.
Cathedral Gardens
Expect plenty of activities for all ages at Cathedral Gardens, particularly for younger visitors.
Experience Skate Manchester’s huge, covered ice rink, open daily except Christmas Day, and enjoy mini-fairground games, free live entertainment, and family fun throughout the festive period.
Enjoy cheese fondue served in hot bread bowls and salt and pepper-style chicken fries. Plus, warm up with authentic crêpes, gourmet hot dogs, hot chocolate, and more.
The market will be open daily (except Christmas Day) from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
For more information about Christmas in Manchester visit manchester.gov.uk/christmas
