The Manchester Christmas Markets are an annual festive event that transforms the city into a winter wonderland. Starting in mid-November and running through December, the markets offer a variety of stalls selling everything from unique handicrafts to delicious food and drink.
The Manchester Christmas markets are located in various areas of the city. Some of the most popular locations are Picadilly Gardens, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, King Street, Market Street or the Corn Exchange.
With its vibrant atmosphere and festive decorations, the Manchester Christmas markets attract visitors from near and far. Manchester Christmas markets offer a truly magical experience during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or simply want to soak up the festive spirit, this article will help you plan amazing dan ay out during the holiday season.
📖 Read My Guide About Things to do in London in Winter
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How to get to Manchester Christmas Markets?
🚆 BY TRAIN
The nearest train stations to Manchester Christmas Markets are Manchester Victoria and Manchester Picadilly. You can get to Manchester from Liverpool Lime Street in less than one hour.
🚗💨 BY CAR
To get to Manchester Christmas Markets by car, there are several routes you can take depending on your starting point. If you are coming from the north, the M6 motorway is the most convenient route. From there, you can take the M61 or M62 towards Manchester. If you are traveling from the south, the M6 and M56 are the main highways that will lead you to Manchester. Once you arrive in Manchester, there are several car parks available near the Christmas Markets.
📍 Q-Park Deansgate North: 2 Chapel St, Manchester M3 7WJ
Q-Park Deansgate North is an ideal parking facility for those visiting the Manchester Christmas Markets. It is only a few minutes walk from Cathedral Gardens or the Corn Exchange. You can find more car parks at Manchester City Council website.
🚗💨 Rent a car at Manchester Airport or Liverpool Airport and head to Christmas Markets.
Hotels near Manchester Christmas Markets
Hotel Gotham is one of the top choices for those looking for luxury accommodation near the Manchester Christmas Markets. Its convenient location puts guests within walking distance of the bustling markets. There they can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere and indulge in shopping for unique gifts and delicious treats.
Hotel Gotham itself is an architectural masterpiece. This Grade II Listed Building is boasting a unique art deco design that exudes sophistication and glamour. With its luxurious rooms, rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city, and impeccable service, hotel Gotham ensures a truly unforgettable stay for those visiting the Manchester Christmas Markets.
Where are the Manchester Christmas Markets?
Picadilly Gardens – Manchester Christmas Markets
📍Manchester Christmas Market Location: Picadilly Gardens, Manchester M60 1AY
BEST HOTELS NEAR PICADILLY GARDENS :
💰 Luxury: Hotel Gotham
💸 Mid Range: The Cow Hollow Hotel
💵 Budget: Britannia Hotel City Centre Manchester
Piccadilly Gardens truly comes alive during this time of year, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of Manchester’s Christmas celebrations. The markets offer a wide range of goods from locally produced artwork to traditional German delicious festive treats.
The centerpiece of the Picadilly Gardens Christmas Market is a majestic Christmas tree that stands tall and proud, radiating a warm festive glow. Another iconic and eye-catching feature of the markets is an illuminated bee. The bee is a symbol of Manchester’s industrious spirit.
MCR (Manchester) sign adorned with a cheerful Santa hat is also adding a touch of magic to the bustling atmosphere. Whether it’s indulging in delicious treats, shopping for unique gifts, or simply enjoying the sights, the Christmas Markets in Piccadilly Gardens offer a delightful experience for all.
Cathedral Gardens – Manchester Christmas Markets
📍Manchester Christmas Market Location: Corporation St, Manchester M4 3BG
BEST HOTELS NEAR CATHEDRAL GARDENS:
💰 Luxury: CitySuites Aparthotel
💸 Mid Range: Hotel Indigo Manchester – Victoria Station, an IHG Hotel
💵 Budget: The Mitre Hotel
Cathedral Gardens located next to the National Footbal Museum and Manchester Cathedral transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. As soon as you enter, you are greeted by Yorkshire Pudding Wraps and Kingdom of Sweets.
The atmosphere is lively and buzzes with the excitement of locals and tourists, all eager to experience the magic of the Christmas season. Just be aware that the Cathedral Gardens may get very crowded because of their small size, so I suggest going there during the week.
The Corn Exchange – Manchester Christmas Markets
📍Manchester Christmas Market Location: Exchange Sq, Manchester M4 3TR
BEST HOTELS NEAR THE CORN EXCHANGE :
💰 Luxury: CitySuites Aparthotel
💸 Mid Range: Hotel Indigo Manchester – Victoria Station, an IHG Hotel
💵 Budget: The Mitre Hotel
Just few minutes walk from Cathedral Gardens you will find beautiful Christmas decorations at the Corn Exchange. This Grade II Listed building truly capture the essence of the winter season with festive bars and restaurants in the heart of the city.
Exchange Square – Manchester Christmas Markets
📍Manchester Christmas Market Location: Exchange Square, Manchester M2 1NP
BEST HOTELS NEAR EXCHANGE SQUARE :
💰 Luxury: CitySuites Aparthotel
💸 Mid Range: Hotel Indigo Manchester – Victoria Station, an IHG Hotel
💵 Budget: The Mitre Hotel
With its central location, Exchange Square is easily accessible and serves as a hub for transportation, with a major tram and bus interchange. The markets feature a diverse range of stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to traditional German treats, making it the perfect place to find unique gifts for loved ones.
New Cathedral Street – Manchester Christmas Markets
📍Manchester Christmas Market Location: 3-15 New Cathedral St, Manchester M1 1AD
BEST HOTELS NEAR NEW CATHEDRAL STREET :
💰 Luxury: Stock Exchange Hotel
💸 Mid Range: Motel One Manchester-Royal Exchange
💵 Budget: The Mitre Hotel
Amongst the bustling stalls adorned with twinkling fairy lights, one particular attraction stands out at New Cathedral Street – the Witch House. Indulge yourself in German sausages in this whimsical house to capture the essence of the magical winter world in the city center of Manchester.
Exchange Street – Manchester Christmas Markets
📍Manchester Christmas Market Location: 333-4 Exchange St, Manchester
BEST HOTELS NEAR EXCHANGE STREET :
💰 Luxury: Stock Exchange Hotel
💸 Mid Range: Motel One Manchester-Royal Exchange
💵 Budget: The Mitre Hotel
The Exchange Street Christmas Markets in Manchester offer a delightful array of handmade cakes that are a must-try for any dessert lover. Visitors can wander through a maze of wooden chalets, each offering a unique festive experience.
St Ann’s Square – Manchester Christmas Markets
📍Manchester Christmas Market Location: St Ann St, Manchester M2 7LF
BEST HOTELS NEAR ST ANN’S SQUARE :
💰 Luxury: Stock Exchange Hotel
💸 Mid Range: Motel One Manchester-Royal Exchange
💵 Budget: The Mitre Hotel
One of the attractions that made me stop while I was walking around Christmas markets was the singing tree. This festive tree looks very real and it is amazing addition to St Ann’s Square. It was added a bit later to Manchester Christmas Markets so I even didn’t expect to find it there!
Visitors to St Ann’s Square can find everything from metal art products to delicious delicacies such as Dutch Chips. The market’s cozy and inviting setting makes it the perfect place to immerse oneself in the festive spirit, while also providing an opportunity to support local artisans and businesses.
King Street – Manchester Christmas Markets
📍Manchester Christmas Market Location: King Street, Manchester
BEST HOTELS NEAR KING STREET :
💰 Luxury: Hotel Gotham
💸 Mid Range: YOTEL Manchester Deansgate
💵 Budget: The Mitre Hotel
Visitors to King Street can immerse themselves in a world of luxury brands, including renowned fashion houses or upscale jewellery stores such as Harrington & Hallworth. This street offers a diverse range of shopping experiences and holds a significant place in the city’s history and culture.
The twinkling Christmas lights that adorn the King Street create a mesmerizing atmosphere, illuminating the entire area with a warm and festive glow. Walking down King Street during winter feels like stepping into a fairytale, bringing joy and festive cheer to all who visit.
Market Street – Manchester Christmas Markets
📍Manchester Christmas Market Location: Market Street, Manchester
BEST HOTELS NEAR MARKET STREET :
💰 Luxury: Stock Exchange Hotel
💸 Mid Range: Motel One Manchester-Royal Exchange
💵 Budget: The Mitre Hotel
Stretching along the busy shopping street, the markets boast a vibrant atmosphere and offer a wide variety of festive goods and treats. Visitors can wander through the market to find some unique Christmas gifts such us leather journals or try delicious treats at Kingdom of Sweets.
Manchester Christmas Markets Ice Skating
One of the highlights of the Manchester Christmas Markets experience is the opportunity for ice skating. As you glide through the rink, surrounded by the charming wooden chalets and twinkling Christmas lights, you can’t help but feel the holiday spirit.
Manchester Christmas Lights and Decorations
House of Fraser
Located by Deansgate Street, House of Fraser truly captures the spirit of the holiday season. Whether you are in search of the perfect gift or simply want to immerse yourself in the festive cheer, the House of Fraser is a must-visit place during winter in Manchester.
Arndale Shopping Center
The iconic Arndale shopping center is also transformed into a magical winter wonderland. One of the highlights is the Santa sleigh, beautifully adorned with sparkling lights and ornaments. The reindeer decorations add an extra touch of whimsy, as they stand majestically alongside the sleigh, ready to take flight on Christmas Eve.
San Carlo
San Carlo Italian Restaurant in Manchester is known for its delightful Christmas decorations, especially its stunning gingerbread house. The moment you enter the restaurant during the holiday season, you are transported to a festive wonderland.
Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay
Lucky Cat, the renowned restaurant by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, never disappoints when it comes to beautiful and unique Christmas decorations. As soon as you step into the restaurant, you are greeted with a festive atmosphere with the walls adorned with beautiful garlands.
Decorations Near Flight Club Manchester
As December rolls around, Flight Club Manchester goes above and beyond to transform its space into a winter wonderland adorned with beautiful Christmas decorations. Want to meet friends for a game of darts or just enjoy a Christmas cocktail? Flight Club Manchester offers a unique and festive experience that is not to be missed while in the city.
The Bay Horse Tavern
Whether you are enjoying a delicious Christmas meal or partaking in the tavern’s lively quiz nights, the Bay Horse Tavern also offers an enchanting experience for all to enjoy. The menu is specially curated for the holiday season, offering seasonal delights such as roasted turkey, Christmas pudding, and winter creme brulee.
Festive Street Art
In the vibrant city of Manchester, Hilton Street comes alive during the festive season with mesmerizing street art. One particular artwork that grabs everyone’s attention is a delightful portrayal of a dog wearing a Santa hat. The talented artist has captured the joy and excitement of Christmas through this adorable piece.
Manchester Christmas Parade
The Manchester Christmas Parade is a highly anticipated annual event that brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season. The streets of Manchester come alive with colorful floats, marching bands, and holiday-themed characters. This Parade is a delightful tradition that spreads holiday cheer and creates lasting memories for all who attend.
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