It’s that time of year and the Christmas markets are popping up again! Manchester’s seen the return of their 7 Christmas markets after a lengthy break during the pandemic. As we welcome the markets back on the 12th of November we will see them open for business until the 22nd of December. Excluding the Winter Gardens in Piccadilly Gardens which will run all the way up until the 3rd of January. Giving you plenty of time to visit and enjoy the build up to Christmas and indulge in some festive spirit.

The Winter Gardens

The Winter Gardens is the market which will run for the longest period over the holidays, giving you plenty of time to visit, once, twice or as many times as your heart desires! This market has a collection of food and drink stalls from local businesses, such as a hog roast stand, Dutch frites and a warm cookie dough stall for dessert. A bar is also available which is stocked up on Christmasy drinks such as mulled wine and local ales to try.

St Ann’s Square

St Ann’s Square will also see many food vendors this year, with a hand-pulled pizza stand, alongside burgers and fried chicken from Manchester’s famous Yard and Coop, which can be found in The Northern Quarter. Bratwurst can also be found at St Ann’s this year which is a type of German sausage, if you fancy trying a taste of Germany this Christmas. Whilst you tuck into your feast, you could also visit the photo booth, which is another returning favourite.

Exchange Square

One of the most popular Christmas Markets is returning to Exchange Square this year to showcase yet more amazing stalls. Here you will be able to find Pork’s Pig Yorkshire Puddings, which have previously sold at the Christmas market. You will also be able to visit the famous Mill Exchange bar, which is a large and instantly recognisable bar due to it having a giant chimney!

New Cathedral Street

This Christmas market is slightly different to the others as rather than the majority being food stalls, you can find lots of local businesses selling items such as vegan shoes, homemade jewellery, arts and crafts and also a classy, stylish bar called ‘Bar No3’ where you can try a variety of local spirits, gins and interactive cocktails that bubble and smoke.

King Street

King street is home to a number of themed stalls, boasting a variety of French stalls where you can find French beers and wines, garlic foods, Baguettes and alcohols. You can also try food

from an amazing Italian deli! If you’re a gin fan, then this is also the market for you as it has a bar with over 100 different gin types.

Market Street

Market Street is another market to tick off your list if you enjoy Christmas trinkets and arts and crafts. It also has some of the best local traders setting up camp this year, so get down there quickly for all the unique items you’ll be sure to find!

Cathedral Gardens

Last but not least, the most family friendly Christmas market and home to Manchester’s Christmas ice skating rink. This market also has lots of amazing entertainment shows for the kids and whole family to enjoy, with shows running through from Thursday to Sunday during the market’s stay. Not only that but resident giant santa will be proudly displayed at Cathedral Gardens, so catch him quick before he’s off on his Christmas rounds! Alongside santa you will be able to eat and drink to your heart’s content and also take in some of the bright light illuminations that will be on show.