Manchester Christmas Market 2025-2026: Dates, Stalls & Locations

From November 7th to December 22nd, 2025, Manchester's globally admired Christmas Markets will once again transform the city centre into a festive destination beloved by millions. Expanded for 2025, expect more than 200 stalls across eleven venues, including the newly renovated Albert Square.

Discover all the festive details for the Manchester Christmas Markets 2025! Explore magical opening hours, charming locations, travel directions, must-see highlights, and a taste of the delightful festive stalls.

When Does the Manchester Christmas Market Open in 2025? 

The Manchester Christmas Market, now in its 27th year, draws millions of visitors each year with its iconic wooden cabins and festive atmosphere, transforming the city centre from November 7th to December 22nd, 2025.

Admission to the Manchester Christmas Market is free, and no reservations are necessary. Furthermore, the "A Taste of Christmas" celebration at Albert Square and stalls at Cathedral Gardens will be open until January 4th, 2026, during the Christmas season.  

The Manchester ice skating rink will also remain open until Sunday, January 4th, 2026, but will close on Christmas Day.

2025 Manchester Christmas Market Opening Hours

The market will be open daily from Friday, November 7th, to Sunday, December 22nd. However, the opening hours of different Christmas markets may vary from day to day.

(Data Source: manchester.gov.uk)

Cathedral Gardens' skating rink will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on October 24th through November 6th. From November 7th to December 23rd, it will be open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM; from December 24th to January 4th, it will be open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Where Is the Manchester Christmas Market in 2025-2026? 

Manchester's Christmas markets are well-known for their spread across the city centre. Each has its own personality, from family-friendly activities to cosy holiday taverns. By 2025, the markets will span ten main venues in the city centre, offering over 200 stalls.

Albert Square

Albert Square will return with the most booths, selling anything from handcrafted decorations and crafts to a variety of holiday foods and festive cocktails. In addition, the amusement park will have a variety of rides, including a giant Ferris wheel, and lovely décor.

King Street

King Street has long been the hub of the city's continental cuisine, with various craft stalls, independent sellers, and international food. While shopping for artisan jewellery, candles, and seasonal gifts, you can sample French cheeses, Italian cannoli rolls, and Belgian chocolates.

St Ann's Square

St Ann's Square, the site of Manchester's original Christmas market, has maintained its traditional charm, specialising in handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, and local crafts. This is a peaceful area where you can stroll gently while immersing yourself in a nostalgic environment.

Exchange Street

Exchange Street now offers wonderful hash browns in addition to their popular Chocolate Head sweets. You can also browse a variety of crafts and gifts, including handmade chocolates and bath bombs.

New Cathedral Street

New Cathedral Street is famed for the Witch House. The Witch House serves a litre of Bavarian beer, German sausages, and curry sausages. You may also browse rum, leather products, and try homemade fudge and wonderful Scotch eggs

Exchange Square

Exchange Square is a thriving food market, featuring a variety of food stalls, craft breweries, and dessert stores. You can have Yorkshire pudding buns, German sausages, churros and a range of vegetarian dishes.

Corn Exchange

Corn Exchange sells handcrafted pies and pig rind crisps, homemade chocolates and brownies, Nepalese wool sweaters and toys (including alpaca wool versions of Labbus toys), handmade jewellery and Christmas decorations.

Market Street

Market Street sells a wide range of custom crafts, gifts, and vegetables, including Christmas decorations and candles, fresh baked coconut macarons, chocolate fruits, jewellery, and cheese gift boxes.

Piccadilly Gardens

Piccadilly Gardens has been renovated into a winter garden, including outdoor wooden sitting and covered seating along Market Street. This year's event will also feature Bar Hutte's karaoke boxes. Their craft and gift stalls will feature pottery, jewellery, sweets, cheeses, and other items.

Cathedral Gardens

Cathedral Gardens, the market's family-friendly area, offers Skate Manchester's enormous indoor ice rink, hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and churros, as well as free live entertainment every Thursday through Sunday.

How Do I Get to the Manchester Christmas Market? 

The Manchester Christmas Markets in 2025 are conveniently located, with great transport options including trains, trams, and buses. As a result, the Greater Manchester transport authority (TfGM) advises people to use public transport wherever possible to reach the Christmas markets. Generally, you can get to the Manchester Christmas Markets via the following methods:

By Train

Manchester has extensive train connections to the north and beyond. The nearest train stations are Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria, and Deansgate. However, during the Manchester Christmas Markets, Deansgate rail station will be closed beginning at 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

By Tram

Trams are the most convenient, cost-effective, and quick mode of transportation, running every 12 minutes throughout the day. Below is a list of the nearest stations to various sites in the Manchester Christmas Markets (for reference only):

For more information about tram running hours and which lines stop at your station, please click here.

By Bus

Manchester has an outstanding public transportation network. Most major lines end in or pass through the city centre. Piccadilly Gardens is the main bus terminal for the central market area. During the Christmas season, expect extra traffic, road closures, and detours. Plan ahead and allow more travel time. Use the Bee Network bus services to find your bus timetable.

Bicycle and Walk

These markets are easily accessible on foot. Most are within a 10-15 minute walk of one another. Alternatively, consider hiring a bicycle. Numerous bike spots are throughout the city centre; simply hop on and stop at your location.

By Car

Driving directly into the city centre is discouraged due to heavy traffic and road closures during the Christmas markets. If you must drive, travel during quieter hours and organise your parking in advance. To find parking, click here to view a city centre parking map.

What's Special about the Manchester Christmas Market in 2025?

The 2025 Manchester Christmas Markets are jam-packed with holiday cheer, fun, and colourful seasonal charm, striving to provide an outstanding experience that promises to be the finest yet. Here are two highlights from the 2025 Manchester Christmas Markets:

Highlight 1: Christmas Markets Return to Albert Square

After a six-year break, the iconic Christmas Markets return to Albert Square from November 7 to January 4, 2026. The "mini" Christmas Market will include huts selling essential crafts and gifts, covered seating, festive lighting, themed light installations, and walk-in displays. This promises even more Christmas magic in Manchester this season.

Among the highlights is Alfred Waterhouse's 50-meter-tall Ferris wheel overlooking the Town Hall, which is currently being restored. The plaza will also include a classic carousel for children of all ages, along with other Christmas-themed playground rides.

Highlight 2: Christmas Market Mugs

Commemorative mugs are a favourite souvenir each year. The 2025 design features the City Hall clock tower, Manchester's windmills, a walk-through light display in St. Peter's Square, and stalls serving hot chocolate and German sausages.

These mugs depict day and night scenes from Manchester's Christmas markets, making them true treasures. They will be available with a deposit at all ten market stalls beginning Friday, November 7th.

Customers can pay a £3.50 deposit when ordering hot chocolate or mulled wine, and then choose whether to return the mug for a refund or keep it as a souvenir. Customers are urged to purchase the mugs early, as they tend to sell out quickly.

Which Vendors Participate in the Manchester Christmas Market?

The 2025 Manchester Christmas Market will include 274 stalls across 10 venues, offering food, drinks, art, crafts, and gifts. Whether you're looking for homemade presents, crafts, or tasty cuisine, the market provides something for everyone, young and old. Below are some of the most anticipated and popular stalls:

At Albert Square, the following stalls are worth checking out:

Yorkshire Wrap: This stall mainly sells delicious giant Yorkshire pudding loaded with a choice of meats, mash, mixed vegetables, stuffing, and gravy.

From The Olive Tree: This stall offers hand-carved olive wood nativity scenes, Christmas tree decorations, crosses, candle holders, rosaries, pendants, and bracelets.

De Luciano: Here you can find Latin American alpaca clothing, ponchos, capes, shawls, and gifts.

At Piccadilly Gardens, the following stalls are worth checking out:

One Catering: Primarily sells hand-cut triple-cooked chips with various seasonings and sauces. Also available are steak and Dutch cheese sauce, homemade slaw, and pickles.

CT Event Catering: Offers Churros CT Event Catering Warm. Also, warm Belgian brownies with various confectionery toppings.

Make up or break up Ltd: Sells LGBTQ & pop culture merchandise, including hats, badges, keyrings, flags, t-shirts, bandanas, and rubber ducks.

At Market Street, the following stalls are worth checking out:

The Melting Pot: Here you can sample traditional warm macarons topped/dipped with milk, white, or caramel chocolate. Loaded hot chocolate drinks, specialty coffees, and tea are also available.

Diamontt Ltd: Offers attractive handcrafted diaries, passport holders, wallets, and mouse pads made from recycled leather.

Charlie Boy's Barkery: Offers cakes, biscuits, chocolates, and chew sticks for dogs.

At King Street, the following stalls are worth checking out:

Waffle Kart: Primarily sells fried chicken and waffles, chilli crisp chicken sandwiches, waffle prawn toast, loaded waffle fries, and Asian soft drinks.

The Salford Rum Company: Sells Salford brand spiced rum, dark rum, cream liqueur, coffee rum, mead rum, and white rum.

M Crafts: Primarily sells personalised Christmas tree decorations, personalised Santa Claus plates, and Christmas ornaments.

These are just some of the stalls at the 2025 Manchester Christmas Market. For complete stall information, please click here.

How Do I Become a Vendor at the Manchester Christmas Market?

Manchester Christmas Markets, one of the UK's most festive city markets, welcomes millions of tourists each year to enjoy the magic of winter. For craftsmen, local brands, and food and beverage entrepreneurs, it's more than simply a platform to promote their work; it's also an unmissable economic opportunity. However, every step from application to successful operation necessitates meticulous planning.

How to Apply to Become a Stall Owner at the Manchester Christmas Market?

Market, please contact the Manchester City Council first, as the application procedure requires formal council permission. You will need to fill out a short form. Due to the strong demand for stalls, please apply early and be aware of the accompanying expenses. Manchester City Council will review your application upon receipt.

Tips for Successfully Running a Stall at the Manchester Christmas Market

However, submitting a successful application is simply the beginning. The goal is to operate efficiently and maintain a positive reputation amid tough competition. Here are a few operating tips:

Tip 1: Use warm string lights, Christmas wreaths, brand flags and other decorations to create a welcoming visual impression for your stand.

Tip 2: Use prior sales data to estimate demand, identify best-selling items, and plan restocking in advance. Avoid losing sales chances due to stockouts.

Tip 3: It is recommended that you bring your own portable power source (e.g., Jackery Explorer 3000 v2, 2000 v2 or 240 v2) to ensure the continuous operation of cash registers, lighting strips, or heating equipment in the event of a power outage.

Tip 4: Use social media channels such as Twitter and Facebook to post daily updates about your stall, customer feedback and new product launches, and use hashtags like #ManchesterChristmasMarket2025 to improve visibility.

Tip 5: Clean your food stall's equipment daily, maintain food hygiene, and properly dispose of garbage. Use biodegradable packaging bags, paper straws, and other eco-friendly items.

Tip 6: Maintain a friendly, inviting service attitude. Smiles, pleasantries, and proactive introductions can help attract customers and increase spending. Give modest presents (like Christmas stickers) to repeat customers.

Jackery: Outdoor Power Supply for Vendors and Visitors at the Manchester Christmas Market

Manchester Christmas Markets are spread across several city blocks, with stalls often being temporary wooden huts or container structures. Although organisers provide basic power outlets, issues such as unstable temporary power connections, extreme weather, and concentrated equipment loads often catch vendors off guard.

In this environment, Jackery Portable Power Stations, , with their large capacity, multiple interfaces, safety, stability, and portability, are an ideal choice for vendors. The Jackery Explorer 3000 v2, Explorer 2000 v2, and Explorer 240 v2 models are particularly recommended.

Jackery Explorer 3000 v2 Portable Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 3000 v2 is suitable for large food stalls, multi-device integrated stalls, and vendors requiring long-term offline operation. The Jackery Explorer 3000 v2 (often referred to interchangeably in some markets, though with similar high-end specs) offers several key features that make it an appealing choice for stallholders at events like the Manchester Christmas Market.

Large Capacity, Long Battery Life: The Jackery Explorer 3000 v2 features a large 3072Wh battery, supporting continuous operation of high-power devices. For example, it can power a coffee maker (550W) for approximately 4 hours or a mini-fridge (90W) for 21 hours.

Powerful Output, Compatible with All Appliances: The Jackery Explorer 3000 v2 features 8 output ports, delivering up to 3600W (peak 7200W) and powering multiple devices simultaneously, including electric kettles and ovens, providing stand-room-level power freedom.

Fast Charging, Efficient Recharge: The Jackery Explorer 3000 v2 can be fully charged in just 1.8 hours using AC power. Additionally, it supports 1000W of solar input and fully charges in just 3.5 hours. Using AC + DC (54V) charging, it can be fully charged in just 1.4 hours.

Ultra-Quiet Operation (Below 27dB in Silent Mode): Unlike noisy, polluting petrol generators, the Jackery operates almost silently. This is essential in a busy, festive market environment like Manchester's, where noise levels need to be controlled to maintain the atmosphere and allow for clear customer interaction.

Long Cycle Life: With 4000+ charge cycles to 70% capacity, the LiFePO4 battery is built to last, offering a potential lifespan of many years of daily use throughout numerous market seasons. This represents a better long-term investment than a cheaper, less durable alternative.

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is suitable for medium-sized stalls, creative markets, mobile retail carts, and merchants who frequently relocate. The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is an incredibly attractive power solution for stall holders at the Manchester Christmas Market due to its unique combination of high performance, portability, and safety, which directly addresses the critical needs of a busy, crowded outdoor market environment.

Sufficient Capacity (2042Wh): The market runs long hours, often late into the evening. This capacity is sufficient to power essential stall operations—such as LED display lighting (up to 155 hours), electronic till systems, card readers, and laptops—for a full, long trading day without needing a recharge.

High Continuous Output (2200W): It can handle appliances with moderate power draws, like commercial coffee makers (for hot beverages) or small portable refrigerators (for food stalls), ensuring they can run vital equipment without tripping breakers. The 4400W surge capacity also protects against spikes when appliances first turn on.

Silent Power: Operating at around 30 dB in Quiet Mode (quieter than a whisper), the Jackery is non-disruptive. This is a massive advantage over loud, polluting petrol generators, allowing traders to communicate clearly with customers and maintain the festive ambience of the market.

Indoor Safety: Since it emits zero fumes, the battery station can be safely kept inside the small stall or cabin, eliminating the need for long, messy, and potentially hazardous external power cables. This is crucial for busy, high-footfall areas like the Manchester market.

Lightweight and Compact: Weighing approximately 38.6 lbs (17.5 kg), it is significantly lighter and smaller than comparable 2 kWh power stations. Its compact, stackable design (13.2 × 10.4 × 11.5 in) with a foldable handle makes it easy for one person to transport, load into a vehicle, and discreetly position inside the chalet.

Jackery Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 240 v2 is suitable for small craft stalls, jewellery vendors, art exhibitions, and businesses requiring only basic power. The Jackery Explorer 240 v2 is a significantly smaller and more budget-friendly option than the 3000 v2. It's a choice for stallholders and even visitors whose power needs are minimal and focused on essentials, rather than high-draw appliances.

Extremely portable, can be carried with one: Weighing only 7.94 lbs (3.6 kg) and with a 256Wh capacity, the Jackery Explorer 240 v2 is as compact as a large handbag (9.1 x 6.0 x 6.6 inches), easily fitting into a backpack or trolley, making it ideal for mobile setups or stalls with limited space.

Basic Power Supply, Precise Matching: Despite its small size, the Jackery Explorer 240 v2 is fully functional: it features one AC power outlet, one USB-A port, and two USB-C ports, allowing simultaneous charging of multiple devices such as cash registers, mobile phones, LED light strips, and small speakers.

Ready to Use, Simple Operation: The Jackery Explorer 240 v2 features one-button start-up and a clear interface, making it easy for almost anyone to use quickly without professional training. Connect via Bluetooth and WiFi to remotely control your power station through the Jackery App.

LiFePO4 Durability and Fast Recharging: The v2 model features the safer, longer-lasting LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery chemistry, boasting 3000+ charge cycles. This ensures the unit will last for many Christmas market seasons. It can typically recharge from 0% to 100% via an AC wall outlet in about 2 hours, allowing stallholders to easily top it up overnight in their accommodation.

How People Think about Us

The following are some real experiences for using Jackery at Christmas market:

Quiet Powerhouse: Kept the Glühwein Hot All Day!

- Heidi's Glühwein & Waffles (Stall Holder)

The Christmas market is intense—long days and high power demand for our commercial waffle iron and two huge Glühwein urns. Before Jackery, we had to rely on noisy, fume-y petrol generators, which the market manager constantly complained about. The 3000 v2 was a game-changer. It ran everything we needed—the waffle iron (for bursts of power), the two urn heaters, our LED display lights, and the POS tablet—from 10 AM until closing at 9 PM on a single charge.

The Perfect Balance of Power and Portability

Northern Clay Co. (Stall Holder)

We don't need coffee machines, but we run multiple display spotlights to make our pottery pop, charge three POS tablets, and use a small heat gun for quick glaze touch-ups. The 2000 v2 hit the sweet spot. The 2000 v2 is portable enough (about 43 lbs) to lift in and out of the van easily, but the 2000Wh capacity meant we never dipped below 50% battery in a 10-hour day.

Essential for Cold, All-Day Sightseeing in the City

City Breaker (Visitor)

My partner and I took a day trip to Manchester just for the markets, and we knew we'd be out from 9 AM until late. The weather was freezing, and the constant photo-taking and map-checking killed phone batteries quickly.

I packed the Explorer 240 v2 in my backpack. It’s super lightweight (under 8 lbs) and honestly, a lifesaver. We used it to charge both our phones from near-dead multiple times, charged my camera battery for the evening photos, and even ran a small USB-powered hand warmer attachment for an hour during a coffee break.

FAQs

The following are frequently asked questions about the Manchester Christmas markets.

1. What date are Manchester Christmas Markets on?

Manchester's Christmas markets will open citywide on Friday, November 7th, and end on Monday, December 22nd. However, the "A Taste of Christmas" festival in Albert Square and the stalls at Cathedral Gardens will be open until January 4th, 2026.

2. Where are the Christmas markets in Manchester in 2025?

In 2025, Manchester's Christmas markets will be located in ten different venues throughout the city centre:

Albert Square (Mini Market)

Cathedral Gardens

Corn Exchange

Exchange Square

Exchange Street

King Street West

Market Street

New Cathedral Street

Piccadilly Gardens

St Ann's Square

3. Is the Manchester Christmas Market worth visiting?

Absolutely. According to a national survey conducted by the travel website Locals Insider, the Manchester Christmas Market got an excellent 78.8 out of 100 points, placing third behind only Edinburgh (79.7) and London (79). (Source: ilovemanchester) Manchester's Christmas markets are well-known for their size and variety, with stalls located across the city centre, including Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, and the recently restored Albert Square.

4. How long does it take to walk around the Manchester Christmas Market?

If you have only 3 hours, you can easily tour the main Manchester Christmas Markets, including St. Peter's Square, King Street, Exchange Square, and Piccadilly Gardens. Walking between the markets takes about 10 to 15 minutes. To properly experience the festive ambience and sample the holiday delicacies, you'll need at least half a day.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Manchester Christmas Market will feature around 200 vendors across 10 locations. Visitors may expect to be immersed in a wonderful ambience while perusing local and foreign crafts, enjoying a variety of meals ranging from rotating roasts to Dutch crepes, and sipping hot drinks from the market's characteristic mugs.

Among the stalls to look forward to at Albert Square are Yorkshire Wrap, which sells scrumptious huge Yorkshire pudding, and De Luciano, which sells Latin American alpaca clothes. To ensure the best experience, Manchester Christmas Market stallholders have smiling service and a backup power supply in case of power interruptions (such as Jackery Explorer 3000 v2, 2000 v2 or 240 v2).