EventsThe countdown is (already) on to Manchester's Christmas markets

The countdown is (already) on to Manchester’s Christmas markets

The countdown is on to Christmas! Manchester’s Christmas Markets are set to return on Friday, November 8.

The six-week stint will come to an end on Sunday, December 22.

Now in their 26th year, Manchester’s Christmas markets continue to delight visitors who go along to fill up on the fantastic festive treats and soak up the glühwein.

With well over two hundred stalls across nine sites throughout the city centre, there promises to be plenty on offer for seasonal shoppers of all ages and tastes to enjoy.

This year sees the iconic wooden ski chalet market stalls take over King Street West, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange and Cathedral Gardens, as well as Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens.

The stalls will be open daily throughout the six-week run – which this year due to the way dates fall, includes seven weekends instead of the usual six.

Craft stalls and stalls selling seasonal goods will be open each day from 10am – 8pm, whilst food and drink stalls will be open from 11am – 9pm each day.

The food and drink stalls at Cathedral Gardens which will stay open until December 31.

The city centre will of course also be looking its sparkly best for the Christmas season with the return of the Manchester Christmas lights trail – the perfect backdrop for those all-important Christmas selfies.

Think giant walk-through baubles, a Manchester bee and of course Santa Claus himself, keeping a watchful eye on visitors young and old for his naughty and nice lists from on high in St Peter’s Square.

For those who enjoy a seasonal skate, Skate Manchester’s covered ice rink will be back again this year in Cathedral Gardens from November 8 to January 1 with the covered ice-rink promising an unforgettable skating experience whatever the weather, amid twinkling lights, Christmas trees and a soundtrack of Christmas songs.

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
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