Manchester Christmas Markets map released with a week to go until stalls open
New Lincoln Square market joins the line-up this year
Last updated 17 hours ago
A map showing where to find all 10 Manchester Christmas Markets locations across the city centre has been released ahead of opening day on Friday 6th November.
The map points visitors to food and drink, live entertainment and toilets.
It also shows festive attractions including Skate Manchester's ice rink in Cathedral Gardens and a 50-metre Ferris wheel in Albert Square.
Transport hubs and the locations of Changing Places facilities are marked too.
Albert Square, in front of Manchester Town Hall, is once again at the heart of the markets.
The other locations are St Ann's Square, King Street, Exchange Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, the Corn Exchange, Market Street and Cathedral Gardens.
Lincoln Square is new this year and is a short step from Albert Square.
Opening dates and times
The markets are open daily from Friday 6th November until Tuesday 22nd December.
Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens stay open until Sunday 3rd January 2027, alongside the Ferris wheel and ice rink. Both are closed on Christmas Day.
Craft stalls and stalls selling seasonal goods are open from 10am to 9pm at every location except Market Street.
Stalls selling food and drink are open from 11am to 9pm each day.
Getting there
Visitors are advised to use public transport where possible, with each market location served by public transport links.
Councillor Garry Bridges, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
"By far the best way to get to our world-beating Christmas Markets is to travel in by public transport or to come in by bike.
"With ten different market locations across the city centre - each one of them no more than a few minutes' walk from either a tram, train, or bus stop, plus plenty of places for cyclists to park and lock up their bikes - this will be by far the easiest and greenest way of getting into Manchester at what is always a really busy time for the city with large numbers of visitors.
"Christmas in Manchester looks set to be even more amazing this year with the city at its sparkly best and we can't wait to welcome everyone as they join us in celebrating the festive season with a visit to our legendary Christmas Markets."
Albert Square
Albert Square hosts the Ferris wheel and a vintage helter-skelter.
A festive pop-up pub with drinks and live entertainment is new this year.
There are also heated covered seating areas, and food, drink and craft stalls from local and international traders.
Free live baking demonstrations are held at the square, with donations made to local charities for the number of pastries sold.
A French toast stall and a hot chocolate stall are among the food and drink options.
There is also a Christmas tree with a life-size sleigh and ring lights for photos, and a giant Santa sits above the markets in front of the Town Hall.
Lincoln Square
Lincoln Square is a brand-new Christmas market location for 2026, aimed at food lovers.
Traders are serving food including jerk chicken, homestyle lasagne and pasta, and Korean corn dogs.
Visitors can drink in a heated marquee, with alcoholic hot chocolate and festive spritzers available from truck bars.
King Street
King Street has stalls selling soap, decorations, local spirits, truckle cheeses and chocolate kisses, as well as an Italian deli.
Food options include chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, Hong Kong-style French toast, Italian pizza and arancini, Greek gyros, traditional Spanish dishes and award-winning pies.
Festive cocktails, German beers and craft ales are also on offer.
St Ann's Square
St Ann's Square was the original home of Manchester Christmas Markets and has a new layout for 2026.
There is a larger covered seating area, and singers, buskers and community choirs perform.
A giant Christmas tree stands in the square, and a dedicated Guinness cart sits alongside glühwein and festive cocktails.
Corn Exchange
The stalls in front of the Corn Exchange sell gifts from crafters, as well as clothing, jewellery and accessories.
Food on offer includes pork pies, handmade truffles and artisan cheeses.
Exchange Street
Exchange Street is back with many of its returning favourites.
Food and drink includes loaded hash browns, hot chocolate, affogatos and Dubai-inspired chocolate-covered strawberries.
A hot chocolate and strawberry stand serves chocolate straight from melting taps.
Craft and gift stalls are also on the street.
New Cathedral Street
New Cathedral Street sells festive gifts and treats.
German bratwurst and beers are on offer, along with steak frites with hot raclette cheese poured over the fries.
Market Street
Market Street has more craft and gift stalls this year.
Stalls sell tweed hats, scented candles, Christmas ornaments, handcrafted decorations, spiced rum and food.
There are also carnival-style games including darts and hook-a-duck.
Exchange Square
Exchange Square is one of the largest market locations, with food, drinks, gifts and crafts.
The hot chocolate bar returns for 2026, and mulled wine made in Manchester is on sale.
Food includes Yorkshire pudding wraps and traditional bratwurst from a swing grill.
Cathedral Gardens
Cathedral Gardens has activities for all ages, particularly younger visitors.
Skate Manchester's covered ice rink is open daily except Christmas Day.
There are also mini-fairground games and free live entertainment.
Food and drink includes cheese fondue served in hot bread bowls, salt and pepper-style chicken fries, crêpes, gourmet hot dogs and hot chocolate.
The market is open daily, except Christmas Day, from 6th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027.