Manchester Christmas Markets return to Albert Square in 2026

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 5 Nov, 09:40 · Archive

Manchester's Christmas markets will open on 6 November 2026, with Albert Square returning as the main hub for the first time since 2017.

Manchester's Christmas markets will open on Friday, 6 November 2026 and run until Tuesday, 22 December, with stalls at Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens remaining open until Sunday, 3 January 2027.

The markets will occupy ten locations across the city centre: Albert Square, King Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, Market Street and Lincoln Square. Albert Square will serve as the main hub for the first time since 2017, as the town hall refurbishment reaches completion. Piccadilly Gardens, which has hosted the main hub for recent years, will not be used this year.

Over 200 stalls will sell handmade gifts, clothes, food and drink including traditional Glühwein and Bratwurst sausages, Korean corn dogs and Hong Kong French toast. Albert Square will feature a 50-metre-high Ferris wheel, a helter-skelter, a live artisan pastry baking hut and a pop-up pub. A new selfie sleigh inside a Christmas tree will also be available. The iconic Zippy Santa will return to Albert Square for the first time since 2017. Cathedral Gardens will also host Skate MCR, an ice rink.

How it is being reported

• What date do the Manchester Christmas Markets end?As more than 200 stalls takeover the city centre, here's what you need to know if you're planning a visit to this year's marketManchester Evening News · 5 Nov, 07:19
• Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 opening and closing times as thousands set to descend on city centreHere's what you need to know if you're visiting Manchester's Christmas marketsManchester Evening News · 4 Nov, 16:03
• Manchester Christmas Markets 2026: What to knowKaya Black explains when and where the Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 are open.BBC Manchester · 4 Nov, 12:26

In this story: Manchester · Albert Square · Piccadilly Gardens · Lincoln Square · Cathedral Gardens

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log