Everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 - including opening times & accessibility

• The Manchester Christmas Markets are up and running for another year, taking place until December 22
• This year sees the festive activities spread across 10 different locations in the city, including a return to Albert Square.
• From opening times to accessibility this year, here’s everything you need to know before heading out to this year’s festive fayre.

Manchester’s world-famous Christmas Markets have once again transformed the city centre into a festive wonderland, promising an experience that is bigger and better than ever before.

With over 200 stalls spread across ten festive sites, the markets include a highly anticipated return to a reopened section of Albert Square. Albert Square itself hosts ‘A Taste of Christmas,’ complete with a huge Ferris wheel offering breath-taking views of Manchester’s Town Hall.

Visitors can look forward to getting wrapped up in the magical atmosphere while browsing local and international crafts, enjoying favourite foods from swing grills to Dutch pancakes, and sipping hot drinks served in the markets' iconic mugs.

With unique activities at every site, old favourites, and exciting new additions, there truly will be something for the whole family this Christmas.

To help you navigate this festive, sprawling event, here is your essential guide to everything you need to know about the Manchester Christmas Markets 2025, from opening times to how to get there.

Your guide to Manchester Christmas Markets 2025

When are the Manchester Christmas Markets taking place?

The markets opened earlier this month on November 7 and are set to run until December 22.

Where are the Manchester Christmas Markets taking place?

With the vast number of stalls and attractions promised for this year’s markets, there are ten key locations across the city centre you can visit.

As mentioned, Albert Square will host ‘A Taste of Christmas,’ a festive mini market, and will also feature a huge Ferris wheel. The general market, selling crafts and favourite foods such as swing grills and Dutch pancakes, will spill into the following additional areas:

• Piccadilly Gardens
• Market Street
• Cathedral Gardens
• St Ann's Square
• Exchange Street
• New Cathedral Street
• Exchange Square
• King Street
• The Corn Exchange

What are the Manchester Christmas Market’s opening hours?

Those looking to simply peruse and make some purchases across the numerous craft stalls at the markets will be able to shop from 10am to 8pm daily, while those looking for something to eat or to have a couple of Christmas beverages will be able to stay an hour later when they close at 9pm daily.

Accessibility and facilities at Manchester Christmas Markets in 2025

Over the years, the market has significantly improved the experience for disabled visitors, with most stalls situated on street level and any others equipped with accessibility ramps. Stalls are now designed with more space, and the markets feature reserved areas with priority seating for elderly or disabled visitors.

These priority spaces are located at Piccadilly Gardens, Cathedral Gardens, and Albert Square.

For essential visitor needs, accessible toilet facilities are provided across the city centre, specifically at Piccadilly Gardens, Cathedral Gardens, and Albert Square. Furthermore, there are purpose-built accessible changing facilities available at Piccadilly Gardens and on Mount Street near Albert Square.

These specialised facilities include an adult-weighted change bed, a shower and toilet, and an adult-weighted track hoist (visitors are asked to bring their own sling).

Finally, Manchester’s City Centre Loo Scheme allows Christmas Market visitors to use the facilities of several signed-up retailers, including McDonald’s (St Ann’s Square), Marks and Spencer (end of Market Street), Arndale Shopping Centre (Market Street), Founders Hall, and the Slug and Lettuce.

How do I get to the Manchester Christmas Markets?

By train

The markets are easily accessible from Manchester's main train stations. If arriving at Manchester Piccadilly, the markets (particularly Piccadilly Gardens) are a short walk away.

If arriving at Manchester Victoria or Deansgate, the markets are also within easy walking distance, or you can use the Metrolink tram services to reach key market locations like Exchange Square or St Peter's Square (near Albert Square).

By bus

Manchester has an extensive bus network. For the central market areas, the main bus interchange is Piccadilly Gardens, which is a key market location itself - but with road closured and diversions, we would suggest using the Transport For Greater Manchester journey planner but the most up-to-date timetables over the festive period.

Most major bus routes across Greater Manchester will terminate or pass through the city centre, making any central stop—particularly those near the Town Hall or Piccadilly—a convenient drop-off point.

By car/taxi/private hire

Driving directly into the city centre during the Christmas Markets is generally discouraged due to heavy congestion and road closures.

If arriving by car, you should use one of the many NCP or private car parks located outside the immediate market area (such as car parks near the MEN Arena or around the inner ring road) and walk the remainder of the way.

Alternatively, taking a taxi or private hire vehicle is easier, but be aware that they may drop you off slightly further away than usual due to market traffic restrictions.

Using a Park & Ride Metrolink service from the suburbs is often the quickest option if you are travelling from outside the city limits.

Looking to head across of the border to check out other Christmas Markets in Yorkshire? Check out our guide to the Leeds Christmas Markets in 2025, or 14 markets and Christmas events happening in the region this year.