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Are you planning to visit the Christmas markets in Manchester this year? Awesome!
Manchester Christmas Markets are amongst the best in Europe and this is no surprise! They are truly wonderful and unique. If you are visiting Manchester in winter, visiting the markets are a must-do!
First of all, it is important to note that we are not talking about 1 Christmas Market but several Christmas markets. They are spread all around the city.
This singularity is really what makes them so great. It’s like the whole city was taken by the Christmas spirit. It’s festive, people are happy, the food is amazing, mulled wine is everywhere… what else can we ask!
In this article, you will discover everything there is to know about Manchester Christmas Markets.
This includes the 2023 dates, the locations but also some tips for visiting the Christmas markets in Manchester.
So, are you ready? Let’s get started!
Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 Dates
The dates for the Manchester Christmas markets are still to be confirmed but we already know that they will be running from mid-november until a couple of days before Christmas.
Where are the Manchester Christmas Markets?
As usual there will be Christmas Markets all around the city however this year, there are a couple of locations that won’t host a market as they usually.
This year, you will find the Christmas markets in Manchester at the following locations:
- St Ann’s Square
- Piccadilly Gardens
- Exchange Square
- New Cathedral Street
- King Street
- Market Street
- Cathedral Gardens
How To get to the Manchester Christmas Markets
The best way to get to Manchester Christmas Markets is to take the train or the tram.
You can take a train to Manchester Piccadilly and walk to the markets. You will get to the Winter market within 5 minutes.
You can also take a train to Manchester Victoria. Cathedral Gardens is only 5 minutes walk from there.
If you are taking the tram, the best stop to get off would be St Peter’s square or Market Street.
Driving can be an option too, however, it can be pretty hard to park in Manchester City Centre, especially at this time of the year.
If it is, however, the way you chose, I’d recommend parking near Victoria, in Green Quarter or Ancoats.
You will be able to find more parking spots and for a very good price (About £5 for the day on weekends).
Alternatively, you can park at a free “Park and Ride” carpark by a tram stop and take a tram to the centre.
How much does it cost?
Manchester Christmas markets are free to enter. Once you are inside, you will find plenty of crafty stands, food, bars and of course a german village.
To give you an idea, you can get a very nice meal for between £5 and £10. Mulled wine is about £4 (plus £1 for the mug, that you can keep or bring back to get your money back).
If you are looking for a nice way to start your evening, the Christmas Markets are a great option. You will get amazing food and drinks for a very affordable price.
What if it rains or it’s too cold?
There is a solution to that as well! While most of the markets are obviously outside, you can find some indoor bars and food court.
Therefore, if it rains, go to the main market by the town hall, the german village offers a lot of indoor space with tables and bars. You can get to enjoy your meal and your drink in a warm place!
Best Things to do at Manchester Christmas Markets
Eating delicious food
Manchester Christmas Markets is known for hosting some of the best food traders from all over Europe.
You will find a large range of food and drinks here including traditional German food but also British classics!
Here are some recommendations of things to get.
- Yorkshire Pudding Wraps. This trader is called Porky Pig and they will be on Exchange Square this year.
- Fondue
- Tartiflette
- Pulled pork bap with apple sauce
- Mini dutch waffles
- Sicilian desserts
- French cheese
- Coconut meringue snowballs
Drinking winter warmers
It would be impossible to visit the Christmas markets without drinking a mulled wine or a hot chocolate (with marshmallows of course!).
Alternatively, if you’d rather some bar classics, you can head to the German bar village where you can get German beer or to the gin bar and get a G&T (they have 100 varieties of gin!).
GOOD TO KNOW: Mulled Wine and hot chocolate are served in specific mugs, printed specifically for the occasion. Each year, there are different ones. You will have to pay £1 or £2 for the mug and this money will be returned to you when you bring the mug back.
That having been said, these mugs are great souvenirs so it can be worth just paying and not bringing back.
PRO TIP: If that’s something you want to do, you should order a hot chocolate. The mugs for hot chocolate are much bigger and usually prettier than the ones for mulled wine.
Tips for visiting Manchester Christmas Markets
Take Cash
This may surprise you since a lot of places don’t even take cash in 2021 but still, it’s worth mentioning it.
Most stands accept bank cards but not all of them. You will most likely bump into one that won’t take it.
There aren’t any cash machines in the markets, which means you will have to start walking to find one. Once you finally do, the queue will put you off.
My advice would be to just withdraw money before getting too close to the markets. That way you save yourself time and hassle.
There are some quick security checks at the entrance of some markets. Nothing too thorough so don’t worry you can still walk in with a bottle of water, they are just checking there aren’t any weapons getting in. Fair enough!
Why should I go to Manchester Christmas Markets?
Because they are magical! They really bring the true magic of Christmas together. The way they are set up is very unique. Completely different from what you can see anywhere else.
If you go to Winter Wonderland in London for example, it’s great but it’s one massive and busy Christmas market located in Hyde Park. Once you are in, you really have a lot to deal with, once you are out there is nothing Christmassy anymore.
In Manchester, they are all over the place. They aren’t overwhelming. You get the perfect dose of magic, everywhere!
They are great for plenty of reasons. Whether you want to find some unique Christmas gift, unusual foreign food or just have a drink with friends. It’s cosy and heart-warming. People are happy.
They bring the Christmas spirit to our heart!
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