Manchester Christmas Markets 2024: Your Complete Guide

As you will already know if you have read our Best Things to Do for Christmas in Manchester article, there's something magical about Manchester at Christmas time. Nothing quite captures that festive spirit like our famous Christmas Markets. For 2024, Manchester Christmas Markets are back and better than ever before, attracting visitors from all over the UK to enjoy some traditional festive charm. Back for their 26th year, the Manchester Christmas Markets will transform the city centre into a winter wonderland from 8th November to 22nd December 2024. Opening times do vary from location to location, so be sure to read on so you can best plan your visit. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular goer, our guide covers everything you need to know about the Manchester Christmas Markets, so you can be sure to get the most out of your trip.

Where To Find The Manchester Christmas Markets

For 2024, the Manchester Christmas Markets are spread across nine distinctive locations throughout the city centre, featuring over 200 stalls. What makes the Manchester Christmas Markets truly special is how different each location is. Quite often, you get the sense that once you have seen Christmas Markets in one city, you have seen them all but that is not the case with Manchester. Here is a list of all Christmas Market venues for you to explore in Manchester:

Winter Gardens (Piccadilly Gardens)
Cathedral Gardens
St Ann's Square
Exchange Street
Market Street
Exchange Square
New Cathedral Street
King Street
The Corn Exchange

With so many areas and stalls to explore, it can be hard to know where to start, which is why we are going to cover each venue so you can plan your visit to the Manchester Christmas Markets with ease. Don’t forget to stop off for a spot of lunch or dinner at Zouk afterwards for the best Christmas menu that Manchester has to offer!

Winter Gardens (Piccadilly Gardens)

Although we try not to be biased, Winter Gardens is our favourite Christmas Market to visit in Manchester. Why? Well, Winter Gardens transforms Piccadilly Gardens into an unmissable winter wonderland, with stunning illuminations and extensive covered areas so bad weather doesn’t dampen the festive spirit. As well as a range of craft stalls to browse, there will be live entertainment regularly at Winter Gardens, with ample undercover seating areas to relax with friends and family.

Opening times: 10 am to 9 pm daily
Craft stalls: open until 8 pm daily
Location: Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester City Centre
Distance from Zouk: 18-minute walk

Cathedral Gardens

Cathedral Gardens are the best Christmas Market in Manchester for families to enjoy. There is so much to do for families of all ages, with the spectacular Skate Manchester ice rink taking centre stage. Once you have finished with the fun on the ice rink, you can unwind with the free live entertainment on offer from Thursday to Sunday each week. Cathedral Gardens is the perfect place to experience some festive family fun.

Opening times: 10 am to 9 pm daily
Location: Cathedral Gardens, Manchester
Distance from Zouk: 26-minute walk

St Ann's Square and Exchange Street

Did you know St Ann’s Square is Manchester’s longest-running Christmas Market? If you like a classic Christmas Market vibe, then St Ann’s Square is a must-visit. The traditional German-style wooden chalets create an authentic market atmosphere that's hard to beat. There are so many artisan craft stalls for you to explore, and you might even see some familiar traders from recent years if you regularly visit the Christmas markets at St Ann's Square and Exchange Street.

Opening times: 10 am to 9 pm daily
Craft stalls: open until 8 pm daily
Location: St Ann's Square, Manchester
Distance from Zouk: 20-minute walk

Market Street

For a one-stop venue for all of your Christmas shopping needs, Market Street should be the first Christmas Market on your list when visiting Manchester. With 45 stalls to explore, you can expect to find all your usual Christmas Market gifts here, including decorations, candles and jewellery to name just a few! Market Street is indeed an apt name as it's the ideal spot for Christmas shopping or browsing for festive favourites.

Opening times: 10 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm Sundays
Craft stalls: same as opening times
Location: Market Street, Manchester
Distance from Zouk: 19-minute walk

Exchange Square

Everyone who has already been to Exchange Square over Christmas knows this is a must-visit venue when exploring the Manchester Christmas Markets. It is one of Manchester’s largest Christmas markets, and you can easily spend the afternoon here exploring the endless rows of craft stalls, picking out some of those unique Christmas gifts that you won’t get on the high street. Local crafts, clothing, soaps and handmade gifts - there is no end to the shopping opportunities on offer. Make sure you are fuelled up for a day at Exchange Square by stopping off at Zouk in the morning for the best breakfast and brunch in Manchester.

Opening times: 10 am to 9 pm daily
Craft stalls: open until 8 pm daily
Location: Exchange Square, Manchester
Distance from Zouk: 22-minute walk

New Cathedral Street

New Cathedral Street is the go-to spot for high-end shopping, featuring a huge range of artisan craft stalls. The market here offers a more premium experience, with handmade candles, ceramics and spirits, as well as thoughtful keepsakes that make perfect Christmas presents. It really is the best place to find special Christmas gifts for those who love luxury.

Opening times: 10 am to 9 pm daily
Craft stalls: open until 8 pm daily
Location: New Cathedral Street, Manchester
Distance from Zouk: 14-minute walk

King Street

For those seeking a touch of European culture from their Christmas Market experience, King Street is the place for you. This brilliant location offers some of the most unique craft stalls in the city, from famed French soaps to beautiful personalised tree decorations and handmade wooden furniture. Many local traders showcase their work here, so make sure to stop by if you are looking for a gift with a difference, with some traditional Manchester charm.

Opening times: 10 am to 9 pm daily
Craft stalls: open until 8 pm daily
Location: King Street West, Manchester
Distance from Zouk: 17-minute walk

The Corn Exchange

Last on our list but certainly not least, we have The Corn Exchange. Here you can find gifts that are completely different compared to the rest of the Manchester Christmas Markets. If you have friends, family or loved ones who are tricky to buy for, you should certainly consider a trip to The Corn Exchange this Christmas. You can browse handmade jewellery that you just won’t find anywhere else in Manchester. Nepalese woollen jumpers and photo frames are also the stars of the show for shoppers at The Corn Exchange.

Opening times: 10 am to 9 pm daily
Craft stalls: open until 8 pm daily
Location: Exchange Square, Manchester
Distance from Zouk: 25-minute walk

Planning Your Visit To The Manchester Christmas Markets

Now you have read our complete guide, you’re all set to explore the magic of the Manchester Christmas Markets. Remember, weekends get super busy, so don’t be afraid of planning a midweek visit if you can. With most craft stalls closing at 8 pm, why not visit Zouk for late-night dining after a busy day of shopping?

Our Christmas menu will be available until the 5th of January. Book a table online and we will see you soon!