The countdown to Christmas is officially on in Santa’s favourite city as Manchester gets ready for the opening of its world-famous Christmas Markets on Friday 10 November.
This year marks a special year for the UK’s capital of Christmas as it was exactly 25 Christmases ago that Manchester’s first-ever Christmas market took place in 1998.
A quarter of a century later the markets continue to attract Mancunians and visitors alike to the city in their thousands to fill up on the fantastic festive treats on offer.
With over 225 stalls across nine sites throughout the city centre this year’s Christmas markets will see the iconic ski chalet market stalls take over Piccadilly Gardens – once again set to be transformed into the Winter Gardens – as well as Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange and King Street.
Also back this year is the heart-warming event of the season for young and old alike, the magical Manchester Christmas Parade.
Taking place on Sunday 3 December it promises to be bigger and even better than last year’s unforgettable first-ever Christmas Parade which saw thousands of families line the city centre streets.
Festive Sundays are also back again this year. A big hit with families last Christmas they will again fill the city centre with family friendly entertainment pop-ups designed to bring a smile to everyone’s faces.
Delivered in partnership with Manchester Business Improvement District they take place on 26 November, 10 December and 17 December.
Making sure the city looks its twinkly and sparkly best in the run-up to Christmas is of course just as important and visitors to the city centre this year won’t be disappointed.
The Manchester Christmas lights trail will be back – perfect for all those crucial Christmas selfies – illuminating the city centre throughout the festive season with giant walk-through baubles, a Manchester bee, and of course Santa Claus himself, keeping a watchful eye on everyone for his naughty or nice lists, from his perch on high in front of Central Library on St Peter’s Square.
For those who enjoy a seasonal skate, Skate Manchester’s covered ice rink takes up position in Cathedral Gardens where skaters can spin and twirl around a beautiful Christmas tree amid twinkling lights, Christmas songs, and the smell of gingerbread.
Manchester’s Christmas markets open on Friday 10 November and close on Thursday 21 December.
They are open daily at the following times:
All craft stalls 10 am – 8 pm
All bars and food stalls 11 am – 9 pm
Father Christmas will take up residence in St Peter’s Square after Remembrance Sunday.
The Ice Rink in Cathedral Gardens will be open for Christmas skaters from 2 November – 2 January, but will also be offering spooky Scare Skates (only if you dare!) from 27 October to 31 October. The food and drink stalls in Cathedral Gardens alongside the skate rink will remain open until 31 December.
