Time to get those Christmas Markets plans sorted for November and December
The official dates and locations for Manchester Christmas Markets return in 2026 have been confirmed, with the big wheel to come back to Albert Square(Image: Mark Waugh Photography)
It’s just eight weeks to go until the big return of Manchester Christmas Markets – with the dates now officially confirmed for the festive extravaganza across the city centre. There will be a big return of the wooden huts across ten different locations, council bosses have today confirmed.
Although this year there will be some changes to locations, with Piccadilly Gardens – which has been the main hub as “Winter Gardens” for the past few years – out of action this year. This is due to the major refurbishment works taking place across the civic space.
However, a new street will join the action, with Lincoln Square welcoming the festive stalls for the first time for the 2026 return. This year will also see a bigger return of Albert Square, after the partial return at last year’s Manchester Christmas Markets.
Click here for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter
The big wheel will return to Albert Square, as well as a host of market stalls and a pop-up pub outside Manchester Town Hall. The historic building is becoming more visible by the day as scaffolding starts to come down after the seven-year £500million revamp of the city’s main Civic Square.
The new Zippy Santa will also be back – although it’s not yet confirmed if he will return to St Peter’s Square.
There will also be big changes to St Ann’s Square this year with a bigger number of market stalls in what the council describes as a “brand new layout”.
There will be a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre, opening from Friday 6 November and closing on Tuesday 22 December. However Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens will remain open over the Christmas period right through until Sunday 3 January.
The council has also confirmed that Albert Square will host New Year’s Eve activity again this year too.
Back on the square for 2026 is the iconic 50-metre-high Ferris wheel with its Santa’s sleigh view across the city from the top. There will also be a Manchester Christmas Markets pop-up ‘pub’ for the festive season, alongside an exciting mix of food, drink, and craft stalls, plus the family favourite Helter-Skelter.
Just around the corner from Albert Square, this year’s Christmas Markets also see the addition of a brand-new market location, with Lincoln Square off Brazennose Street transformed for the festive season with over a dozen market stalls and trucks, offering a mouth-watering selection of food and drinks.
The full list of Christmas Market locations across the city this yer is Albert Square, Lincoln Square, King Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, and Market Street.
Christmas Market regulars who visit St Ann’s Square this year are set to see a big difference on the square which is one of the longest-running of the city’s Christmas market locations – with even more craft, food, and drink stalls on offer in a brand-new layout providing more choice and even better browsing opportunities around the stalls.
And over at Cathedral Gardens Skate MCR is back, transforming the gardens with a range of market stalls alongside an undercover ice rink – that will remain open through the festive season until 3 January.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “There’s nowhere that does Christmas quite like Manchester. We’re the number one Christmas city and we’re pulling out all the stops this year to make sure we stay top of the Christmas tree.
“The return of Christmas festivities last year to Albert Square was a triumph and we’re looking to build on this success with a fantastic festive offer there again this year that is sure to be a hit with everyone who visits.
“Our legendary Christmas markets draw thousands upon thousands of visitors every year from right around the world and this year’s markets look set to be the very best yet, with a brand-new location in Lincoln Square just around the corner from Albert Square, and a brand-new look and even more stalls in St Ann’s Square.
“And with the return of Zippy Santa keeping his watchful eye over the city, the ice rink in Cathedral Gardens, and our made-for-memories Christmas Parade, Christmas in Manchester will be absolutely magical this year and we can’t wait to welcome everyone and celebrate the festive season with them.”
It has also been confirmed that the Manchester Christmas Parade will be held this year on Sunday 6 December, with more details to follow in the coming weeks.
