The Christmas markets are returning to Manchester once again this year as the city embraces the festive spirit.
The annual festive experience begins today, bringing with it a variety of winter-favourite food, drink, and gift stalls spread about all across the city centre. Visitors will be able to spot the iconic wooden huts scattered across Manchester which will be accompanied by twinkling fairy lights as well as some new festive treats.
Market stalls can be found at the main hub in Piccadilly Gardens - dubbed the Winter Gardens - as well as Market Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, St Ann's Square, Cathedral Gardens, and King Street. While many Manchester natives will be excited to visit the markets once again, if you're new you will likely have many questions concerning the festive locations.
Read more: Manchester Christmas Markets 2022 opening and closing times
For starters, if you have never visited the markets before you may be enquiring as to whether you need to purchase a ticket to actually gain access, especially considering how extravagant and intimidating they may seem. Fortunately, though, you do not need tickets to access any of the Manchester Christmas market stall locations, including the Winter Gardens.
However, if you want to visit the ice skating rink in Cathedral Gardens, you will need to purchase a ticket. You can book tickets either at the ticket booth or online in advance. Tickets for adults start from £14.50.
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FAQs
Do you have to Pay Entry for Manchester Christmas Market? No, it's completely free to take a stroll around all of the Christmas markets in Manchester – day or night! The only thing you would need to pay for is the ice skating rink and purchases from stalls or food and drink vendors.
Do you have to book Manchester Market? ›
You don't need to book in advance or apply for a licence. Just turn up and join the queue at the back of the market. Spaces are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis from 6am. Gates open from 3am, which are situated on Whitworth Street East off Ashton Old Road.
Do you have to buy tickets for Bath Christmas Market? ›
Bath Christmas Market is an open-air, free event situated right in the heart of the World Heritage City of Bath.
How far is Manchester Christmas Market from train station? ›
By train. Victoria and Piccadilly are the two main train stations nearest to the markets. Victoria is closest to Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Square and the main run of markets along New Cathedral Street and St Ann's Square. Meanwhile Piccadilly station is around a 10-minute walk to the main hub at the “Winter Gardens”.
Are Christmas markets cash only? ›
Christmas Market Tips: Other Tidbits
And by “cash” I mean coins. You'll need them to use the restroom and it can be a lot faster to pay with cash for your food/drinks. Of course, places will take cards, but have money on hand, too.
Do you have to pay to go to Blenheim Palace Christmas Market? ›
The Christmas Market
Full entry is included with an Annual Pass or with your ticket to Christmas at Blenheim Palace, so you can enjoy the market before or after (or both) you've experienced the magic of the season on the light trail or within the Palace.
What time do Manchester Christmas markets start? ›
Craft stalls across all the Christmas market locations open at 10 am and close at 8 pm every day, Monday to Sunday. The food and drink stalls at Cathedral Gardens will continue to trade until 31 December to complement the ice rink which is also open until then.
What food is at Manchester Christmas Markets? ›
The markets are famous for its wealth of different food and drink, from sausages to sweets, and beer to hot chocolate. We know it's tempting to stop for a bratwurst as soon as you spot one, but seriously, take some time to look around – we guarantee you'll enjoy something you've never tried before.
What is the famous shopping street in Manchester? ›
Manchester is known as a premium shopping district in the UK, with several spots for ideal shopping experiences. Shopping areas like Manchester Arndale and Market Street offer a fantastic selection of branded clothing stores, British department shops, and iconic retail venues.
Do you need tickets for the Christmas Market in the Distillery District? ›
Admission is free of charge on weekdays until Friday at 6pm. Please note, the Distillery District and its stores open at 10am on weekends, with FREE entry to the site prior to the 12pm Market opening.
Matlock Victorian Christmas Market
When: Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd December. Cost: Free entry.
Do you have to pay to go to Manchester Christmas markets? ›
Fortunately, though, you do not need tickets to access any of the Manchester Christmas market stall locations, including the Winter Gardens. However, if you want to visit the ice skating rink in Cathedral Gardens, you will need to purchase a ticket. You can book tickets either at the ticket booth or online in advance.
Which Christmas Market is better Manchester or York? ›
Manchester took top spot after being searched for 60,000 times on Google during the festive season and garnering more than 8,000 searches on Instagram per month. The market can also be enjoyed from November for 40 days.
Which is better Birmingham or Manchester Christmas market? ›
Earlier this week, we reported that a recent study crowned Birmingham Christmas Market the best in the UK – knocking last year's number one, Manchester Christmas Markets, off the top spot.
Is Birmingham Christmas Market cash only? ›
Cashpoints. The best way of spending money on the Birmingham German Christmas Market is to use cash. But note that the prices of the sausages are up to 12.5 per cent higher this year. While the market is free to enter, a £5 pint of beer and a £4.50 bratwurst will leave you with just 50p change from a tenner.
Is London Christmas Market free? ›
Wander around London's Christmas markets
It's free to stroll along, soaking up the festive atmosphere, though it gets very busy at weekends. If you're in central London, Christmas in Leicester Square (which also spreads to Trafalgar Square) is also a good bet (free entry, until 7 January 2024).
What is sold at Manchester Christmas markets? ›
Get all your Christmas shopping wrapped up on Market Street with its exclusive craft and gift area. Over 40 stalls full of extraordinary gift ideas - from tweed hats, spiced rum, Christmas decorations and candles, to jewellery, gift sets of cheese truckles and much more.
