Manchester Christmas Markets

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
Manchester Christmas Markets 2021

Manchester Christmas Markets at Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester 11 November 2022 — 22 December 2021 Entrance is free

The Manchester Christmas Markets are back! And this is the first batch without any restrictions hanging over us since last decade. This festive season marks twenty-four years since the markets first came to Manchester, and excitement is at an all-time high after a couple of tricky years.

This year will see the iconic ski chalet market stalls take over Piccadilly Gardens – once again set to be transformed into the Winter Gardens – Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange, and King Street.

Piccadilly Gardens takes pride of place this year again, as the hub of all things Christmas and market-y. It features a family-friendly Winter Gardens, right in the heart of the city, transforming the gardens into a labyrinth of yuletide bars selling locally-brewed ales, food stalls, craft sellers and, for the first time, a stage featuring live music and DJs throughout the festive season.

A family-friendly Winter Gardens, right in the heart of the city

This winter you can joyfully stumble around wooden huts with mulled wine, sip from festive mugs, scoff hot chocolates and, of course, navigate the bustling crowds all full of Christmas cheer.

And if you’re looking for Christmas gifts, here’s your one-stop shop for everything you need – fancy cheeses, high-end spirits, jewellery, fridge magnets, cute trinkets, as well as a wealth of cured meats and gingerbread bread houses.

If you’ve been before, you’ll know the weekends are the busiest times so stick to midweek trips if you want to avoid the crowds. But more than anything, make sure you don your favourite wacky Christmas jumper. They’re a must for all you chilled-out entertainers out there.

Manchester Christmas Markets at Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester 11 November 2022 — 22 December 2021 Entrance is free

What's on at Piccadilly Gardens

Until
ActivityManchester
Sí Manchester Daily Tour

Sí Manchester’s daily tour is a brilliant way to get an overview of the city with tours running in both English and Spanish.

free entry

Where to go near Manchester Christmas Markets

Photo of the restaurant interior, with wood floors and dark tables
Manchester
Restaurant
ABode Restaurant

ABode Restaurant is a fine dining option in Manchester that often gets forgotten about. This might have something to do with its out of the way location, hidden away on a back street near Piccadilly, but it might also be because its offering is just a little outdated.

ABode Manchester
Manchester
Hotel
ABode Manchester

ABode Manchester is a boutique hotel in Manchester with a range of rooms and suites available. It has its own restaurant and plays host to live events. All conveniently situated just a couple of minutes from Piccadilly Station.

Malmaison Manchester
City Centre
Hotel
Malmaison Manchester

Malmaison Manchester has stylish rooms and an excellent bar, all situated conveniently on the doorstep of Piccadilly train station. Rooms start from as little as £90, if you’re looking for a boutique experience on a budget, look no further. 

Brownsfield Mill building in Manchester
Manchester
Tourist Attraction
Brownsfield Mill

Now a Grade-II listed building, Brownsfield Mill in Manchester was constructed in 1825 as a power mill, and later housed the A.V. Roe and Company aviation factory. The former mill forms part of the Piccadilly Basin and is to undergo refurbishment for potential use as flats or office space.

Roby 1844
Manchester
Bar or Pub
Roby 1844

Roby 1844 is a new canalside terrace bar and restaurant based on Aytoun Street in the heart of Manchester.

Manchester
Restaurant
Alabama’s All American Eatery

A more San Francisco take on American food in Manchester – introducing Alabama’s All American Eatery. Alabama’s All American Eatery, despite having a name that firmly plants its stake in US territory, is actually at the more chilled-out end of Manchester’s ongoing homage to the Americana trend.

Bundobust Manchester
Manchester
Restaurant
Bundobust Manchester

Head to Bundobust Manchester for fantastic and endlessly original Indian street food, all vegetarian (and often vegan).

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Kampus

We try out some of the new drinks and food vendors at Kampus.

Manchester
Restaurant
Tariff & Dale

Tariff & Dale is a bar and kitchen in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, taking its name from its location on the corners of both Tariff Street and Dale Street.

Superstition Bar
Manchester
Bar or Pub
Superstition Bar

Independent underground bar in the heart of the Northern Quarter, serving a vast range of quality cocktails.

What's on: Families

OUTDOOR ART CLUB AT THE WHITWORTH
Until
ChildrensManchester
Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth

Enjoy fun and creative activities designed to encourage your little ones to play freely in the fresh air, while exploring nature and the outdoors with family and friends.

free entry

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Teenage Dads
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