With just one week to go until the launch of Manchester's world-renowned Christmas Markets, a handy map highlighting all ten city-centre locations has been released to help visitors navigate the festivities.
The map points visitors in the right direction for food and drink, live entertainment, and those all-important toilet stops, as well as the locations of festive attractions including Skate Manchester's Ice Rink in Cathedral Gardens and Manchester's iconic giant 50m festive Ferris Wheel which is back once again on Albert Square.
As well as highlighting where visitors can find Manchester Christmas Markets' iconic wooden chalets, selling everything from Christmas gifts and crafts to mouth-watering food and drinks, the market map also highlights transport hubs along with all the toilet stops for a comfort break if needed, as well as the location of Changing Places facilities to help meet the needs of all visitors to the markets.
This year sees ten locations across the city transformed for the festive season with Albert Square in front of the magnificent Manchester Town Hall once again at the heart of the city's countdown to Christmas celebrations.
Other Christmas Market locations for 2026 include St Ann's Square, King Street, Exchange Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, The Corn Exchange, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, and brand new for this year, Lincoln Square - which is just a step away from Albert Square.
The markets will be open daily from Friday 6 November until Tuesday 22 December - except at Cathedral Gardens and Albert Square which will remain open until Sunday 3 January alongside the ice rink in Cathedral Gardens and the festive Ferris Wheel in Albert Square.
Craft stalls and stalls selling seasonal goods will be open every day at all locations except Market Street from 10 am - 9 pm, whilst stalls selling food and drink will be open from 11 am - 9 pm each day.
The opening hours at Market Street will be from 10 pm - 9 pm every day except Sundays when the stalls there will close at 6 pm.
Visitors to Manchester's Christmas Markets are strongly advised to use public transport where possible for their trip with each of the different market locations well served by public transport links.
Councillor Garry Bridges, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "By far the best way to get to our world-beating Christmas Markets is to travel in by public transport or to come in by bike.
"With ten different market locations across the city centre - each one of them no more than a few minutes' walk from either a tram, train, or bus stop, plus plenty of places for cyclists to park and lock up their bikes - this will be by far the easiest and greenest way of getting into Manchester at what is always a really busy time for the city with large numbers of visitors.
"Christmas in Manchester looks set to be even more amazing this year with the city at its sparkly best and we can't wait to welcome everyone as they join us in celebrating the festive season with a visit to our legendary Christmas Markets."
Here's what to expect at each of the ten different Christmas market locations:
Albert Square
Albert Square is a must-visit Christmas Market location, hosting a packed programme of festive experiences.
Thrill-seekers can take in the spectacular views of Manchester from the iconic 50-metre Ferris wheel, or enjoy a trip down memory lane on the vintage helter-skelter.
New for this year is the chance to pull up a seat at the festive pop-up pub for drinks and live entertainment, or relax in one of the many heated covered seating areas dotted around the square.
Browse food, drink and craft stalls from local and international traders. Watch as delicious pastries are baked and decorated with free live baking demonstrations and donations made to local charities for the number of pastries sold, warm up with a hot chocolate, or enjoy a Parisian sweet treat from the French toast stall.
Capture the festive magic inside the glittering Christmas Tree with its life-size sleigh plus ring lights for the perfect selfie, with enough room to gather friends and family for a group shot.
And bring the children to see Manchester's very own giant Santa sitting high above the markets in front of the Town Hall.
The markets will be open daily (except Christmas Day) from Friday 6 November to Sunday 3 January 2027.
Lincoln Square
A brand-new Christmas market location for 2026 for foodies, just a step away from Albert Square.
Enjoy festive refreshments, seasonal treats and warming drinks from local and international traders with jerk chicken, homestyle lasagne and pasta, Korean corn dogs and much more.
And when you've eaten your fill wash it all down from the cosy comfort of a heated marquee with a seasonal special alcoholic hot chocolate or a festive spritzer from one of the truck bars.
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December.
King Street
Shoppers, foodies and bar lovers will find all their favourites on King Street.
Browse soap, decorations, local spirits, truckle cheeses and chocolate kisses. Or visit the Italian deli for gourmet meats, cheeses and Mediterranean produce.
Visit mouth-watering food stalls for chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, and more. Try Hong Kong-style French toast, Italian pizza and arancini, Greek gyros, and traditional Spanish dishes, or warm up with award-winning pies, hot mash and seasonal veggies.
Gather with friends to enjoy a selection of festive cocktails, German beers and craft ales.
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December.
St Ann's Square
The original home of Manchester Christmas Markets has been given a makeover and will have an exciting new layout for 2026 that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Savour the sounds of singers, buskers and community choirs. Take in the magical atmosphere from the comfort of an even bigger and better covered seating area.
Grab a bite to eat and enjoy the twinkling lights of a giant Christmas tree while sipping a Guinness from the dedicated Guinness cart, a glühwein, or festive cocktail.
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December.
Corn Exchange
Browse the stalls in front of the Corn Exchange for unique gifts of all kinds from crafters.
Take home tasty festive treats, such as pork pies, handmade truffles and artisan cheeses, or shop for clothing, jewellery, fabulous accessories and more.
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December.
Exchange Street
Exchange Street is back with many of the favourites you know and love.
Treat your taste buds to loaded hash browns and decadent hot chocolate. Visit the hot chocolate and strawberry stand, serving gourmet chocolate straight from the melting taps. Savour frosty affogatos and Dubai-inspired chocolate-covered strawberries.
Explore the stalls selling a range of crafts and gifts against a backdrop of twinkling festive lights.
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December.
New Cathedral Street
New Cathedral Street is a must-visit destination for Christmas shopping.
The market will be open daily from 10am to 9pm.Don't miss the traditional German bratwurst and beers or indulge yourself in delicious steak frites with hot raclette cheese poured over the fries.
Browse an amazing range of festive gifts and treats to choose from.
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December.
Market Street
Market Street is back and bigger than ever, with even more stalls to explore craft and gift stalls.
Get your Christmas shopping sorted as you browse unique gifts, handcrafted decorations and festive treats. Pick up everything from tweed hats and scented candles to Christmas ornaments, spiced rum and delicious foodie favourites.
When you're ready for a break from shopping, test your skills with carnival-style games including darts and hook-a-duck.
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December.
Exchange Square
One of the largest Christmas Market locations, with festive food, drinks, gifts and crafts.
Warm up with a hot chocolate at the hugely popular hot chocolate bar – back for 2026, or enjoy a classic mulled wine, home-made here in Manchester.
Try a Yorkshire pudding wrap or a traditional bratwurst from the swing grill.
The market will be open from 6 November - 22 December.
Cathedral Gardens
Expect plenty of activities for all ages at Cathedral Gardens, particularly for younger visitors.
Experience Skate Manchester’s huge, covered ice rink, open daily except Christmas Day, and enjoy mini-fairground games, free live entertainment, and family fun throughout the festive period.
Enjoy cheese fondue served in hot bread bowls and salt and pepper-style chicken fries. Plus, warm up with authentic crêpes, gourmet hot dogs, hot chocolate, and more.
The market will be open daily (except Christmas Day) from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
For more information about Christmas in Manchester visit manchester.gov.uk/christmas
For more information about getting into and around the city using public transport visit tfgm.com/manchester-christmas-markets
