Manchester’s bustling and vibrant Christmas markets have been a beloved festive tradition since 1999. As one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe with over 300 stalls spanning 10 different city centre locations, it promises festive fun, seasonal delights, and Christmas magic for visitors and locals alike.
Overview of the Manchester Christmas Markets
Dating back to the Middle Ages, outdoor Christmas markets bring light and excitement to dark winter months across Germany, Austria, and other European countries and Manchester imports this festive tradition every November and December.
The 2023 Manchester Christmas markets will run from November 10 to December 22 this year. And its six week run is set to see foot traffic of over 350,000 people browsing the myriad of market stalls.
What’s new for the Manchester Christmas markets 2023? An expanded circus hub at Piccadilly Gardens with street performances and aerialist acts throughout the six week run.
What sets Manchester’s markets apart from other major European cities? Its size, variety and convenient neighbourhood layout across the city centre. Markets in Frankfurt focus on more traditional gifts while Manchester offers more modern and eclectic options, which is what you’d expect from this cultural city.
2023 Christmas Market Dates
November 10 to December 22
Expected 2023 Visitors
Over 950,000
Getting to the 2023 Christmas Markets from your Aparthotel
Staying at an aparthotel in central Manchester allows ultimate convenience for exploring the sprawling Christmas markets on foot.
Use the 2023 Christmas markets map to navigate to the different marked zones from your accommodation:
Walking Routes
Our aparthotel accommodations sit within a 5 minute walk of the nearest Christmas market zone but there are so many, we suggest you bring comfy shoes!
Public Transportation
Manchester’s MetroLink offers a quick tram route to each market area when walking fatigue sets in. Single ride passes are available.
Top Things to See, Eat and Do
Beyond shopping, what awaits you at Manchester’s bustling Christmas markets?
Festive Stalls
Over 300 stalls span 10 neighbourhood market zones offering crafts, gifts, decorations, food, drinks and more. Peak Market hosts an International Christmas Market.
Mulled Wine & Eats
Warm up with hot mulled wine and local Manchester gin while perusing goods. Food stalls offer mince pies, loaded bratwursts, waffles, chocolate strawberries and more.
Special 2023 Events & Activities
In addition to the lively market browsing, special events mark the 2023 calendar at Manchester’s Christmas markets.
Circus Hub at Piccadilly Gardens
- Nightly circus performers
- Roving acts and street performers
- Learn circus skills workshops
Gospel Choir Concerts
- Nightly gospel choir concerts
- Festive singalongs
Project Earth Interactive Exhibit
- 35-metre wide inflatable globe
- Interactive sustainability exhibits inside
- STEM workshops for kids
What’s stopping you?
Manchester’s vibrant Christmas markets offer the perfect launchpad for a magical city break this festive season. From the twinkling lights to seasonal sounds, scents and flavours, a cosy aparthotel situated nearby allows you to easily immerse yourself in the festivities by day, then escape the crowds at night.
As you explore interactive exhibits and circus shows new for 2023, savour local food and drinks, hunt for rare artisan gifts, and skate under the stars, creating memories that keep you glowing all winter – long after the markets close up on December 22nd.
Book your room or apartment suite today to experience the very best of one of Europe’s top Christmas destinations from the comforts and charms of your own Manchester home base. The most wonderful time of the year awaits…will you be part of it?
