The one stop place for all your Manchester Christmas Markets information...

The Manchester Christmas Markets will be returning to the city from the 10th November 2017 to 20th December 2017.

The main market hub will again be based in Albert Square, in front of Manchester Town Hall, where the wooden stalls will remain open for an extra day, until December 21.

The ice rink will also be back in Cathedral Gardens, opening this weekend to coincide with the Christmas lights switch on in Albert Square on Saturday November 4.

Launched in 1999 as just a single site in St Ann’s Square, the markets are now a sprawling and hugely popular festive attraction that attract millions of visitors each year.

If you're planning to join them this year, we've rounded up everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Manchester Christmas Markets opening and closing times 2017

The main Albert Square market is open from 10am to 9pm daily. All other sites will be open from 10am to 7.30pm in November and from 10am to 8pm in December.

All bars and food areas will remain open until 9pm.

The ice rink in Cathedral Gardens will be open from 11am to 9pm every day from November 4 until January 7 (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day).

Where in Manchester are the Christmas markets and what will they sell?

This year the Manchester Christmas Markets will stretch across the following 10 sites.

  • Albert Square (European market and main hub)
  • St Ann's Square (German market)
  • King Street (French market)
  • Exchange Street
  • New Cathedral Street
  • Exchange Square
  • Cathedral Gardens (family friendly area)
  • Market Street
  • The Corn Exchange
  • Brazennose Street

How does the mug scheme work?

All the bars at the markets serve hot drinks from the same mugs, which you pay a £2.50 deposit for when you buy your first drink.

You can either return the mug - to any bar - to get your money back or take it home with you as a souvenir.

Each year brings with it a new design, and for 2017 they've created new stackable mugs with festive characters.

Discover everything in and around the markets.

Planning your visit to Manchester

Discover