Manchester Christmas Markets 2022 guide: stalls, locations & food and drink prices

Manchester city centre is looking a lot like Christmas, with the return of the ever-popular Manchester Christmas Markets.

The continental market and various festive attractions are back for 2022. So what can we expect? Will the Christmas mugs be back? How much will a mulled wine be? We look at everything we know so far...

When do Manchester Christmas Markets open?

The markets will run over a five-week period, giving you plenty of chance to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy a hot chocolate and pick up gifts.

The main markets will run from Thursday 10 November until Thursday 22 December 2022, and are expected to be open from 10am to 9pm daily (though some non-food stalls are expected to shut at 8pm.)

Where will Manchester Christmas Markets be located?

Albert Square is still undergoing major renovation work so that will rule it out of action again this year.

Piccadilly Gardens are, however, poised to feature - the new winter wonderland attraction with ample food and drink stalls proved a popular draw last year and became a focal point with a live entertainment stage. The ‘Winter Gardens’ were open til new year in last year’s event to give visitors more time to enjoy the set-up after Christmas itself.

Cathedral Gardens will again play host to the covered ice rink, which opened on Friday 21 October in time for its Scare Skate over the October half-term break and then will close on Tuesday 3 January. Organisers at Skate Manchester, which is taking bookings on its website now, said: “This year we have a brand-new ice path allowing you to skate around our beautiful Christmas tree, surely it can’t get more festive than that.

“Our covered rink has a roof, allowing you to enjoy the ice, whatever the weather, so you can skate without the (distinct) possibility of getting soaked in a sudden, very British, downpour!”

Venues are shown on the map below.

How much does admission to the markets cost?

Good news - entry is free, you can browse the stalls and enjoy some live entertainment with no charge.

What stalls are at Manchester Christmas Markets 2022?

There are a huge range of stalls at each of the nine locations from food and drink to crafts, gifts and decorations,

Check out our photos of dozens of stalls from the opening day here to help you plan your visit.

How much is food and drink at Manchester Christmas Markets?

Food and drinks prices for absolutely everything in the Winter Gardens can be found in our pricing guide here.