Manchester Christmas Markets 2022 opening dates confirmed as popular event returns with ice rink and stalls

The dates for the Manchester Christmas Markets in 2022 have finally been revealed.

The huge festive attraction which attracts thousands of people into the city centre in the run-up to Christmas each year have been waiting on tenterhooks to see when the stalls of crafts, gifts, gluhwein and food would be returning to Manchester.

And now the wait is over as the first information about the 2022 edition of the continental markets has been released.

Here’s what we know so far.

When are the 2022 Manchester Christmas Markets open?

Manchester City Council has confirmed the 2022 Manchester Christmas Markets will run from Thursday 10 November until Thursday 22 December.

Generally speaking the markets are open from around 10am until 9pm.

The markets take place at various locations across the city centre and with renovation work continuing at Albert Square it is likely that the main focus of the attraction this year will again be around Piccadilly Gardens where a winter wonderland proved a popular draw last year.

The council said Cathedral Gardens will once again play host to the ice rink, which will open on Friday 21 October and close on Tuesday 3 January.

Alongside the skating attraction there will be food and drink stalls for visitors from Friday 21 October to Saturday 31 December.

The award-winning markets are one of the largest German-style Christmas markets to be put on in the UK each year and always attract huge numbers of visitors.

Coun Pat Karney, Manchester City Council’s Christmas spokesperson, said: “With Christmas Day a mere three months away, that can only mean one thing - Manchester Christmas Markets Day is even sooner!

“In fact, there’s only seven weeks left to go until you can grab a gluhwein and buddy up with a bratwurst whilst checking out the fantastic Christmas gifts and goodies on the best Christmas Market in the land. Mark it on your calendars - 10 November - they’re back!”