CHRISTMAS MARKETS ON THE MAP

MANCHESTER’S famous Christmas Markets are returning to the city centre shortly – taking over NINE sites and spreading festive cheer with a host of food, drink and gift stalls this November and December.

- DIANNE BOURNE

The trademark wooden huts will spring up across the nine main locations for 2024, while the main festive hub will be Winter Gardens, which will take over an expanded site at Piccadilly Gardens this year.

Other sites which will feature the festive stalls include: Market Street, Exchange Square, St Ann’s Square, King Street and New Cathedral Street. Cathedral Gardens will be the more family-oriented area, featuring the covered ice rink once again for 2024.

The markets will open this year on Friday, November 8, and then run through until Sunday, December 22. The way the dates fall this year mean there will also be SEVEN weekends for festive fun rather than the usual six.

Coun Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester council, said: “Only three weeks to go now until the opening of our world-famous Christmas Markets and it’s suddenly beginning to feel a lot like my absolute favourite tinsel-y time of year.

“The markets sound incredible. We’ve got stalls selling everything from handmade wrist watches, leather goods and jewellery, to fine art prints, designer hats, cheeses and chutneys, Christmas tree decorations and chocolate kisses – as well as mouth-watering treats and hot drinks at every turn.

“They’re going to be amazing, and we’re all set for Manchester’s best Christmas ever!”

There is a new trail map showing the different locations in the city centre that will be hosting Manchester Christmas Markets stalls.

The map also shows where to find Big Santa and a stunning light trail, back at St Peter’s Square this year.