The Manchester Christmas Markets stretch across the entire city centre, each location offering a different experience. Below are the five most important and most visited areas - ideal for shopping, eating, exploring, and capturing the festive atmosphere.
Albert Square, home to the city’s giant light-up Santa, is the heart of the Manchester Christmas Markets. With dozens of wooden chalets, international food, artisan crafts, handmade winter accessories, and festive treats, this square represents the traditional European-style Christmas market experience.
The square is often the busiest but also the most atmospheric, and visitors return year after year for its lively mix of food stalls and unique gifts. If you're staying in Manchester city-centre short-let accommodation, you’ll likely be just a short walk away.
Located next to the National Football Museum, Cathedral Gardens is the go-to spot for families. The covered ice rink is one of Manchester’s favourite winter activities and opens early in the season, making it perfect even for November visitors.
The market at Cathedral Gardens is slightly quieter, offering family-friendly food options, sweets, games, and warm seating areas. It’s a great stop if you're travelling with kids or staying in Manchester short-term rental properties in the northern quarter or Victoria area.
If food is your priority, Exchange Square is a must. This area becomes a festive food court offering some of the market’s most famous eats:
It’s especially vibrant in the evenings, so if you're searching for Manchester short-lets near nightlife or shopping (Arndale, Selfridges), this is your perfect base.
St Ann’s Square is one of the city’s oldest and most atmospheric market spots. Expect hand-crafted gifts, European decorations, wooden toys, winter clothing, and artisan jewellery. This market is perfect for Christmas shopping - and it’s less crowded during daytime hours.
Local residents love this part of the Christmas Markets because it feels authentic and a little slower-paced.
If you're looking for European delicacies - French cheeses, Italian pastries, Spanish charcuterie, Belgian chocolates - King Street delivers. This area attracts food lovers from across the city thanks to its high-quality gourmet stalls.
It’s also a beautiful place for evening strolls, with lights, music, and a more elegant festive atmosphere. Great for travellers staying in Deansgate or Spinningfields short-let properties.
Festive Events Mancunians Look Forward to Every Year
Beyond the markets themselves, Manchester offers a busy calendar of winter events. These are especially popular with locals - and worth adding to any visitor itinerary.
More than just a market activity, ice skating in Manchester has become an annual tradition. Whether you're an experienced skater or wobbling for the first time, it’s fun, festive, and great for families, couples, and groups. Book ahead during weekends to avoid queues.
Throughout the city, you’ll find glowing reindeer, giant baubles, LED tunnels, and illuminated walk-through installations. These light trails change every year, making them perfect for returning visitors and Manchester locals who want something new each December.
The Palace Theatre and Opera House host some of Manchester’s biggest Christmas productions. From family pantomimes to West End musicals, the Christmas theatre season is a beloved tradition for many.
Booking accommodation nearby - especially a Manchester Airbnb or short-let- makes it easy to enjoy a theatre night followed by a winter stroll back home.
From candlelit concerts to charity carol services, the cathedral offers a magical setting for festive music. With incredible acoustics and the peaceful atmosphere of the historic building, these events provide a calming break from the crowds and shopping.
For quieter moments, locals love taking frosty morning walks around Heaton Park, Castlefield Basin, or the canal routes. These areas look spectacular at sunrise during winter, and they offer a different, more authentic side of Manchester beyond the markets.
If you own a property in Manchester and want to maximise your income - especially during high-demand times like the Christmas Markets - now is the perfect time to become a host with Pass the Keys Manchester.
Whether you want a fully hands-off service or guidance to get started, the team supports new hosts across Manchester city centre, Salford, MediaCity, Didsbury, Chorlton, and surrounding areas.
If you’ve been thinking about entering the short-let market, this is the ideal season to begin. Book a call Today
Travelling to Manchester for the Christmas Markets? Planning a family visit or festive weekend break? You can enjoy 5% off all direct bookings on our Manchester short-let properties with promotion code MANC5
Booking direct ensures the best price, priority support, early check-in options, and exclusive seasonal offers.