As the cold nights approach, we slowly make our way towards Christmas. And often, the only thing to get us through the cold and dreary nights is the thought of all the Christmas events that are so close to hand. Christmas markets are as popular as ever, with thousands expected to descend on the streets of Manchester and the surrounding areas to purchase the perfect Christmas gifts, or to soak up the atmosphere and get into the Christmas spirit. I’ve compiled a list of all the Christmas markets in and around Manchester that are currently advertised for this Christmas (2025).
Manchester Christmas Market
A firm favourite with Mancunians, the Manchester Christmas market will celebrate its 27th year in 2025. Stalls open on Friday, 7 November and close on Monday, 22 December, with the exception of A Taste of Christmas on Albert Square and the stalls at Cathedral Gardens, which will remain open throughout the festive season and close on 4th January 2026. Manchester Christmas market is held in various locations throughout the city centre. You’ll find stalls at the following locations: Albert Square, St Ann’s Square, Piccadilly Gardens, King Street, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange and Cathedral Gardens and on Market Street.
Times and activities are yet to be confirmed, but last year the retail stalls opened at 10 am and closed at 8pm, with slightly different times for the food and drink stalls, which opened at 11am and closed by 9pm. In 2024, activities included ice-skating, a Christmas lights trail and and Christmas parade. Parking can be found throughout the city centre, but if you can, take the tram as parking is limited and very expensive in the city centre.
Tatton Park Gift Fair
If you’re anything like me, and prefer a much quieter experience, there are plenty of Christmas markets around Manchester this year, including Tatton Park’s Christmas Gift Fair. This event runs from 27 – 30 November 2025 and opens from 10am to 4pm each day. Held in The Mansion’s Tenants Hall, a place not usually open to the public, you’ll find unique gifts from local suppliers. Traders will be offering the typical Christmas market gifts, including jewellery, candles, crafts and alcohol.
Parking can be booked in advance, and entry is payable per vehicle.
Postcode: WA16 6QN
Grains Bar Hotel, Oldham, Christmas Markets and Fayre
Following on from its success in recent years, Grains Bar Hotel in Oldham will be holding its annual Christmas Markets and Fayre. Children can visit Santa Claus while the adults purchase a selection of Christmas gifts from local vendors, to the delightful sounds of the local choir.
The event runs from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM and is a popular it with the locals, given the delightful local crafts and food set in a beautiful location.
Postcode: OL1 4SX
Saddleworth Marina Christmas Market
The marina, close to the Kingfisher Pub, Greenfield, is now host to a monthly ‘pop-up’ market. This year, the Marina will host a Christmas market on Sunday, 7th December 2025, from 11am to 4pm. This is a great opportunity to grab some Christmas gifts and taste some Christmas goods made by local craftsmen and women.
Postcode: OL3 7AF
Stockport Christmas Fayre
Details are yet to be released for the Stockport Christmas Fayre. It will be held this year on Thursday, 04 December 2025, from 10am to 4pm in Stockport Town Hall.
Rochdale Festive Artisan Market
Rochdale has witnessed an excellent revitalisation programme over the past decade, and the Rochdale Festive Artisan Market is one way the town celebrates its new and improved look! Held on the 30th of November from 4pm to 8pm at the Riverside site. The market will offer all the usual culinary Christmas delights as well as gifts from local artisans. It’s an excellent way to shop local!
Postcode: OL16 1AU
Wigan Artisan Christmas Market
Held in Wigan Town Centre, Wigan Artisan Christmas Market celebrates its 10th year in 2025. This Christmas market is held on the following dates: 2nd November, 23rd November, 29th November, 30th November, 6th December, 7th December, 13th December, 14th December and 20th December. Not only will you find plenty of stalls selling local crafts, but also live entertainment and lots of Christmas fun!
Postcode: WN1 1UE
Brunch with Santa & the Christmas Market – Bolton Holiday Inn
Bolton Holiday Inn are holding their annual Christmas event, including a Christmas market and brunch with Santa on 30th November 2025. The event runs from 11am to 3pm, and entry to the market is free. To enjoy brunch with Santa, the cost is £10.50 per person. There is also a meet and greet with Santa event to keep the kids entertained. There will be plenty of Christmas gifts on sale as well as festive food and drink.
Postcode: BL1 2EW
I hope you enjoyed this post on Christmas markets in and around Manchester. I’ll be updating this list as more details are released on the run-up to Christmas 2025!
Leave a Reply