The most wonderful time of the year is almost here! Manchester's world-famous Christmas Markets return for their 27th year, transforming the city centre into a magical winter wonderland. With over 200 wooden chalets spread across ten spectacular locations, this is one of the UK's biggest and most beloved festive celebrations.
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025: What to Expect
The markets officially open on Friday 7th November 2025 and run until Monday 22nd December 2025. For the first time in six years, the markets are returning to the newly refurbished Albert Square, bringing the festivities back to the heart of Manchester's historic Town Hall.
Opening Times
Most Markets
Daily 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (7th November - 22nd December)
Albert Square ('A Taste of Christmas')
7th November - 4th January 2026
Cathedral Gardens
7th November - 4th January 2026 (includes ice rink from 25th October)
Closed
Christmas Day only
Ten Spectacular Locations
The Christmas Markets span across Manchester city centre, all within easy walking distance:
Albert Square
'A Taste of Christmas' with 50-metre Ferris wheel & vintage carousel
Cathedral Gardens
Family hub with Skate Manchester ice rink & live entertainment
Piccadilly Gardens
Winter Gardens with covered seating & twinkling lights
St Ann's Square
Bespoke crafts and local gifts
Exchange Square
Traditional German bratwurst & festive treats
The Corn Exchange
Artisan food and unique gifts
King Street
Champagne cocktails & locally brewed beers
Market Street
Classic market atmosphere
New Cathedral Street
Premium Christmas shopping destination
Exchange Street
Food, drink & seasonal entertainment
What's On Offer
Food & Drink
Giant bratwursts, Belgian waffles, Dutch pancakes, loaded hash browns, artisan cheeses, gourmet hot dogs, authentic crepes, churros, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, hot chocolate in iconic mugs, craft beers, champagne cocktails, and so much more.
Shopping
Handmade crafts, jewellery, clothing, Christmas decorations, tweed hats, candles, pottery, wooden toys, bath bombs, leather goods, bottled cocktails, handmade fudge, spiced rum, coconut macaroons, cheese truckles, and countless unique gifts.
Entertainment
Live music, DJs, choirs, brass bands, ice skating, Ferris wheel, vintage carousel, fairground attractions, free live entertainment at Cathedral Gardens, and magical festive atmosphere everywhere you turn.
Entry is completely FREE - no tickets required to explore the markets!
Getting from Stockport to Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester city centre is just a short journey from Stockport, but during the Christmas Markets season, parking becomes extremely limited and expensive. Manchester attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors during the festive period, and city centre car parks fill up quickly - especially on weekends and evenings.
Travel in Comfort with Lynx Taxis
Skip the Parking Hassle
Why waste precious Christmas shopping time circling for parking spaces or walking from distant car parks in the cold? Let Lynx Taxis drop you off right in the heart of the action. We'll get you as close as possible to your preferred market location, whether you want to start at Albert Square, head straight to Cathedral Gardens, or begin at Piccadilly Gardens.
Direct Service from Across Stockport
Lynx Taxis provides reliable, comfortable transport from every corner of Stockport to Manchester Christmas Markets:
Stockport Centre
Quick connections
Edgeley
Direct routes
Heaton Moor
Swift access
Bramhall
Premium service
Cheadle
Fast links
Hazel Grove
Direct access
Perfect for Festive Shopping Trips
Planning a full day of Christmas shopping? Our Estate cars provide extra boot space for all your festive purchases - from handmade crafts to those beautifully packaged food gifts. No more struggling with shopping bags on public transport or worrying about where to store everything!
Evening Market Visits
The Manchester Christmas Markets are magical in the evening when all the lights twinkle and the atmosphere reaches its peak. Pre-book your Lynx Taxis journey for an evening visit and enjoy the festive ambiance without worrying about:
- Finding parking in the dark
- Walking back to distant car parks
- Cold, uncomfortable public transport
- Surge pricing from ride-sharing apps
- Carrying heavy shopping bags
We'll pick you up from your preferred Manchester city centre location and have you home in Stockport in comfort and warmth.
Group Christmas Outings
Make it a proper festive day out with friends, family, or colleagues! Our fleet accommodates groups of all sizes:
Saloon Cars
Ideal for couples or small groups (up to 4 passengers)
Estate Cars
Extra luggage space for shopping (up to 4 passengers)
MPV Vehicles
Perfect for family outings (up to 8 passengers)
Minibuses
Group Christmas trips (up to 16 passengers)
Split the cost among your group and travel together. It's more fun, more affordable, and you can all enjoy a festive drink at the markets without worrying about driving home.
Pre-Book Your Christmas Market Journeys
The Manchester Christmas Markets attract massive crowds, especially:
- Opening weekend (7-10 November)
- Weekends throughout November and December
- The week before Christmas (15-22 December)
- Evenings after 5 PM when the markets are beautifully lit
Recommended Booking Times:
Daytime Visits
Book arrival for 10:30 AM (markets open at 10:00 AM)
Evening Visits
Book arrival for 5:30 PM (magical light atmosphere)
Easy Booking Methods
Book your Manchester Christmas Markets transport through:
Mobile App
Highly rated: 4.2 on Google Play, 4.4 on App Store
WhatsApp Booking
Instant confirmation
Phone Support
24/7 customer support team
Online Booking
User-friendly website booking
Your Trusted Transport Partner Since 1988
For over 35 years, Lynx Taxis has been Stockport's premier taxi service. We're fully licensed, our vehicles undergo regular MOT checks, and our professional drivers know Greater Manchester inside out. We pride ourselves on punctuality, reliability, and customer service.From Offerton to Cheadle Hulme, from Heaton Moor to Marple Bridge, from Bramhall to Reddish Vale, from Hazel Grove to Portwood - wherever you are in the Stockport borough, Lynx Taxis is your reliable partner for Manchester Christmas Markets 2025.
Christmas Markets Information Summary
Market Dates:
- Main Markets: 7th Nov - 22nd Dec 2025
- Albert Square: 7th Nov - 4th Jan 2026
- Cathedral Gardens: 7th Nov - 4th Jan 2026
- Daily Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Key Locations:
- Albert Square - Ferris wheel & carousel
- Cathedral Gardens - Ice rink & entertainment
- Piccadilly Gardens - Winter Gardens
- Plus 7 more locations across city centre
For the latest updates, visit the official Manchester Christmas Markets website.