Manchester's world-famous Christmas Markets are now open!

Credit: Darren Robinson

With 220 stalls across nine market sites in the city centre, selling food, drink and a stockingful of crafts and seasonal gifts, the markets are a must-visit attraction for visitors to the city and locals alike,  guaranteed to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

24 years on from the first Manchester Christmas Markets back in 1998, the markets continue to attract Mancunians and visitors alike to the city in their thousands to fill up on the fantastic festive treats on offer.

This year sees the iconic ski chalet market stalls take over Piccadilly Gardens, which is once again transformed into the Winter Gardens, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange, and King Street.

With food and drink stalls cooking up everything from Bratwurst, vegan 5-bean Chilli, Korean Hotdogs, and gourmet Italian pizza, to pancakes and chocolate dipped Churros there's plenty to satisfy both foodies and Christmas shoppers alike.

Those seeking out a tipple won't be disappointed. If they are looking for a hot chocolate laden with marshmallows whipped cream and festive sprinkles, or a grown-up Gluhwein, German beer, or Salford Rum, there's a selection of drinks wide enough to quench the thirstiest of thirsts, they'll be well pleased!

Christmas gift hunters are also going to be spoilt for choice with gifts from amazing crafters and producers, selling all kinds of things from tweed hats, Christmas decorations, candles, fine soaps, jewellery, and gift sets of cheese truckles and more besides.

The markets will be open until Thursday 22 December.

Food and drink stalls across all Christmas market locations will be open from 11 am and close at 9 pm every day, Monday to Sunday.

Craft stalls across all the Christmas markets open at 10 am and close at 8 pm daily, Monday to Sunday.

Stalls at all Christmas market locations except Cathedral Gardens end at 6pm on Thursday 22 December.

However, the food and drink stalls at Cathedral Gardens will continue trading until 31 December to complement the ice rink which is also open until then. 

The opening times for stalls at Cathedral Gardens from 22 December are as follows:

22 Dec - open 11 am close at 9 pm

23 Dec - open 11 am close at 9 pm

24 Dec - open 10 am close at 5 pm 

25 Dec - closed for Christmas Day

26 Dec - 31 Dec - open 10 am close at 6 pm

This year also sees Dock 53 at the Winter Gardens with a selection of stalls selling food and drink, and live entertainment in all evenings.

Open through to December 24, Dock 53 is open as follows:

Opening times from 10 Nov through to 23 Dec are:

Mon - Wed open 11 am and close 10 pm

Thur - Sun open 11 am and close 11 pm

Dec 24 - open 11 am and close 6 pm

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester said: "Hello Christmas! Our world-beating Christmas markets are back! 

"They look totally amazing, stuffed full of treats and surprises for everyone. And with festive stalls filled with all the lights, sound, and magic of the season right across the city centre, they are a treat you won't want to miss. 

"This is such a magical time of year. We all know that Manchester does Christmas better than anywhere else - come and see us!"

For more information on Christmas in Manchester visit : manchester.gov.uk/christmas