Manchester Christmas Markets food and drink vendors announced for 2023

The countdown is on for the Manchester Christmas Markets and here’s all the festive food and crafts vendors that will be serving up a treat.

The wooden alpine huts, featuring across nine different locations around the city, are set to open on November 10th.

The nine different ‘zones’ will see various different food, drink and crafts vendors as thousands of Mancunians and visitors from further afield get ready to feast on some fantastic festive delights.

Piccadilly Gardens

Piccadilly Gardens will be transformed into the wonderful Winter Gardens and is the main hub again this year as the Town Hall continues to undergo restoration works in Albert Square.

Councillors have said they are taking extra measures to ensure the grassed areas of the gardens are not ruined this time round.

Here, the Scandi-style overhead cover will return decked with lights and cosy log fires. Live music will take place each evening with plenty of sheltered seating. Winter Gardens will also be home to the iconic windmill, which stands at four-metres high.

Visitors can expect a variety of winter tipples and exclusive cocktails alongside fresh churros, Korean corndogs, tasty Gyros and plenty more.

St Anne’s Square and Exchange Street

The oldest market site in the city centre, visitors can expect to find a variety of continental cheeses, authentic paella, bratwurst, or salt and pepper chicken from Northern Quarter favourite, Yard and Coop. Or why not just cosy up in the undercover bar with a hot drink to keep you warm.

Market Street

You can finish your Christmas shopping in this ultimate crafts and gifts area.

Expect over 40 stalls selling gifts including tweed hats, spiced rum, Christmas decorations and candles, to jewellery and much more. And don’t forget to pick up your freshly baked hot macaroon!

King Street

This zone will be the seasonal home to food stalls including the authentic Italian deli, Ballaro. 

They will be serving up fresh cannelloni and arancini, and El Gato Negro will bring some Mediterranean menu flavours for Christmas shoppers to sit down and enjoy as they watch the crowds go by from the special seated area outside their stall.

Visitors to King Street markets can also expect a range of crafts including the always popular French soap stall, personalised tree decorations, handmade wooden furniture and beautifully illustrated bottles from local distillery, Salford Rum. 

New Cathedral Street

This zone is your go-to spot for high end gifts and foodie favourites. Craft-lovers will be enchanted by the selection of handmade candles, ceramics, local spirits, and thoughtful keepsakes on offer. 

Stop off to enjoy a cold beer and currywurst from The Witch House, a hearty burrito from Mango Rays, or a cheesy ‘Parmo’ from local legends, Parmageddon. 

Exchange Square

One of the largest of the city centre Christmas market sites, market-goers can warm-up at The Mill Exchange with their Mancunian mulled wine made on-site, while admiring the legends of Manchester artwork adorning their walls.

This is also the place to try the much-loved legendary Yorkshire pudding wrap from Porky Pig, as well as everything from birria bowls and hot curries to mini pancakes and fresh fudge. You’ll also find clothing, soaps, boutique babywear, local crafts, and handmade gifts.

The Corn Exchange

Set between Corn Exchange and Shambles Square, you’ll find some of the most unique gifts available from our crafters.

Expect handmade pies, Nepalese woollen jumpers, handmade jewellery, Christmas decorations made from recycled wood, plus photo frames, artisan chocolates and much more.

Cathedral Gardens

This is the place to go if you enjoy seasonal ice-skating. Whirl around with your pals at Skate Manchester’s huge, covered ice rink which is open daily.

There will also be free live entertainment hosted every Thursday to Sunday, all the way up to New Year’s Eve. Enjoy a warming treat with authentic crepes, gourmet hotdogs, hot chocolate, and much more.

Manchester’s Christmas Markets open on Friday November 10th and close on Thursday, December 21st. All craft stalls open daily from 10am-8pm. All bars and food stalls open daily from 11am-9pm.

Father Christmas will take up residence in St Peter’s Square after Remembrance Sunday.

The Ice Rink in Cathedral Gardens will be open for Christmas skaters from November 2nd- January 2nd, but will also be offering spooky Scare Skates (only if you dare!) from October 27th to October 31st. 

The food and drink stalls in Cathedral Gardens, alongside the skate rink, will remain open until December 31st.