Christmas is coming, and the Manchester Christmas Markets are officially open! And this year marks a special milestone – it’s the 25th anniversary of the first Christmas Markets here in the city centre.
The Manchester Christmas Market first took place in 1998 with 16 stalls in St Ann’s Square, and this year is the 25th anniversary with more 225 stalls across nine sites throughout the city centre.
Councillor Pat Karvey, Manchester City Council’s Christmas spokesperson, described the 25th anniversary of the Manchester Christmas Market as a significant milestone.
He said: “We grew from 16 stalls in St Ann Square 25 years ago to 225 Christmas stalls, the largest in the country. We have been given great European awards this year as well.
“I think because Mancunians love Christmas when you come here, you get a real Manchester Welcome because we have visitors from all over the country.
“We established a great reputation; 25 years is a great milestone.”
Anja Manke is a trader from Germany who has been coming to the Manchester Christmas Market in St Ann’s Square since 1998.
“We started in Manchester and got to know the city well. Now it is 25 years, and we have backed every year, and the market was growing. Our market was also growing,” she shared.
Speaking of the reason they chose Manchester, she said: “I think Manchester is the best city because it’s vibrant with so many young people. It’s open-minded. There are people all over the world. It’s a really, really, really beautiful city.”
According to a new study by Christmas Tree World, Manchester Christmas Markets have been named one of the best Christmas Markets in the UK.
Manchester Christmas Market has recorded the highest annual searches and the latest volume of TikTok tag Views.
Customer Jack Stonier said the layout of the stalls across the city centre is what makes Manchester special.
He said: “It’s not just all in one little spot. It spread out everywhere all over Manchester. No matter where you are, you’re not far from somewhere to go.”
The Christmas Markets are open until December 21. The craft stalls will be available daily from 10am to 8pm, while the food and drink stalls are open from 11am to 9pm.