Sneak peek as Manchester Christmas Markets prepare to open

Manchester’s famous Christmas Markets are already taking shape – ahead of their official opening on November 10. The annual festive extravaganza will pop up at locations across the city centre and will stay open every day until December 22. Pictures taken on Thursday, October 20, show the markets and popular ice rink already taking shape in Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens, one of the popular spots, with scores more stalls set to begin construction over the coming days along Market Street, Piccadilly Gardens and Exchange Square.

One drinks van, named the Globe Bar, has already been spotted setting up, with an array of festive cocktails to be on offer, including the Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini, the Christmastini and Mulled Spice Gin, all priced at GBP8. READ MORE Manchester Christmas Lights switch-on event WON’T go ahead this year The popular ice rink has already begun taking shape too, as well as a shack selling sweet treats, such as Dutch Sugar Waffles.

The markets will officially open in just under three weeks time, on November 10.

Manchester Christmas Markets preparing to open (Image: MEN Media)

The main hub of the markets last year was at the ‘Winter Gardens’ at Piccadilly Gardens which will return again for 2022. The full list of Christmas Markets zones have not yet been confirmed by the council. Manchester City Council previously announced that this year, there will be no official Christmas Light Switch On. The council cited ‘no suitable location’ as the reason for the annual switch on being pulled, due to the amount of construction work going on around the city centre.

Pictures taken on Thursday, October 20, show the markets and popular ice rink already taking shape (Image: MEN Media)

Read the full list of all the confirmed Christmas events taking place in Manchester this year. From the markets, to winter festivities at Escape to Freight Island and the Festive Winter Fair at Victoria Baths

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