• By Freya Ambrey Brosnahan & Mira Kustos

Manchester Christmas Markets open today with the council vowing it to be a “world-beating” experience.

The traditions return for six weeks with more than 210 stalls located in 10 different locations including Albert Square, Cathedral Street and St Ann’s Square.

However, festivities will continue into the New Year in Albert’s Square and Cathedral Gardens until January 3.

In 2025, more than 382,000 people passed through the markets during the opening weekend – an 11% rise on the previous year – with visitor numbers this time expected to be even greater.

Preparation for the markets remains “full-on” with only a day to set up, one store owner said. A variety of stalls of all sizes are ready to greet a diverse audience with something for everyone.

This year will see a bigger return of Albert Square, after the successful re-introduction of the location in 2025. Lincoln Square will also be added as a new location, featuring more than a dozen stalls and food trucks. Popular attractions like the Zippy Santa and Manchester Christmas Parade will also feature this year.

One stall owner, Melissa, from Cheltenham, has experienced the growth first-hand through her 19 years of business. This year she will be running four stalls spread across various locations.

Melissa sells a range of delicacies, including Chocolate Kisses – a German sweet made with wafer base, fluffy mousse and a chocolate coating. Alongside this, her other popular stall is Eat Liquorice, which sells giant liquorice cables near Cathedral Street.

Rising costs remain a challenge, said Melissa, explaining that VAT introduction this year has added another expense for the small business owners. She said: “If there are small businesses that aren’t VAT registered, then I suppose it’s another 20% to find for the rent.”

Despite this, she remains positive that the investment will pay off.

The preparation involves early starts and long hours, with Melissa employing around four people per stall to set up. The wooden huts are assembled overnight, with workers beginning at 9pm and continuing through the night.

Melissa explained the level of dedication involved behind the scenes. “We all work really hard,” she said. “We do work a lot of hours.”

However, she added that the opportunity is worth the commitment, explaining that the markets remain a major attraction for Manchester’s tourism industry.

Featured image: Stalls at Albert Square in Manchester