Christmas markets & fairs · 2026
Christmas markets and fairs near Manchester
We’ve checked 8 Christmas markets and fairs within 33 miles of Manchester. 8 have confirmed 2026 dates. The first opens on Friday 6 November (Manchester Christmas Markets).
3 are free to walk in. The closest to the city centre is Christmas Gift Fair at Tatton Park, about 12 miles from Manchester.
On this weekend
Based on each listing’s first and last dates. Some run on selected days only, so check times before you set off.
- ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Manchester Christmas Markets
Albert Square and nine other city-centre sites, Manchester
- When
- Fri 6 Nov – Tue 22 Dec
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Just turn up
- Type
- City Christmas market
Dates: Fri 6 Nov – Tue 22 Dec; Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens stay open until Sun 3 Jan 2027
Times: Craft stalls 10am–8pm; food and drink stalls 11am–9pm
Ten sites across the centre, including Albert Square, St Ann's Square, King Street, Cathedral Gardens and a new site at Lincoln Square. There is a 50-metre Ferris wheel and an undercover ice rink at Cathedral Gardens.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: ilovemanchester.com Market details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Chester Christmas Market
Town Hall Square, Northgate Street, Chester · 33 miles from Manchester
- When
- Wed 18 Nov – Tue 22 Dec
- Times
- Sun–Wed 10:30am–6:30pm; Thu–Sat 10:30am–8pm
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Just turn up
- Stalls
- 80
- Type
- City Christmas market
About 80 traders in wooden chalets around the town hall, selling local food, drink, crafts, jewellery and decorations.
Parking: Coach parking at Little Roodee Car Park.Access: Accessibility guides are available from the Visitor Information Centre in Town Hall Square and on the AccessAble website.Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: visitchester.com Market details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Knutsford Christmas Market
Princess Street, Princess Street car park and Silk Mill car park, Knutsford · run by Knutsford Town Council
- When
- Sat 5 Dec – Sun 6 Dec
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Just turn up
- Stalls
- 120
- Type
- Event
Dates: Sat 5 and Sun 6 December
Two-day street market with over 120 traders a day selling food, drink, crafts and gifts, with live entertainment. Food vendors are in the Silk Mill car park. The Christmas lights switch-on is separate, on Sat 21 November.
Parking: Free park and ride shuttle from Booths Hall (WA16 8GS) to Knutsford Bus Station all weekend.Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk Market details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Christmas Gift Fair at Tatton Park
Tenants' Hall, Tatton Park mansion, Knutsford · 12 miles from Manchester
- When
- Thu 26 Nov – Sun 29 Nov
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book or turn up
- Type
- Craft fair
Dates: Thu 26 – Sun 29 November
Prices: Free entry to the fair; parkland vehicle entry applies, 10% off if pre-booked online
Local makers sell jewellery, candles, crafts and gin inside the Tenants' Hall, a room in the mansion that is normally closed to visitors. Vehicle entry to the park is a separate cost.
Parking: Parkland vehicle entry applies to all visitors.Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: tattonpark.org.uk Market details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Smithills Farm Christmas Markets
Smithills Open Farm, Bolton · 12 miles from Manchester
- When
- Sat 21 Nov – Sun 29 Nov
- Times
- 11am–4pm each day
- Price
- Free entry
- Booking
- Just turn up
- Entry
- Free
- Type
- Estate or castle market
Dates: Sat 21 and Sun 22 November; Sat 28 and Sun 29 November
Prices: Markets free; Santa's Grotto tickets paid on the door; farm access needs a separate farm day ticket
Everything is undercover, so it runs in any weather. Farm produce, bakery and dairy stalls, with Santa's Grotto on both weekends. The animals and farm grounds need a separate farm day ticket.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: smithillsopenfarm.co.uk Market details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Light Up Leigh
Leigh town centre, Leigh · run by The Market Co
- When
- Saturday 14 November
- Price
- Free to attend
- Booking
- Just turn up
- Entry
- Free
- Type
- Festival
Dates: Sat 14 November
Christmas artisan markets, a funfair and an entertainment stage during the day, then a lantern parade and a light show finale in the evening.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: themarketco.co.uk Market details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Light Night Wigan
Mesnes Park and Wigan town centre, Wigan · 17 miles from Manchester · run by The Market Co
- When
- Fri 20 Nov – Sat 21 Nov
- Price
- Free admission
- Booking
- Just turn up
- Entry
- Free
- Type
- Festival
Dates: Fri 20 and Sat 21 November
A free light art festival with artisan makers and bakers' stalls alongside the illuminations.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: themarketco.co.uk Market details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Standish Christmas Markets at Cross Street Arts
Cross Street Arts, The Standish Centre, Standish · 19 miles from Manchester · run by Cross Street Arts
- When
- Saturday 5 December
- Times
- 11am–6pm
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Just turn up
- Type
- Craft fair
Dates: Sat 5 December
Open studios, an art exhibition with work for sale and a raffle, plus an outdoor stall on Cross Street selling Christmas gifts and artwork.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: crossstreetarts.com Market details
Compare at a glance
| Name | Where | When | From | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester Christmas Markets | Manchester | Fri 6 Nov – Tue 22 Dec | — | Turn up |
| Chester Christmas Market | Chester (33 mi) | Wed 18 Nov – Tue 22 Dec | — | Turn up |
| Knutsford Christmas Market | Knutsford | Sat 5 Dec – Sun 6 Dec | — | Turn up |
| Christmas Gift Fair at Tatton Park | Knutsford (12 mi) | Thu 26 Nov – Sun 29 Nov | — | Either |
| Smithills Farm Christmas Markets | Bolton (12 mi) | Sat 21 Nov – Sun 29 Nov | Free | Turn up |
| Light Up Leigh | Leigh | Saturday 14 November | Free | Turn up |
| Light Night Wigan | Wigan (17 mi) | Fri 20 Nov – Sat 21 Nov | Free | Turn up |
| Standish Christmas Markets at Cross Street Arts | Standish (19 mi) | Saturday 5 December | — | Turn up |
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Common questions
When do Christmas markets near Manchester open in 2026?
Confirmed so far: Manchester Christmas Markets (Fri 6 Nov); Light Up Leigh (Sat 14 Nov); Chester Christmas Market (Wed 18 Nov); Light Night Wigan (Fri 20 Nov); Smithills Farm Christmas Markets (Sat 21 Nov); plus 3 more on the list. Every listing shows the date we last checked it.
Are any Christmas markets and fairs near Manchester free?
Yes: Smithills Farm Christmas Markets, Light Up Leigh and Light Night Wigan are free to get in.
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