Event Dates
From: Awaiting dates
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Manchester Christmas Market 2025
Piccadilly Gardens will take a star turn this festive season, becoming the hub for Christmas in Manchester.
Manchester Christmas Market 2025
Piccadilly Gardens will take a star turn this festive season, becoming the hub for Christmas in Manchester – the UK’s one and only capital of Christmas.
- The Christmas Markets attract thousands of visitors to the city each day, especially on weekends, so book your hotel early. Check out the top 20 places to stay close to the Manchester Christmas Markets. Treat yourself at the Velvet Hotel, recently refurbished and rated “Fabulous” by guests featuring stylish rooms with modern interiors and just steps from the gay bars.
Winter Gardens
- Next Edition: Awaiting dates – Typically from early November to the weekend before Christmas Eve.
- Winter Gardens is the showcase attraction of the Manchester Christmas Market. Located in the heart of the city, in Piccadilly Gardens featuring yuletide bars offering locally brewed ales, food stalls, craft sellers and a stage with live music and DJs throughout the festive season.
- Enjoy popular dishes from across Europe including delicious Dutch Frites, and Greek Gyros, finished off with warm cookie dough puddings and washed down with signature cocktails and local ales.
- Traditional market dishes including German sausages and Gluhwein are also on offer, as well as appearances from local street food traders such as Eat New York and Porky Pig with their Yorkshire pudding wrap.
- Open daily 10am to 9pm (craft stalls open until 8pm), Street food stalls open until 6pm / Craft stalls open until 8pm.
- The nearest station is Manchester Piccadilly, a 10-minute walk away. The closest Metrolink stops are Piccadilly Gardens or Market Street, which are well-serviced by most Metrolink lines.
- Stay close to the markets and enjoy a luxury stay at King Street Townhouse in a large Italian renaissance building with a heated rooftop pool.
The Christmas Markets
Manchester’s world-famous Christmas Markets will also return across another six city centre squares, offering delicious food and a range of seasonal gifts.
- Stay in the heart of the gay district, Canal Street at Leven, Centrally located at 40 Chorlton Street, a five minute walk from the markets featuring a range or room styles and thoughtful touches.
- St Ann’s Square – Enjoy Handmade pizzas along and delicious burgers by Christmas Markets stalwart, the Lakeland Burger company. The Northern Quarter’s Yard and Coop returns with their fried chicken and salt and pepper fries. Browse for that unique gift from a host of new craft sellers.
- Exchange Square – A runaway hit of the Christmas Markets, Pork Pig’s Yorkshire Pudding wraps return, alongside the instantly recognisable Mill Exchange bar – complete with huge chimney. Tikka Kebab kitchen keeps you warm with their curries and spiced shawarma kebabs. The square is also home to several local produce sellers.
- New Cathedral Street – The street welcomes high end shoemakers, local vegan skincare products, jewellery and crafted produce, plus the ever-stylish Bar No3 serving smoking cocktails and gins. The Witch House features their traditional steins and currywurst.
- King Street – Enjoy a host of French themed stalls with gallic food, beers and wines, plus a warming bar serving over 100 varieties of gin. Visit the mouth watering Italian deli with a selection to beat any deli on any the high street.
- Market Street – Featuring the top makers and traders in the region, Market Street offers some fantastic options for your Christmas list.
Manchester Christmas Markets Ice Skating
- The magic returns to Cathedral Gardens this winter with a bigger than ever real ice rink. Enjoy skating by starlight under the cover of the rink’s roof, meaning you can skate in any weather and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Finally don’t miss Manchester’s Giant Santa who takes pride of place in the city centre, along with a trail of light sculptures taking visitors on an illuminated trip around the city.
Gay Manchester
Manchester has a thriving LGBT+ scene, centered around the world famous Canal Street – home of “The Village”. Stop by during the festive season and enjoy some cheesy Christmas music, festive themed party nights and a warm and welcoming atmosphere after a day’s shopping in the markets.
Located just south of Chinatown, the village features an eclectic mix of bars, clubs, restaurants and green spaces set alongside a long stretch of the Rochdale Canal. Manchester’s Gay Village has something to suit all tastes. Here’s our shortlist:
- Head to Number 1 Canal Street, one of the most highly regarded bars in the village, seen by many as the community heart of Canal Street. Its informal drinking and dining atmosphere and appreciation of the arts means that you might get to see a new play or exclusive book reading or art exhibition if you pop by.
- Bar Pop keeps the soundtrack of camp classics and nostalgic favourites coming. .
- G-A-Y is a pop music haven with music video walls and a roof terrace, offering regular drinks promotions to a lively crowd, whilst the gothic interior of Via is the perfect setting for a few pints of lager while enjoying the bar’s nightly entertainment of drag queens and DJs.
- For a relaxing glass of wine, Tribeca’s styled interior is a firm favourite, as is the legendary New York New York on Bloom Street – popular for its camp comedy cabaret nights. Cocktails reign supreme at the decadently decorated Oscars piano and showtunes bar, a must for all musical theatre fans.
- The Eagle on Bloom Street entertains Manchester’s gay male clientele with daily happy hours, themed fetish nights and late-night DJs. Nearby Company Bar also operates a male only door policy and is open late on weekends.
- Finally experience the Village’s more traditional pubs. The Rembrandt, Paddy’s Goose, New Union and Churchills
Where to stay during The Manchester Christmas Markets
Hotels in the gay district tend to fill up fast. Check out these deals on the top hotels close to Canal Street.
Here is our top selection of hotels, close to the center of town & the gay bars,
Hotel Gotham, ABode Manchester, Velvet Hotel, Motel One Manchester
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Radisson Blau This 5 star hotel is
only a 10 minute walk to the Gay Village
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Manchester Christmas Market Facebook
Gay Map of Manchester
Most of the gay bars are on canal street and are within easy walking dissidence from each other
100 King St, Manchester M2 4WU, UK
Located in the centre of , Hotel Gotham is a 3-minute walk from Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre. It offers a and free WiFi.
Serviced by a lift, all rooms and suites are air-conditioned and feature a telephone, a flat-screen TV and facilities for making coffee and tea. The bathroom is complete with free toiletries, slippers and a bath or . A hairdryer and bathrobes are also provided.
107 Piccadilly Manchester M1 2DB, UK
In the heart of the city, ABode Manchester is a splendid 19th-century with free Wi-Fi access and an award-winning restaurant. is 3 minutes’ walk away.
ABode Manchester’s double-glazed rooms offer monsoon showers and luxury toiletries. Guests can also enjoy an LCD TV with a , and free internet.
2 Canal St Manchester M1 3HE, UK
Boasting stunning rooms with contemporary décor, Velvet Hotel is on central Manchester’s vibrant Canal Street and a 5-minute walk from Piccadilly Rail Station.
All rooms enjoy elegant furnishings and offer a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. The modern bathrooms are equipped with steam-free mirrors and luxury toiletries. Each room also includes a fully-stocked minibar and hospitality tray.
34 London Rd Manchester M1 2PF, UK
Motel One Manchester-Piccadilly is a 5-minute walk from , offering a central-city , and use of on-site bar One .
The hotel offers rooms with an en-suite shower, flat-screen TV and a portable desk. The lounge and bar area serves a , and has a selection of snacks and drinks are available.
36 George St, Manchester M1 4HN, UK
All units comprise a seating area with a sofa, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen with various cooking facilities, including a dishwasher, a microwave, a fridge and an oven. A toaster is also provided, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine.
1 Canal St, Manchester M1, UK
This apartment includes 2 bedrooms, a living room and a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dining area, and 2 bathrooms with a shower and a washing machine. with free WiFi, 300 m from Canal Street close to the gay nightlife and bars
6 Minshull St, Manchester M1 3ED, UK
Inside, the apartments feature a satellite TV, a seating area, and a bathroom with Luxury accessories, bathrobes and slippers. They also include a stylish, fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher. Guests have free access to the on-site fitness suite.
74, Manchester, M1 6JD, United Kingdom
The units come with parquet floors and feature a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, a Smart TV with easy media streaming, and a private bathroom with bath or shower and free toiletries. A microwave with grill function and kettle are also offered.
46 Sackville Street ,Manchester, United Kingdom
• Traditional café & tea shop
• Excellent tea, scones, cakes and more
• Quaint, classic venue with chandeliers and colorful gothic designs
• Weekday: 10am - 7pm
• Weekend :9.30am - 8pm /6pm
Website
New Union Hotel, Princess Street, Manchester
• Located in the heart of the Gay Village
• Fun and lively atmosphere
• Mix of cabaret, drag, and live shows
• Karaoke, themed nights, and private parties
- Weekday: 12pm - 2am
- Weekend: 12pm - 4am
33 Sackville Street, Manchester, United Kingdom
• Classic gay bar with live entertainment
• Friendly staff and great atmosphere
• Popular with bears and men in leather
• Outdoor seating available
- Mon-Thu: 1pm - 12:30am
- Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2:30am
- Sun: 12pm - 12:30am
29 Bloom St Manchester, UK
• Warm, traditional gay bar
• Recently refurbished
• Serves pub grub and cheap drinks
• Relaxed atmosphere away from busy nightclubs
• Weekday: 12pm - 2am
• Weekend: 12pm - 2am
51 Bloom Street Manchester, UK
• Notorious cabaret & entertainment bar
• Famous for drag queens with attitude
• Nostalgia and musical theatre vibes
• Mon-Wed, Sun: 5pm - 2am
• Thu: 5pm - 3am
• Fri-Sat: 3pm - 4am
37 Chorlton Street Manchester, U.K
• Friendly atmosphere with DJs, entertainment, cocktails, wines, coffee
• Formerly known as Churchills
- Mon-Sat: Various times (Closed on Sundays)
34 Canal Street Manchester, UK
• Intimate theatre-style bar
• Features classic and modern musical film clips
• Great selection of drinks and cocktails
• Outside terrace along the canal
• Wed-Thu: 6pm - 12am
• Fri-Sat: 5pm - 2am
• Sun: 5pm - 12am
28 Canal Street Manchester, U.K
• Lively, spacious Gay Village bar & restaurant
• Features drag shows, DJs, and cabaret nights
• Dark-wood decor adds to the charm
• Features drag shows, DJs, and cabaret nights
• Dark-wood decor adds to the charm
• Weekday: 12pm - 2am
• Weekend: 12pm - 3am
• Weekend: 12pm - 3am
29 Richmond Street Manchester, U.K
• Friendly LGBT-popular bar
• Regular themed nights with DJ
• Popular with gin drinkers
• Check Facebook for upcoming events
Monday 2:00 PM - 1:00 AM Wednesday 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM Thursday 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM Friday 5:00 PM - 3:00 AM Saturday 3:00 PM - 3:00 AM Sunday 3:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Tuesday CLOSED)
23 Sackville St, Manchester M1 3NJ, United Kingdom
• Popular gay bar with live cabaret/drag acts and DJ
• Attracts all age groups, especially on weekends
• Great drink promotions available all day every day
Daily 2pm till 4am
94-98 Bloom St, Manchester M1 3LY, United Kingdom
• Known for fun and welcoming atmosphere
• Regular drag shows, cabaret, and live performances
• Special promotions on drinks and freshly-made cocktails
Wednesday 4 PM–4 AM Thursday 4 PM–4 AM
Friday 2 PM–4 AM Saturday 2 PM–4 AM Sunday 2 PM–4 AM (Closed Monday And Tuseday)
15 Bloom Street Manchester, UK
• Premier gay cruise club in Manchester’s Gay Village
• Focuses on leather, fetish, and bear communities
• Private members club (sign up on their website)
• Men-only community space
• Themed events: “Sunday Service,” “BEARBAREIC”
• Features: dark rooms, designated cruising areas, outdoor terrace
• Casual dress code with specific attire for themed nights
Monday–Thursday: 5 PM–3 AM, Friday–Saturday: 5 PM–6 AM, Sunday: 2 PM–2 AM
107 Princess Street Manchester, UK
• Longest-running gay fetish night in Manchester
• Attracts fetish & leather crowds, skinheads, and men from across the UK and beyond
• Hosts various themed nights with DJs and dress codes
• Private club (membership application available online)
Fourth Friday of the Month 10pm to 4am
28 Richmond Street Manchester, U.K.
• Popular men-only basement bar just outside Manchester's central gay district
• Dark space frequented by leather and fetish crowd
• Enjoy happy hour drinks late into the evening
Wednesday 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM Thursday 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Friday 7:00 PM - 6:00 AM Saturday 7:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Sunday 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
46 Canal Street Manchester, UK
- Award winning LGBTQ+ bar in the heart of the Gay Village
- A versatile venue offering everything from up to the minute sounds
- Live classic cabaret and drag shows
- bespoke cocktail menu & fantastic food.Sunday Monday Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday 4:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Friday Saturday 4:00 PM - 5:00 AM
10 Canal Street Manchester, UK
- Drag show, Djs Live music & Entertainment
- Bar Pop offers great deals on drinks and shots
- Attracting a younger, student crowd
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 12:00 PM - 3:30 AM
Friday 12:00 PM - 4:30 AM Saturday 11:00 AM - 4:30 AM
Sunday 1:00 AM - 3:30 AM
Recommended Hotels in Manchester By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Manchester that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Hotel Gotham
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, rooftop terrace, central Manchester.
- Close to the gay district.
- Air-conditioned, bathrobes.
- Luxurious and central, ideal for urban explorers seeking style and convenience.
Velvet Hotel
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4-star, Canal Street, contemporary décor.
- In the heart of the gay district.
- Elegant furnishings.
- Vibrant and stylish, perfect for experiencing Manchester’s lively Canal Street atmosphere.
ABode Manchester
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, 19th-century building, free Wi-Fi.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Monsoon showers, luxury toiletries.
- Historic charm meets modern luxury, centrally located near Piccadilly Station.
Motel One
3 Star, Location
- 3-star, close to Manchester Piccadilly station.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- En-suite shower, flat-screen TV.
- Budget-friendly, convenient for rail travelers, with a comfortable and modern setting.
Video Of A Guide to Manchester Christmas Markets
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Manchester
Manchester has a rich and vibrant LGBTQ+ community and history. The city is known for being inclusive and welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Canal Street | Close to the city centre
Photo: Canal Street is home to some of Manchester’s most popular gay bars
- Canal Street, often referred to as the Gay Village, is the epicenter of LGBTQ+ life in Manchester.
- It’s a pedestrianized street lined with bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops that cater specifically to the LGBTQ+ community.
- The area is known for its colorful decorations, rainbow flags, and a lively atmosphere.
- It’s not only a nightlife hub but also hosts various events, parades, and celebrations throughout the year, including Manchester Pride.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Manchester
City Center
Staying in the city center puts you close to many of Manchester’s attractions, shopping districts, restaurants, & nightlife.
Northern Quarter
If you’re interested in a more artsy & alternative atmosphere, with creative spaces, street art, & a good nightlife scene.
Spinningfields
This modern business & entertainment district offers upscale accommodations, trendy restaurants, & close to attractions.
Salford Quays
Offers cultural & entertainment attractions. The area is home to theaters, galleries, cinemas, & performance spaces.
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