Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 - dates and times confirmed for festive return

The dates for the big return of Manchester's Christmas Markets have finally been confirmed. And the good news for fans of the annual festive extravaganza is that it's not too long to wait.

Manchester's Christmas Markets are among the biggest in Europe, and last year boasted some 220 stalls. They attract visitors from across the country and are regularly voted among the best in the UK.

It has now been confirmed that they will return to the city from Friday, November 10 at 10am. They will then be open every day up until Thursday December 21.

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The markets will once again spread out across the city centre with a host of festive wooden stalls offering a range of food, drink and gifts. Although council bosses have yet to confirm the exact locations which they will return to.

There had been talk that Piccadilly Gardens will NOT be used as the main hub of the Christmas Markets this year, after last year's event left the "Winter Gardens" resembling a "mud bath". Council bosses were instead urgently looking at other options, including whether St Peter's Square could be used, for the 2023 return.

Albert Square, the traditional home of the Christmas Markets, has not been able to be used for some years due to the ongoing restoration works at Manchester Town Hall. It is out of action again this year, although could be ready for the Christmas Markets to return in 2024.

When asked, the council said it would be confirming all festive locations for the markets and further details later this month.

What we do know is that Cathedral Gardens will once again host the festive ice rink as well as a range of wooden stalls. The ice rink itself will