Manchester Christmas Markets dates, times and locations confirmed for 2024 festive return

We are now well and truly on festive countdown - as the dates and times for Manchester Christmas Markets have been confirmed. And the good news for revellers is that this year we will get SEVEN full weekends of the festive markets instead of six, due to the way the dates fall in 2024.

The wooden huts will once again be taking over nine different zones across Manchester city centre. As the M.E.N. has previously reported, Albert Square will not be ready to be back in use this year despite hopes it would host the big festive return in 2024.

So the main hub will once again be Piccadilly Gardens, which will transform into Winter Gardens for the market extravaganza.

READ MORE: Christmas karoake bars confirm Manchester return with two locations

The dates confirmed by Manchester Council today will see the Manchester Christmas Markets reopen on Friday, November 8. The markets will then open daily right through to Sunday December 22.

This is the 26th year of the Manchester Christmas Markets, which is said to be the biggest in the UK with over 200 stalls across nine "zones" in the city centre. The ski chalet market stalls will take over Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange and King Street.

The Manchester Christmas lights trail will be back - illuminating the city centre throughout the festive season with giant walk-through baubles, a Manchester bee, and of course Santa Claus himself. The iconic Big Santa will be keeping a watchful eye on everyone for his naughty or nice lists, from his perch on high in front of Central Library on St Peter's Square.

Also back this year is the popular Manchester Christmas Parade, although the