Manchester’s Christmas markets are back for another year and if you’re looking to travel there from Bolton, you might be wondering which public transport is available or where to park if you drive yourself there.

The event brings more than 200 stalls to the city this year, including crafts, gifts and food and drink options. Visitors can also enjoy trying out the ice skating rink.

You can visit the Christmas markets from Friday, November 8 until Sunday, December 22 and this is how you can get there.

@lifeinmanchester EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MANCHESTER’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS THIS YEAR 🎄🎅🎁 The Christmas Markets start this Friday so here is some key info ✨ #manchester #lifeinmanchester #manchesterlife #manchesterlifestyle #manchesterchristmas #ukchristmas #christmasinmanchester #manchesterchristmasmarkets #christmasmarkets #whattodoinmanchester #porkypig #yorkshirepuddingwrap #minipancakes #manchesterwinter #manchesterweekend #bestthingstodoinmanchester #ukchristmasmarket #manchesterchristmasmarkets2024 ♬ Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

How to get to Manchester Christmas markets

The Christmas markets are located across nine areas of Manchester's city centre, according to Visit Manchester. These include:

  • King Street West
  • St Ann’s Square
  • Exchange Street
  • New Cathedral Street
  • Exchange Square
  • Corn Exchange
  • Cathedral Gardens
  • Market Street
  • Piccadilly Gardens

If you’ll be taking the car and need somewhere to park, fear not as there are plenty of car parks you can use near the Christmas markets.

Visit Manchester said: “There are lots of car parks within walking distance with the nearest being Piccadilly Plaza and Chorlton Street.

“If you don't want to drive in the city centre, why not use one of the Park and Ride locations with over 30 of them across Greater Manchester.”

You can see the location of Manchester Christmas markets via the map, made by Visit Manchester, below. Note that the map was made for last year's Christmas markets but it gives you an idea of this year's locations.

Network Rail has advised those travelling to Manchester Christmas markets via trains to plan their journey ahead as it prepares to welcome even more passengers than the 6.6 million who travelled last year.

Those getting the train can arrive at Manchester Piccadilly which is a 9-minute walk to the stalls at Piccadilly Gardens.

See what's on in your area via our local events page See what's on in your area via our local events page (Image: Newsquest) Recommended reading:

Alternatively, you could get the train to Manchester Victoria which is an 8-minute walk to St Ann’s Square and 12 minutes on foot to King Street West. 

It's worth remembering the tram network can also help you get about.

The markets can be reached by both train stations and the tram network can help get you to and from Piccadilly, Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Exchange Square and Victoria.

Therefore, it's ideal for travelling into the centre for the Christmas markets.

You can also use buses as Piccadilly Gardens bus station is “very close” to the market stalls, says Visit Manchester.