It’s snow joke! Dates for city’s Christmas Markets announced

SCHOOL may only just be out for the summer but the countdown to Christmas starts now - and it’s not an April Fool this time.

The dates for this year’s Manchester Christmas Markets have just been confirmed, and they’ll be returning to the city from November 10 to December 20.

The main market hub will again be based in Albert Square, in front of Manchester Town Hall, where the wooden stalls will remain open for an extra day, until December 21.

The date of the Christmas lights switch on has yet to be confirmed but it usually takes place around a week before the markets open.

Launched in 1999 as just a single site in St Ann’s Square, the markets are now a sprawling and hugely popular festive attraction that attract millions of visitors each year.

Last year, it stretched to 10 sites in total, including a traditional German market on St Ann’s Square, a world market on Brazennose Street and a French market on King Street.

There were more stalls on Exchange Street, Exchange Square, in the Corn Exchange, on New Cathedral Street and up Market Street, while Cathedral Gardens was home to a family-friendly area with a skating rink.

The exact details of this year’s locations and attractions are still being finalised and will be announced over the coming months.