The Festive Season Begins
Catch The Flight Before Christmas
Our magical festive decorations scheme, The Flight Before Christmas, has returned to the Arndale and is a feast for the eyes. Wander beneath glittering canopies and find the perfect selfie spot under our dazzling reindeer archway and shimmering tree outside Exchange Court. Capture the moment, tag us in your photos @manchesterarndale and make this Christmas feel extra special.
Step Into the Magic at the Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester’s world-famous Christmas Markets run from Friday 7th November to Monday 22nd December 2025 this year, bringing more than 200 stalls across ten festive destinations. With the Exchange Square tram stop dropping you right outside our doors – and right into the heart of the markets – Manchester Arndale is the perfect starting point for your festive adventure.
Step outside our main entrance and you’ll find Exchange Square, one of the biggest and brightest markets hubs of the season. Warm up with Manchester-made mulled wine at The Mill Exchange, grab the iconic Porky Pig Yorkshire pudding wrap and enjoy a feast of festive flavours as you explore. It’s the ideal stop to pair with your Christmas Markets Arndale visit.
Christmas Markets Near Manchester Arndale
The Exchange Square market isn’t the only festive hotspot just moments from our doors. While Manchester Arndale is perfectly placed for exploring all the main Christmas market hubs, there are more must-visit areas just a few steps away.
Head along Market Street for a lively stretch filled with more than 40 stalls offering unique gifts, handcrafted decorations, candles, festive bakes and artisan treats. Or take a short walk to New Cathedral Street, a Manchester favourite that blends cosy seasonal flavours with premium gifting. Here you can tuck into bratwurst from the iconic Witch House, browse beautiful handmade pieces, or sip something warm and festive as you tick off your Christmas list.
NEW for 2025! The Manchester Festive Wheel
Just a 5-minute walk from Manchester Arndale, something spectacular is taking festive days out to new heights – literally!
Introducing the 50m Manchester Festive Wheel, the largest mobile Ferris wheel in the UK, bringing a whole new level of Christmas magic to Albert Square. Soar above Manchester’s Christmas markets and see the city sparkle like never before, with dazzling rooftop views, glowing lights and a totally unique perspective of the season.
If you’re planning a festive day out, then make sure to plan ahead, book tickets and check out the Arndale Christmas shopping hours.
Festive Fun Inside the Centre
The Christmas magic continues inside with retailers delivering their own festive sparkle. And while we don’t have the Manchester Arndale Christmas Grotto, there’s still plenty of Christmas magic to discover across the centre. Space NK’s Beauty Spectacular brings neon-lit windows, curated gifting zones and seasonal exclusives – perfect for extra inspiration during our extended Arndale Christmas shopping hours.
For families, the LEGO store is a must-visit, with Cataclaws returning for festive fun, hands-on activities and build-your-own holiday Minifigures, adding to the exclusive line-up of Manchester Arndale events this season. With something for everyone, the centre is full of festive moments waiting to be explored!
As you wander, you’ll discover even more seasonal touches throughout the mall, from sparkling decorations and vibrant window displays to delicious moments like Lindt’s iconic chocolate wall. With so much happening alongside the Christmas Markets near the Arndale, it’s easy to make a full festive day out of your visit.
So, if you’re planning a visit before the big day, remember that while the Manchester Christmas Markets wrap up on the 22nd, the centre stays open right up to Christmas Eve – perfect for those last-minute gifts! Just make sure to check the Arndale closing time on Christmas Eve so you can make the very most of your festive trip. The Arndale Christmas shopping hours can be found here.
