With over 300 exciting stalls and chalets spread across 10 sites, Manchester’s award-winning Christmas Markets are unmissable. With local and European producers offering a plethora of treats, from glühwein and bratwurst to handmade jewellery and trinkets, there’s plenty to enjoy. At Quingo Scooters, we’re heading there to bring you the best that these markets have to offer!

Starting in Cathedral Gardens, the markets take you through the city. With drinks, food, entertainment and gifts along the way, you can take in all the festive delights in the bustling centre. Be sure not to miss the iconic Father Christmas sitting on Manchester Town Hall in Albert Square!

What’s on

• Ice Rink in Cathedral Gardens (November 4 2017 -January 7 2018): If ice skating takes your fancy, head to the rink in Cathedral Gardens. Set against the backdrop of the Cathedral and the markets, this outdoor ice rink is perfect for beginners and experts. Open 11am-9pm from November 4 to January 7, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day, it’s great fun.
• Market stalls: There are hundreds of stalls with a wide range of treats to eat, drink, buy and enjoy. Getting bigger every year, 2017’s selection is sure to be the best yet. Treat yourself to delicious foods from across Europe, from Dutch pancakes to Hungarian Goulash. Relax with a German beer or French wine as you soak up the festive ambiance of a truly international experience.
• Traditional Beer Halls: One of the highlights of the markets are the traditional beer halls. You’ll find several Bavarian-style beer halls where you can sample German beers, glühwein, hot chocolate and more from commemorative mugs. The biggest beer hall this year is in Albert Square. Did we mention they are also heated and sheltered, providing a welcome cosy retreat?

Opening times and prices

The Christmas Markets are free to enter and open from 19th November to 20th December. The main Albert Square market will be open from 10am-9pm daily. All of the other markets throughout the city will be open from 10am-7.30pm throughout November, with closing times extending to 8pm in December.  The Ice Rink is open from November 4th to January 7th from 11am-9pm, excluding Christmas day and Boxing Day. More information can be found here.

Getting there

Situated in the city centre, the Manchester Christmas Markets are accessible by all major public transport links. Manchester Victoria train station is located a few minutes away from the start of the market sites. Buses also run continuously throughout the city, with stops near all the market locations. In addition to this, the city’s Metrolink tram service has been extended throughout the city centre, with platforms placed near key locations. Blue badge parking is also available around the city, with sites being displayed here. Further information on getting to the markets can be found here.

Accessibility

All of the market sites are roughly within a quarter mile of each other. They are fully accessible, and the routes and location are on flat ground. Accessible toilets can be found on the ground floor of the Town Hall Extension. This is located next to the Albert Square markets on Lloyd Street.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme, which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this, or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up-to-date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up-to-date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.