Hotels near St Ann's Square

St Ann's Square has been one of the busiest of the Manchester Christmas Markets sites since the markets began in 1999, and it gets a new layout for 2026 with extra craft, food and drink traders. The square is framed by St Ann's Church, consecrated in 1712, and the Royal Exchange Theatre.

Expect a mix of handmade gifts, decorations and European food stalls, with bratwurst, cheese, crêpes and mulled wine among the regulars. The square links naturally with King Street to the south and Exchange Street to the north.

The 2026 dates are 6 November to 22 December, like most of the city's market sites. The square fills quickly after work and at weekends, so earlier visits are more comfortable.

Pro Tip: Visit St Ann's Square before noon on a weekday, when the redesigned layout is easiest to browse. Look up at St Ann's Church; it is one of the oldest buildings in the city centre.