04.11.2026, 08:51 (UK time)
News
The Christmas market season begins in Britain this week. First to open is Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, on Thursday 5 November. It runs until Christmas Eve, 24 December. Stalls will be in Victoria Square and New Street, with the big wheel and ice rink in Centenary Square (until 3 January).
On Friday 6 November Manchester’s markets open at 10 city-centre locations, with more than 210 stalls. They run until 22 December, with Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens staying open until 3 January. The St Enoch Square market in Glasgow also opens the same day.
Analysis
Other large cities follow in November: Nottingham and York from 12 November, Edinburgh and Belfast from 14 November, Leeds from 19 November and Liverpool from 21 November. In Birmingham the usual hours are 11:00–21:00 on weekdays, until 21:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. On Remembrance Sunday, 8 November, the Birmingham market will open only at 13:00.
What it means
It is a good chance for a family day out without flying to Poland. But the first weekends are usually the busiest, and city-centre parking and train fares can be higher then.
Risk
In crowds it is easy to lose a child or a wallet. Before Christmas, fake websites selling “tickets” to markets also appear online – entry to most markets is free.
What to do
- Check dates and hours on the city’s official website just before you travel – they can change.
- If you can, go on a weekday before noon.
- Agree a meeting point with your children in case they get lost.
- Keep your phone and wallet in a closed front pocket.
- Do not pay for “entry tickets” if the organiser says entry is free.
How to read this
We give dates as announced by organisers and local media. Weather or roadworks may change the layout of stalls – in Birmingham part of New Street will have no stalls because of works.
Contact us
Have a question or need help in Polish? Email: [email protected], use the live chat on our website or call: 07508 267866 (Mon–Fri 9:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00, Sat 11:00–14:00).
Sources: ITV News Central, Manchester’s Finest, JustPark – 2026 market calendar
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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