Manchester's biggest events in the year ahead are the Christmas Markets from 6 November to 22 December 2026, the Christmas Parade on Sunday 6 December and the Manchester Marathon on Sunday 18 April 2027. Use the month picker below to see what's on when you visit, with links to each event's official details.
What's on in Manchester this month?
Tap a month to see what's on. A dot marks months with a major event.
Key takeaways
- The Christmas Markets open on Friday 6 November 2026, with more than 210 stalls across 10 city centre locations.
- Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens stay open until Sunday 3 January 2027.
- The Manchester Marathon is on Sunday 18 April 2027, starting at Old Trafford.
- Further ahead, GOV.UK states Manchester hosts the G20 leaders' summit on 27 and 28 November 2027.
What are the main Manchester events in the year ahead?
| When | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 6 November to 22 December 2026 | Manchester Christmas Markets | Ten city centre locations |
| Sunday 6 December 2026 | Manchester Christmas Parade | Manchester city centre |
| Sunday 18 April 2027 | Manchester Marathon | Starts at Old Trafford |
| 27 and 28 November 2027 | G20 leaders' summit | Manchester Central |
Where an organiser hasn't announced its 2027 dates yet, we show the 2026 dates as a guide and say so.
When are the Manchester Christmas Markets?
Manchester's Finest, reporting the council's announcement, lists the 2026 markets from Friday 6 November to Tuesday 22 December, with more than 210 stalls across 10 city centre locations. Stalls at Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens stay open until Sunday 3 January 2027, and Skate Manchester's covered ice rink returns to Cathedral Gardens.
When is the Manchester Christmas Parade?
The same announcement lists the Christmas Parade on Sunday 6 December 2026, with further details due to be announced.
When is the Manchester Marathon 2027?
Charity entry pages list the Manchester Marathon for Sunday 18 April 2027, starting at Old Trafford. Roads along the route close on race day.
When is the G20 summit in Manchester?
GOV.UK states the UK will host the G20 leaders' summit at Manchester Central on 27 and 28 November 2027, bringing heads of government, diplomats and thousands of delegates to the city.
Where can you stay for Manchester's events?
For the Christmas Markets, the city centre puts Albert Square, St Ann's Square and Cathedral Gardens within walking distance. For the Marathon, homes near Old Trafford and the tram line are closest to the start. Market weekends book up first, especially for larger groups needing a whole house.
Driving in? Our Manchester parking guide lists the car parks, prices and Park & Ride.
Own a home in Manchester? Christmas Market weekends mean full houses, late arrivals and the 10pm "we can't find the key safe" call. A local manager from the Houst network takes those calls for you, and Guestwise manages short lets from 12% + VAT. See Airbnb management in Manchester.
Frequently asked questions
When are the Manchester Christmas Markets 2026?
From Friday 6 November to Tuesday 22 December 2026, with Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens open until Sunday 3 January 2027.
When is the Manchester Christmas Parade 2026?
Sunday 6 December 2026, with further details due to be announced.
When is the Manchester Marathon 2027?
Charity entry pages list the Manchester Marathon for Sunday 18 April 2027, starting at Old Trafford.
When is the G20 summit in Manchester?
GOV.UK states the UK will host the G20 leaders' summit in Manchester on 27 and 28 November 2027.
How many Christmas market stalls are there in Manchester?
More than 210 stalls across 10 locations in the city centre in 2026.
Related guides
Sources
Event dates come from the linked official pages and can change. Check the organiser's website before you travel.