Christmas Markets
All Manchester Christmas Market stalls are 100% accessible. Most are on street level and those that aren’t have accessibility ramps.
Over the years, we have improved the market experience for disabled visitors. We now have stalls designed with more space. We also have reserved areas with priority seats for older or disabled people.
This year, these spaces are at:
- New Cathedral Street (in the Witch House)
- Cathedral Gardens
- Albert Square.
Accessible toilets
There are accessible toilet facilities in several city centre locations, so you can enjoy Christmas in Manchester without having to hurry home to the loo.
These are at:
- Cathedral Gardens
- Albert Square.
There are also purpose-built accessible changing facilities in Cathedral Gardens.
The facilities include:
- an adult-weighted change bed
- a shower and toilet
- an adult-weighted track hoist.
Just bring your own sling.
Our City Centre Loo Scheme means Christmas Market visitors can use some retailers' facilities.
The following retailers have signed up to the scheme:
- McDonald’s - St Ann’s Square
- Marks and Spencer - end of Market Street
- Arndale Shopping Centre - Market Street
- Founders Hall - Albert Square
- Slug and Lettuce - Albert Square.
Skate Manchester ice rink
The ice rink at Cathedral Gardens is fully accessible to wheelchair users every day (on and off the rink). Staff have been trained to work with customers with additional needs for all sessions.
Recommended rest places
The markets can get busy at peak times, which can be overwhelming for people with additional needs.
We’ve teamed up with partners across the city centre to offer a place to rest for people who need it. These are:
- Manchester Cathedral
- St Ann’s Church
- The Football Museum (cafe)
- Central Library.