Why Manchester’s Christmas Season Is Being Ruined by Record Traffic Chaos – And How to Navigate It

Published on December 3, 2025

Manchester city centre experienced its busiest weekend on record, with a staggering 1.4 million journeys made over the two days of November 29 and 30, 2025. The city’s transport network has been under extreme pressure, with gridlocked roads, long delays, and honking horns becoming an all-too-familiar sight in the lead-up to Christmas. As a result, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has been drafted in to manage the escalating situation and ensure that traffic keeps moving, particularly in high-congestion areas like Shudehill and Deansgate.

For both tourists and business travelers, the increasing congestion could make navigating the city more difficult. With a range of events taking place, including the Manchester Christmas Markets, concerts at the AO Arena, and major football games, visitors should be prepared for heavy traffic and possible disruptions.

A Record-Breaking Weekend: 1.4 Million Journeys Made

The figures provided by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) reveal that the weekend of November 29-30 saw a record number of 1.4 million trips into Manchester’s city centre, a 200,000 increase from the previous weekend. This surge in visitor numbers can be attributed to a combination of events: the popular Manchester Christmas Markets, football matches, and concerts at venues like Co-Op Live and the AO Arena. With this influx of visitors, traffic jams became unavoidable, with several major routes, including Trinity Way and Chapel Street, suffering from severe delays.

The Manchester Evening News reported that some residents and tourists expressed frustration with the situation. Drivers were stuck in long tailbacks, and even taxis queued up outside Manchester Piccadilly Station, contributing to the worsening congestion. As the city prepares for even more visitors in December, there are concerns that these traffic bottlenecks will persist.

Police and Local Authorities Respond to Traffic Chaos

In response to the growing congestion, Greater Manchester Police have been brought in to help manage the situation. They have been tasked with ensuring that traffic flows smoothly at key intersections and busy routes. In addition to managing road closures and enforcing restrictions, the police will be monitoring illegal parking and idling taxis that exacerbate the problem.

TfGM, working closely with the police, has identified several hotspots for congestion, including areas around Shudehill, near the Arndale Centre and Northern Quarter, which sees a combination of heavy traffic from shoppers, taxis, and buses. With a record number of journeys made into the city over the weekend, both the council and police have increased their patrols to keep things moving, especially during peak times when congestion is most severe.

Impact on Business Travel and Local Tourism

For business travelers, the congestion is particularly concerning. Delays and longer travel times could affect meetings, conferences, and appointments, especially if clients or partners need to travel in or out of the city. Those attending events in the city centre should factor in extra travel time to account for potential delays.

For tourists visiting Manchester during the Christmas period, including those attending the Christmas Markets or other festive events, the traffic situation could make exploring the city more time-consuming. However, Manchester’s world-class events and festive offerings continue to draw large crowds, meaning visitors should plan accordingly to avoid frustration.

How to Navigate Manchester During Peak Traffic

Given the current traffic situation, visitors to Manchester are encouraged to plan their journeys carefully. Below are some helpful tips to avoid getting caught in the chaos:

1. Use Public Transport:
   Manchester’s public transport network is the best way to avoid traffic congestion. With extensive tram and bus services, visitors can easily navigate the city centre without the hassle of driving. TfGM has urged visitors to take advantage of the city’s excellent public transport options to avoid the frustration of being stuck in traffic.
2. Plan Ahead with Satnav or Traffic Apps:
   If you must drive, make sure to check real-time traffic updates using satnavs or apps like Waze to avoid congested routes. The fastest route may not always be the shortest, so consider alternative paths that avoid traffic hotspots.
3. Avoid Peak Travel Times:
   Peak traffic times in Manchester are typically during weekends, especially around the Christmas period. If possible, plan your trips earlier in the day or later in the evening to avoid the busiest hours.
4. Consider Alternative Routes and Parking Options:
   Given the congestion around central areas like Deansgate and the Arndale Centre, consider parking at locations on the outskirts of the city and using public transport to reach your final destination. Parking facilities outside the city centre are less likely to be full.
5. Stay Informed About Road Closures:
   Road closures due to events, roadworks, or accidents are common in Manchester. Before heading into the city, check the city council’s website and TfGM’s travel updates for information on closed roads or delays.

Plans for Future Improvements

The city’s road infrastructure has been undergoing changes in recent months, with some areas, like Deansgate, made one-way to encourage safer pedestrian and cycling routes. While these changes are part of a long-term strategy to improve the city’s traffic flow, they have had an unintended effect of creating bottlenecks, particularly in the run-up to major events.

Despite these ongoing challenges, Manchester City Council has worked closely with GMP and TfGM to develop plans to manage the increased footfall and traffic during the festive season. The use of additional enforcement patrols and strategic road closures are part of the solution. However, experts warn that more investment in the city’s transport infrastructure may be needed to accommodate the growing number of visitors and residents in the years to come.

Key Points for Visitors and Travelers:

• Manchester city centre saw a record 1.4 million journeys over November 29-30, 2025.
• Police are now involved in traffic management, particularly in congested areas like Shudehill and Deansgate.
• Public transport is highly recommended for visitors to avoid traffic delays.
• Plan your journey ahead of time using satnavs and traffic apps to avoid congestion.
• The city is preparing for more traffic chaos during the Christmas period, so take extra care when planning travel.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated