Manchester’s iconic and much-loved big Santa has arrived in town to oversee all things Christmas in his favourite festive city.
Manchester’s giant Santa, standing 12-metres tall and weighing over 2.3 tonnes, is powered by low-energy LED lightbulbs and is a firm favourite of festive fun seekers.
Santa will be keeping a close eye on everyone for his naughty and nice lists throughout Christmas and into the New Year, perched high atop an enormous, oversized Christmas present in front of the Central Library on St Peter’s Square.
Manchester’s famous red resident, with his trademark white beard and whiskers, is just one of the magical attractions assisting in ensuring the city’s twinkly and sparkly best in the run-up to Christmas.
The Manchester Christmas lights trail, which illuminates the city centre throughout the festive season with giant walk-through baubles, a Manchester bee, lamp post lights, the iconic Manchester Christmas windmill, and much more, is also returning.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said:
“Making sure Manchester looks its twinkly and sparkly best in the run-up to Christmas is an important part of the seasonal magic for young and old alike and visitors to the city centre this year won’t be disappointed.
“We’ve pulled put all the stops to create the perfect backdrops you won’t want to miss for all those crucial Christmas selfies we can’t get enough of.
“We all know Manchester is Santa’s favourite city – come along and celebrate the festive season with us!”
Anyone who can’t wait until Christmas to find out if they’re on Big Santa’s nice or naughty list can follow him on social media @MCRSanta, where they should tag him in any Christmas photos and use the hashtag #McrChristmas to keep him updated!
This year is a special year for Manchester, the UK’s Christmas capital, because it was exactly 25 Christmases ago that the city’s first-ever Christmas market opened in 1998.
A quarter-century later, the markets continue to draw thousands of Manchester residents and visitors to the city to stock up on the fantastic festive treats on offer.
With over 225 stalls selling food, drink, crafts, and seasonal gifts across nine sites in the city centre, and having been voted Europe’s favourite Christmas markets just last week, the markets are a must-see attraction for visitors and locals alike, guaranteed to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. until December 21.
The magical Manchester Christmas Parade, a heartwarming event for young and old alike, is also returning this year.
It promises to be bigger and better than last year’s unforgettable first-ever Christmas Parade, which saw thousands of families line the city centre streets.
This year, festive Sundays are also returning. They were a big hit with families last Christmas and will once again fill the city centre with family-friendly entertainment pop-ups designed to make everyone smile. They will be held on November 26th, 10th, and 17th, in collaboration with Manchester Business Improvement District.
Skate Manchester’s covered ice rink takes up position in Cathedral Gardens for those who enjoy a seasonal skate, where skaters can spin and twirl around a beautiful Christmas tree amid twinkling lights, Christmas songs, and the smell of gingerbread. It will be open for Christmas skaters until January 2nd, with food and drink stalls open until December 31st.
