Manchester’s giant Santa has returned to St Peter’s Square as the festive season commences in the city.
The figure – weighing more than 2.3 tonnes and measuring over 12 metres high – is the main piece of Christmas decorations in Manchester.
The feature is powered by low energy LED lightbulbs and will remain in front of the Central Library over the festive period.
Saint Nicholas embodies Manchester’s Christmas spirit with his white hair and beard, trimmed red jacket, buckled belt and black boots.
Indeed, the giant Santa is one of a number of Christmas lights which make up the city’s attractions in the run-up to the big day.
The big red man Claus-ing a scene in St Peter's Square this morning. 🎅#MCRChristmas pic.twitter.com/brwVcJwmzq
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) November 13, 2023
The Manchester Christmas lights trail has also returned, including giant walk-through baubles, a Manchester bee, lamp post lights and the iconic Manchester Christmas windmill.
These staples of a Mancunian Christmas are a part key of the celebrations as the city looks to make the 25th anniversary of its first Christmas markets a special one.
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 out 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.”
There are many activities to keep residents and tourists busy, including over 225 stalls across nine sites, a Christmas Parade on Sunday 3 December and a covered ice rink in Cathedral Gardens.
Yet it is the giant Father Christmas in St Peter’s Square which remains the key part of the Claus for celebration over the holidays in Manchester.
More information about the Christmas events in Manchester can be found here.
Feature image credit Manchester City Council.
