Manchester’s biggest, most festive red resident will return to his station in front of the town hall this weekend as the giant Santa returns.
Love him or hate him, the giant Santa has become an icon of the city’s Christmas lights presiding over Albert Square’s Christmas Market throughout the festive season.
Having braved some wild winters since becoming a mainstay of the city’s yuletide celebrations since 2007, Santa has this year enjoyed a Christmas makeover, fully refurbishing his 10 meter figure.
He is being lifted into place this week, but his 100,000 low energy LED lights will only be turned on for the first time at Manchester’s famous Christmas Light Switch-on in Albert Square on Saturday 7 November.
Manchester’s festive mascot is a thoroughly modern Santa, which means he will be tweeting Christmas messages through to the New Year.
Follow him and keep up with Christmas in Manchester @MCRsanta
Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson, said: “We all know that Manchester is Santa’s favourite city and our giant Santa is an ode to the main man. However, you know him – Zippy or otherwise! – he’s become a real icon of our festive celebrations and a favourite of the millions of people who visit the city during the Christmas Markets.
“Santa will be taking his usual spot at town hall ready for our Christmas lights switch-on event on Saturday 7 November – but in the meantime follow him on twitter for his unique perspective on Christmas in Manchester.”
Manchester Christmas Lights Switch-on – Saturday, 7 November in Albert Square
Manchester Christmas Markets, Saturday 14 November – Monday 21 December
European Christmas Market, Albert Square (Open until Tuesday, 22 December until 6pm)
10.00am – 9.00pm daily
Opening times and locations for all other markets:
November 10.00am – 7.30pm
December 10.00am – 8.00pm
