Manchester’s Giant Santa is returning to the city for festive fun

Manchester’s Giant Santa will be returning to his favourite city next week.

He will take his rightful place outside Central Library in St Peter’s Square, ready to join in the festive fun.

Clocking in at 12 metres high and weighing 2.3 tonnes, Manchester’s festive mascot will be carefully constructed from Monday 15th November and will be turned on later that week.

He’ll be powered by thousands of  low-energy LED light bulbs transforming him into the sparkly, bright Christmas icon that he is.

Manchester’s favourite red resident will be the final addition to the trail of light sculptures created for the City Centre by local Blackburn-based MK Illumination, bringing festive joy from the 12th November.

There will be a nativity scene in St Ann’s Square, light sculptures in Piccadilly Gardens (Winter Gardens)  including the popular sparkling Manchester Bee and, a large Christmas tree that will accompany St. Nick in St Peter’s Square – perfect for festive selfies.

The Christmas Tree is made from recycled materials and is reused each year as a commitment to the sustainability of the city’s festive events.

Santa will be joining the festive cheers – using his Twitter account @MCRSanta – make sure to tag him in your Christmas snaps and use the hashtag #McrChristmas to keep him in the loop.

This weekend, a Christmas opening ceremony will bring music and stilt-walking reindeers to Manchester city centre, while the Christmas Markets will open from the 12th November until the 22nd December 2021 with a hub at Piccadilly Gardens.

“Santa is eager to return to his favourite city and to ensure that Christmas is safe and fun for everyone!” said Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson.

“He wants to make sure that everyone in Manchester has a wonderful Christmas.

“We tree-mendously hope you go down to see him, if you miss him yule be sorry.”