Manchester’s Giant Santa returned today and has taken his rightful place outside Central Library ready for another season of festive fun.

The beloved Giant Santa was carefully constructed this morning and will preside over the city throughout the festive period. He clocks in at a whopping 12 meters high and weighs over 2.3 tonnes and powered by low energy LED lightbulbs.

Santa will be joined on a magical Christmas light trail of walk-through baubles and stars, and a twinkling Manchester bee all created by Blackburn-based MK Illumination. The lights can be found in The Winter Gardens, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Square, Brazenose Street, Albert Square and St. Peter’s Square.

Earlier this year, young people from across the city were invited to enter a competition and design their own Christmas decorations as part of 2022 Our Year. The lucky winners of the competition have had their designs turned into lights by Blachere Illuminations which can be seen lighting up the night sky on Cathedral Walk.

“It’s snow joke that Santa Claus is back in the capital of Christmas for the holiday season. No one does Christmas like Manchester and Santa knows that!

“This year there are lots of Christmas lights- dotted around the city centre. Perfect for those wanting to make some festive Christmas memories. I’d encourage everyone to get down to the city centre to see our Giant Santa and our wonderful illuminations. If you miss them, yule be sorry”

Councillor Karney, Manchester City Council’s Christmas Spokesperson.

Santa will be joining in 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!