Manchester city centre is sparkling this Christmas. See the city transformed with stunning decorations, energy-saving LED lights, and sustainable designs. Wrap up warm and enjoy a winter walk among the lights – the perfect backdrop for festive selfies.
Albert Square
Santa is back in Albert Square. After spending the last few Christmases in St Peter’s Square, he’s finally making his long-awaited return to the heart of the Christmas Markets.
Our latest Christmas mascot, reminiscent of the much-loved Zippy Santa, is adorned with more than 20,000 twinkling LED lights. He stands proud in front of our historic Town Hall.
New for this year, Santa sits on top of a huge Christmas cracker, also decorated with thousands of lights. Walk through the cracker to the jingle of classic Christmas tunes and check out the countdown box to see how many days are left until Christmas Day.
You can also stroll through the twinkly tunnel – an interactive, colour-changing display. See if you can spot the iconic Bee Merry installation. The Steampunk Snowman is back too, combining festive fun with a nod to Manchester’s industrial heritage.
Brazennose Street and Lincoln Square
Look out for the Steampunk Reindeer on Brazennose Street – new for this year.
At the entrance to Lincoln Square, walk through the glowing Honeycomb Arch, inspired by Manchester’s famous worker bee.
St Ann’s Square
The huge Honeycomb Tree has a new home in St Ann’s Square. Glowing in warm honey tones, it's the stunning centrepiece of the new and improved layout of the market.
Nearby, the giant Nativity scene is back outside St Ann’s Church.
St Peter’s Square
St Peter’s Square is home to our Manchester Bee-inspired sculptures this Christmas.
You’ll also find the giant illuminated globe there, perfect for a festive photo opportunity.
Across the city centre
Across the city centre, streets and trees shine with LED lights and festive decorations.
From
- King Street,
- Deansgate,
- John Dalton Street and Peter Street,
- to St Mary’s Gate,
- Mount Street,
- St Ann Street,
- Piccadilly Gardens; and,
- Cathedral Gardens,
there’s plenty of sparkle to discover.