Manchester Christmas Markets returning to 10 locations with a brand-new site
The Zippy Santa, ice rink and Christmas Parade are all set to return
Manchester's Christmas Markets are set to return this year, spread across 10 different locations in the city centre.
More than 210 stalls will be on offer, with the markets opening on 6th November and closing on 22nd December.
At Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens, the stalls will stay open over the Christmas period until 3rd January.
According to Manchester City Council, the festive season will also see the return of the Zippy Santa and the Manchester Christmas Parade.
Albert Square at the heart of it
After Christmas festivities returned to the partially re-opened Albert Square last year, the square will once again be central to the city's countdown to Christmas, staying open throughout the festive season for families to enjoy into the new year.
Back on the square is the 50-metre-high Ferris wheel, which offers a view across the city from the top.
Other additions this year include a Manchester Christmas Markets pop-up 'pub' for the festive season, along with a mix of food, drink and craft stalls and a Helter-Skelter.
A brand-new location
Just around the corner from Albert Square, this year's markets add a brand-new location at Lincoln Square off Brazennose Street.
The square will be transformed with more than a dozen market stalls and trucks offering food and drinks.
Other market locations across the city this year include King Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens and Market Street.
St Ann's Square, one of the longest-running of the city's Christmas market locations, will have a brand-new layout this year with more craft, food and drink stalls.
Ice rink returns
Over at Cathedral Gardens, Skate MCR is back, with market stalls alongside an undercover ice rink that will stay open until 3rd January.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said:
"There's nowhere that does Christmas quite like Manchester. We're the number one Christmas city and we're pulling out all the stops this year to make sure we stay top of the Christmas tree.
"The return of Christmas festivities last year to Albert Square was a triumph and we're looking to build on this success with a fantastic festive offer there again this year that is sure to be a hit with everyone who visits.
"Our legendary Christmas markets draw thousands upon thousands of visitors every year from right around the world and this year's markets look set to be the very best yet, with a brand-new location in Lincoln Square just around the corner from Albert Square, and a brand-new look and even more stalls in St Ann's Square.
"And with the return of Zippy Santa keeping his watchful eye over the city, the ice rink in Cathedral Gardens, and our made-for-memories Christmas Parade, Christmas in Manchester will be absolutely magical this year and we can't wait to welcome everyone and celebrate the festive season with them."
The Manchester Christmas Parade will be held this year on 6th December, with more details to follow in the coming weeks.