Manchester’s Famous Giant Santa Returns, New & Refurbished!

Manchester's town hall will be graced once more with city’s most recognisable and festive red resident, as the giant Santa returns this weekend!

Whether you love or hate the iconic giant Santa, he has become a staple of Albert Square every year and will be watching over the Christmas Market throughout the Christmas season.

First appearing at yuletide celebrations in 2007, he has battled some wild winters since, therefore the 10 metre figure was deserving of a makeover this year.

This week he and his 100,000 low energy LED lights are to be lifted into place. However it will not be till the famous Christmas Light Switch-on on Saturday 7 November that he will light up Albert Square.   

Tech savvy, Manchester’s festive mascot Santa, 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.”