The Christmas Markets may have opened, but there's one figure still missing from Manchester's festivities and that's the Big Santa.
Christmas isn't Christmas without the giant light-up character, which has more recently been homed in St Peter's Square.
But he's not yet joining the city's celebrations as he won't be installed until after Remembrance Sunday, when a poignant service will be held at the Cenotaph in the square.
His absence was noted as the much-loved Christmas Markets opened on Friday, with some shoppers asking why the big man hadn't made an appearance.
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Once he's finally in place later this month, you certainly won't miss him. The 12-metre-tall Father Christmas forms the centrepiece of Manchester’s festive displays and becomes a huge focal point outside Manchester Central Library.
Weighing 2.3 tonnes, he's fully illuminated by thousands of small energy efficient LED bulbs. The statue, complete with resplendent moustache, a giant gift-wrapped box for a plinth, and a Manchester bee held in one of his gloved hands, replaced the previously long standing mascot 'Zippy', who was put into retirement in 2019 after 12 years of service.
When the markets were held in Albert Square, they normally opened with Big Santa proudly already in position. But the ongoing work to the town hall means that area is still not included.
The Manchester Christmas Markets officially opened on Friday, spreading their festive cheer across nine streets and squares in the city centre.
There are some 240 stalls to navigate this year, with the largest zone in Piccadilly Gardens, which has become the Winter Gardens for the coming weeks. The markets are now open daily until December 22.
