The Christmas Markets are back and there are plenty of reasons to take the kids along this year.
After missing out on the fun last year, families will be pleased to see the event return so they can enjoy what for many has become a festive tradition.
Eager to make up for missed celebrations, Manchester this year showcases a new family-friendly Winter Gardens attraction in the heart of the city as Piccadilly Gardens is transformed with yuletide bars offering locally brewed ales, food stalls, craft sellers and – for the first time – a stage with live music and DJs throughout the festive season.
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Piccadilly Gardens is also the start of a Christmas lights trail - a series of 'spectacular' festive light-up sculptures for all the family to enjoy.
There's a huge MCR sign with light-up santa hat, a sparkling Manchester bee, a giant bauble and two huge starry light arches that greet shoppers on their way in and out of the Winter Gardens hub.
Manchester’s Giant Santa will be the final addition to the trail and will take his rightful place outside Central Library in St Peter’s Square, where he's being constructed from Monday, November 15 - after Sunday's Remembrance event.
A large Christmas tree will also be set up with Santa on St Peter's Square, while the traditional nativity scene will be back in St Ann's Square.
However, the main family zone will once again be at Cathedral Gardens, which is home to the Skate Manchester ice rink, which was this year installed early for half term and Halloween.
There's a range of food and drinks stalls in the family area and there'll be entertainment including kids shows from Thursday to Sunday each week.
Our reporters were in the city centre as the markets launched on Friday and have been taking a look at what prices traders are selling their food and drink for this year. We've put together a full list of traders at every location here.
Cathedral Gardens includes the likes of Windmill, selling Gluhwein (inc shot), alcohol-free gluhwein, German wine, German beer and locally sourced soft drinks; de Creperie, selling mini pancakes and waffles along with soft drinks; and Continental Catering, with their giant Yorkshire puddings with a choice of meats, loaded fries and loaded roasted potatoes.
Of course, if you fancy heading indoors for a while, you're just a stone's throw from the Printworks, home to a number of family-friendly eateries including Nando's, Chiquito, Frankie and Benny's and Hard Rock Cafe.
The latter hosts its popular Breakfast with Santa events on December 12, 18 and 19, where there's a balloon artist, face painting and every child gets a visit from Santa. And from November 29, its festive menu is running too.
There's lots more fun for kids at the Printworks too, including the Vue cinema and Treetop Adventure Golf Manchester, which is home to two 18-hole courses.
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson, said: "It’s wonderful to welcome back our world-famous Christmas Markets and the addition of the Winter Gardens for the very first time.
“Manchester has been the capital of Christmas for 22 years since the very first Christmas Market arrived in the UK in 1999 and we know it was a huge disappointment that we had to scale back our celebrations last year.
“We’re making up for lost time this year and are transforming the city centre into the festive wonderland we know and love."
The markets are on until December 22, but Winter Gardens and Skate Manchester will be staying open until January 3.
Tickets cost from £11 for children and from £13 for teens and adults, while a family ticket costs from £41. Visit the website here to book.
