Shoppers were seen tucking into German sausages, knocking back a few mulled wines and browsing local crafts at the opening of Newcastle's Christmas Market.
The feel-good festive event has returned to Grey's Monument, after last year's was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.
The 'Winter Wonderland' themed event is considerably smaller than it was in 2019, but with local vendors in the spotlight, there's plenty of atmosphere to soak up and fun to be had.
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Thirty wooden cabins are decked out for this years attraction, as well as a striking 'grilling station' tower complete with nativity figurines on Grainger Street.
A crooning busker provided the backdrop for those enjoying festive treats on Thursday, which including £5 mulled wines, £5 spiced ciders, £4 liqueur hot chocolates and £3 roasted chestnuts.
For those looking for something a little more hearty, Bratwurst were on offer for £6, churros for £6 and gyros for £8.
And stalls such as O'Donnell's Moonshine, Matthew's Cheese specialists and Flaura Rose's clothing appeared to be a hit with those searching for gifts.
Unlike in 2019, when the event was run by Nottingham-base Mellor Group, the stalls do not stretch onto Northumberland Street and there are no fairground rides.
This is because the five year contract between the large-scale market operator and Newcastle council was torn up in September because of ongoing concerns about the pandemic.
Melanie Harper from Boldon, who owns the 'Ecostall' with her two triplet sisters, called it a "privilege" to set up her plastic-free stall in the city centre in 2021.
"I've been coming to shop at the Christmas market for years, so it's wonderful actually having a plot," she said.
"We only set up our online store in 2020, but we've had a great response so far."
Place donuts, owned by friends Rachel Holmes and Emily Cromarty, is also at the market for the first time.
The pair own a shop in Monkseaton, but started out with a pop-up event at Hadrian's Tipi in Stack a couple of Christmases ago.
Emily said: "People are really loving the donuts so far, and we've also got some great festive drinks, like our pink unicorn hot chocolate and eggnog lattes".
Seasonal drinks are also proving a hit at the Firebrick Brewery stall.
Staff member Adam Sanderson said: "We've been really busy this morning, with plenty of people stocking up on our beers.
"Our box set of spring, summer, autumn and winter beers are a particular hit".
Rosa Perez, owner of Deli Churros, is an old favourite at the market and also has a stall on the Quayside.
The Venezuelan foodie said: "We're very happy to be back, last year we had the pandemic which was awful, and the year before because of the contract with the private company, we didn't get a stall.
"Traders came from outside of the North East and took our spots. So it's fantastic to be back with other local companies."
Visitors have been "strongly advised" by city council chiefs to wear a face mask at the attraction.
A Newcastle council public health chief urged people to take every precaution when heading into the city centre for their Christmas shopping in order to limit the spread of Covid-19.
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