Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, last year’s festive period was a rather subdued affair. This year, however, a new Christmas hub has appeared in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester to celebrate the return of the city’s yuletide celebrations. 

Manchester is showcasing a new family-friendly Winter Gardens attraction in the heart of the city. Piccadilly Gardens has been 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. 

This year also sees the return of Manchester’s world-famous Christmas Markets which span six city centre squares.

Images by Mark Waugh 

Public Health remains a top priority for the city as limiting the spread of COVID-19 was central to the planning of this year’s event. The number of visitors will be controlled in this area with one-way routes and separate entrances and exits helping people remain socially distanced. The Christmas Markets will trade through to December 22, 2021. The Winter Gardens will be open until January 3, 2022.