With only three more sleeps to go until the big day Santa has been out on a test run over the rooftops of Manchester to share a Santa’s sleigh view of the city as it prepares to celebrate Christmas.
Taken from high above the city’s streets and squares the images show the ever-changing skyline of the city – with old historic rooftops contrasting sharply with the newest of the new tall shiny skyscrapers that now dominate parts of the Manchester cityscape.
From a reindeer’s view of the Royal Exchange and Corn Exchange with their glass-domed roofs, and the wide expanse of Deansgate with its Ho ho ho and Bee Merry Manchester cross street banners, to the fabulous festive Ferris Wheel and Town Hall clock tower on Albert Square, as well as the Christmas markets on Piccadilly Gardens, and a view from on high of big Zippy Santa as he keeps watch over St Peter’s Square.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said:
“What a Santa’s sleigh swoop over the city this is! Seeing the same view as Donner and Blitzen and the rest of the reindeers from the skies is amazing and shows just how much our brilliant city is changing and how quickly – a real snapshot in time of what Manchester looks like today.
“One thing that never changes though is the Mancunian spirit and how absolutely incredible Manchester people are – the very best in the world.
“Here’s to a festive season filled with love, and a happy, healthy, and peaceful 2026 for all of us.”
Find out more information about Christmas and New Year in Manchester
