Santa is on his way to Liverpool to officially open this years Christmas Market

Santa Claus will take some time out of his hectic schedule to join Liverpool’s Lord Mayor on Friday (17 November) to officially open Liverpool’s Christmas Market.

Returning to St George’s Hall plateau for the second year, more than 40 traditional-style festive cabins dressed in garlands will offer up tempting Christmas gifts including handmade jewellery, festive decorations, slippers, scarves and edible gifts to make perfect stocking fillers.

An array of food and drink stalls will sell the likes of bratwurst and gourmet burgers, along with crepes and cupcakes for those with a sweet tooth.

New for this year is a brand new Windmill Bar which will serve traditional beers, mulled wine and other festive drinks.

On Friday at 5pm, the Lord Mayor, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, and Father Christmas will ring some jingle bells to signify the opening of the market, which will be followed by special live performances of Christmas carols by Danielle Louise Thomas and the Choir With No Name.

Councillor Kennedy said: “We had a great response from both traders and visitors last year to the markets in their new home. In its location facing Lime Street Station, the festive attraction really does act as a wonderful shop window to the city’s Christmas offer.

“Every year we try to raise the bar with whatever we do, and this year there are more stalls on offer, giving shoppers a wider selection of festive goodies to purchase.

“Thousands enjoyed the market last year, and I’m sure even more people will head to the plateau this year to get into the Christmas spirit. I’m looking forward to declaring the attraction officially open, and listening to the performances, particularly by the Choir With No Name, which is one of the charities I’m fundraising for during my time as Lord Mayor.”

The markets will run until Friday 22 December.

This is the second year the city’s Christmas Market has been fully operated by Liverpool City Council.

The market is part of a series of Christmas events taking place at St George’s Hall and Liverpool Town Hall in December which will include a Christmas Jumper Ceilidh, & Christmas Classics in the Concert Room and Story Time With Santa sessions. For full details visit www.cultureliverpool.co.uk.