Love him or loathe him, Zippy Santa’s absence from Manchester’s Albert Square has been noticeable. But fear not, Santa fans. There’s a new bearded hero in town.

Clocking in at 12 metres high, the new 2.3 tonne Santa is ready to welcome selfie-loving visitors to the city through the festive season. Joining the trail of large-scale light installations across the city, the new Giant Santa is seated in Piccadilly Gardens and is made from thousands of low energy LED lights.

So, if all this festiveness has left you feeling nostalgic for the Santas of Manchester Christmas past, then feast your eyes on these Christmas snaps. 

Images courtesy of Manchester City Council. 

Follow Santa at @MCRSanta and keep up with all the festive news.