When I think of Christmas events in Manchester, I automatically think of the German markets in Albert Square. Mutant sized sausages, hot mulled wine, rosy cheeks and a friendly atmosphere is just the ticket as the festive season closes in. Even the biggest Scrooges in town are known to loosen up after sinking a few spicy mulled wines. If that fails, one thing that’s guaranteed to cheer up even the most miserly is the inflatable Zippy from Rainbow dressed as Santa that’s perched on the Town Hall.    

This year, Christmas events in Manchester have suddenly got a bit more interesting. Not only do we have the sausage fest on Albert Square, but The North Pole bar has popped up next to the city’s giant glass ski slope (that’s the Urbis, in case you were wondering, but I’m not recommending you try to use it as one). The North Pole offers festive cocktails and hearty stews, as well as a pretty decor. The people behind it, Ear To The Ground, have long been responsible for some of Manchester’s most exciting events (someone needs to start a petition to bring D:Percussion back) and if Christmas shopping has become too much and you fancy transporting yourself out of Manchester for awhile this is the place to do it.

Step across the concrete of The Triangle from The North Pole, and you get to the Manchester Wheel. This will be in action throughout the season of Christmas events in Manchester and it offers some stunning views of the city. Those of you who have ever wanted a bird’s eye view of the Arndale Centre should form an orderly queue. Further down Deansgate, in the new food and drink business quarter known as Spinningfields, the city’s annual ice rink has been transported from Piccadilly Gardens. Offering less scallies per square yard than Piccadilly, Spinningfields may not have a cool edge, but it will be good for families and those who’ve shopped around Deansgate. Happily there are loads of places for food and drink on the doorstep here as well.

Finally, while the whole world is obsessed with what presents they’re going to receive, you can give a little back at this year’s Christmas events in Manchester as Man United host their Santa Run on December 14th with all proceeds going to The Children’s Society. I don’t think there will be blue and white suits available for Man Citeh supporters, but if you can put football allegiances aside for one day, you can help raise money for a great cause.