Christmas
Zippy returns to Manchester as council unveils brand-new giant Santa installation
Daisy Jackson -
12th November 2025 
Manchester has got a brand-new Giant Santa installation this year – and it’s only bloody Zippy!
The much-loved Christmas mascot disappeared from our city back in 2018 when the restoration of the Manchester Town Hall began, to be replaced by a lighter, moustachioed Father Christmas figure.
But today, Giant Santa has been lifted by crane back into his position outside Manchester Central Library, and Mancs will be delighted to know it’s the haunting blue gaze of Zippy watching over us once again.
It’s not the original Zippy, who really did go into retirement and is sometimes seen sat outside the Kellogg’s factory in Trafford.
But instead, it’s a brand-new interpretation of one of the city’s favourite iterations of our big Santa statue tradition.
The new character is lit up by more than 20,000 twinkling LED lights and sits atop an enormous Christmas present.
Zippy, who took his nickname thanks to his uncanny likeness to the Rainbow character, will be lit up 24 hours a day, from now until the 12th night in January.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “We absolutely love Christmas in Manchester and it simply wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa and his sackful of toys.
“Memories of our big Santas in the city over the years hold a special place in the hearts and minds of many a Mancunian.
“We’ve had at least eight or nine different Santas over the last three decades – each of them loved more or slightly less than the others, depending on who you talk to.
“But there’s one Santa that people keep coming back to who captivated everyone with his big white beard and snow-white hands and feet – and that’s our famous Zippy Santa who reigned supreme over Albert Square in front of the Town Hall until 2018.
“And that’s why we’re absolutely thrilled to be able to welcome our brand-new Zippy Santa to Manchester to see us through the festive season this year.
“Of course, it goes without saying that he’s got some big Christmas boots to fill, but already people are loving him, and he’s going to be here with us now right through until January at his very twinkly best, bringing an extra dose of sparkle and Manchester Christmas magic to everyone.”
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Featured image: The Manc Group
