Jim Dempsey at Manchester City Council has provided details of the host of seasonal treats in store in Manchester this Christmas with fairytale lights and Yule tide entertainment for all to enjoy. Details are as below;

FESTIVE MANCHESTER

There's a whole host of seasonal treats in store in Manchester this Christmas with fairytale lights and yuletide entertainment for all to enjoy.

Manchester Christmas Lights Switch-On
10 November,
Albert Square 6-7pm

There's a whole host of special guests at this year's Switch-On including: the fantastic Lee Ryan singing tracks from his new solo album; Alex the Lion and the plotting penguins from the hit family film Madagascar; costumed characters from The Lowry's Christmas production of Cinderella; and motoring in specially for the occasion, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (who'll be back in Manchester at the Palace Theatre in the Spring next year).

With more live music from Lee Broderick and local opera supremo Jon Christos, family fun and spectacular fireworks, it's an unmissable FREE family event. Pre-event music, entertainment and giveaways from 5.30pm hosted by 105.4 Century FM. For more information Tel 0161 234 5200 or visit www.manchesterlive.co.uk

Wheel of Manchester
Until April 2006
Exchange Square

A new state-of-the-art observation wheel adds a real touch of sparkle to Exchange Square. Lit by thousands of lights and at 60 metres high, it offers spectacular views across Manchester and beyond, and is a real Christmas treat that everyone can enjoy.

Tickets: Adults £5.50, Senior Citizens £4.50, Children (age 4-12) £3.50, (3 and under) FREE Buy tickets at the wheel or online at www.worldtouristattractions.co.uk

Manchester's Festive Markets
17 November – 21 December

If you're looking for unusual gifts for hard-to-buy-for friends, don't miss Manchester's Festive Markets.

Manchester European Christmas Market
Albert Square, 10am–9pm

Manchester Traditional German Christmas Market
St Ann's Square, 10am–8pm

Traditional wooden chalets and glittering stalls will be bursting with an amazing array of gifts, luxury goods and delicious continental specialities. You'll find handcrafted wooden toys, beaded cushions and scarves, charming Christmas decorations, decorative pottery and ceramics, exquisite Belgian chocolates and tempting truffles, mouth-watering French and Dutch cheeses and Christmas trees, plants and bulbs from Holland.

Take a break from shopping or meet your friends after work and enjoy one of the many alfresco snacks on offer including continental sausages, German beer, crêpes, fresh fruit kebabs dipped in chocolate, warming Glühwein and hot chocolate laced with brandy.

Manchester Christmas Arts and Crafts Market
Exchange Street, 10am-8pm

Manchester Craft and Gifts Market
25 November until 18 December
Albert Square

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the European Market in Albert Square will be joined by the Manchester Craft and Gifts Market who will be selling a range of interesting hand-crafted gifts. There will also be a selection of speciality, fine food producers to tempt you with wonderfully delicious regional and seasonal foods.

Manchester's BBC GMR will be broadcasting live from the Festive Markets throughout the season.

For more information about Manchester's Festive Markets, call 0161 234 7357 or visit www.manchesterlive.co.uk

Winter Nights
Tuesday 22 November 6-8pm
Manchester Art Gallery

All Manchester City Council employees are invited to a Christmas shopping evening with a difference. Free drink on arrival, 20% off in the Gallery shop, art inspired gifts and cards, music and artist demonstrations. Free admission, please RSVP by 15 November to Ambreen Ahmad a.ahmad@manchester.gov.uk or Tel 0161 235 8864.