CHRISTMAS is officially around the corner and festive cheer is being brought to Bolton through a variety of different events.

The Christmas Markets open today running until December 11 on Deansgate and Oxford Street.

There will be around 40 stalls selling a variety of foods and gifts to help with Christmas shopping.

Traders will be selling hot food, including hog roast and freshly cooked Belgian waffles with a choice of toppings.

Visitors also have the chance to pick up Christmas gifts with a range of goods on offer, including jewellery, confectionary, cakes, arts and crafts.

A welcome addition to this year’s markets is the Big Red Bus Bar where shoppers can hop on board and enjoy a festive tipple.

The original 1967 Routemaster has been refurbished into a functioning bar with seating upstairs.

It will be stopping in Deansgate during the Christmas market serving hot mulled wine, spiced cider, gin and hot chocolate.

Bolton Council has organised the event, as part of its Winter Festival programme, to bring some festive cheer to the town centre in the run-up to Christmas.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris said: “We have pulled out all the stops to make this a Winter Festival to remember.

“The Bus Bar is sure to be a highlight but there is plenty on offer for everyone to enjoy.

“There is also not long to wait until the snow slide, ice rink and Santa’s grotto are in town, and it means throughout December and early into the New Year, there will be lots of festive fun for all the family.”

Other festive activities going on in the town include the popular artificial snow slide which will return to Newport Street from December 10 to January 8.

The town’s first ever covered ice rink will be set up in Victoria Square and from December 10 to 24 children can pay Santa a visit in his grotto in Oxford Street.

Opening times for the attractions and more information on the full list of traders is available at www.visitbolton.com/winterfestival

Tickets for the attractions can also be bought from the box office on Victoria Square when the attractions open.