The ‘Crackers for Christmas’ event last year was branded a great success and will return for 2025.

The event will be packed with festive fun, including live performances and seasonal activities to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffield City Council said: “The city centre will be lit up in the days leading up to the event and the much-loved Christmas markets will be back and bigger than ever. 

“We hope to see Sheffield residents and visitors to the city head down over the course weekend, enjoy this fantastic event and support local businesses.”

A full event line up will be released and is expected to include events such as Christmas crafts, live music from local bands, dance performances panto and entertainment for children.

Saturday 15 November and Sunday 16 November is the weekend Crackers for Christmas is pencilled in for, with the Christmas markets set to open on Thursday 13th November along with lights across the city. Both of which will run till January 2nd.

Jack Quinsey, 26, works at a local pub called The Itchy Pig and said: “There really is no downsides to such events. If you can sell yourself to the general public then it massively helps us at such an important time of the year.

“It brings a lot of business to Sheffield with people coming from the surrounding areas like Chesterfield and Barnsley.”

Toasted marshmallows, churros, German food and drink are just some of the features expected of the markets, with more than 80 per cent of the independent traders based locally.

The city centre will once again be transformed with Christmas lights illuminating from Haymarket, through to Fargate, Barker’s Pool and Surrey Street, Divison Street, Pinstone Street, the Peace Gardens and Cambridge Street.

Kai Whieldon, 49, a local resident, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas markets last year, especially the Crackers for Christmas weekend, as it really made me get into the festive mood, with the help of the snow that we had that is.

“It brings people together at the time of the year when it’s important to be with your loved ones and appreciate the quality time you can spend with each other.”