IT’S described as an early yuletide gift for shoppers and revellers in Liverpool.

Yes, the Christmas Market on St George”s Hall Plateau is the gift that keeps on giving and will now be extended into the New Year - operating as a Winter Market from Tuesday, 27th December until Sunday, 8th January 2017.

With everything for your German sausage, pint-in-a-tent and cupcake needs, it’s already been extended until Christmas Eve, all overlooked by a gigantic inflatable cartoon character on top of the neocalssical St George’s Hall.

Now in its 11th year - and for the first time operated by Liverpool City Council which seized back control of the markets from Geraud a few months ago - the Christmas Market is a key feature in Liverpool’s One Magical City marketing campaign.

“Already it is reaping the benefits of the hall’s blockbuster show – DreamWorks Lights, which has already sold more than 30,000 tickets," it says here. 

The good news is the “Winter” edition of the market will feature roughly half the number of stalls of its Christmas counterpart. It promises to sell food, jewellery, clothes, arts and crafts. 

This market will also run on the same times, from 11am-9pm, Monday to Saturday, and 11am-5pm on Sundays.

Malcolm Kennedy on the new Exorcist steps in Clayton SquareMalcolm Kennedy on the new Exorcist steps in Clayton Square

Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Markets, said: ‘’Having both the city’s Christmas Market and DreamWorks Lights at the same site has paid real dividends in terms of raising the profile and footfall to the St George’s Quarter.

‘’To be able to extend the run of the market into the New Year is a huge boost for our festive programme and will ensure the magic of Christmas will continue to flow in Liverpool.’’

Last Christmas, the Grade I listed St George’s Hall, which overlooks the city's cenotaph, played host to the Weeping Window poppy installation. The event was part of the UK’s WWI 1914-18 centenary commemorations and attracted 360,000 people.

This year, it’s Shrek.