Bolton's winter wonderland is officially open with the return on the Christmas markets.

Town centre visitors braced the cold as Bolton's festival village opened complete with Christmas stalls and roller rink.

Stall holders say they cannot wait to welcome people to the town's own Christmas market.

There is a is also Santa’s grotto for children and the new roller rink at Crompton Place.

Bolton stall-holder, Sarah Hughes from Sarah’s Pipe Dreams said: “It’s cold but this for us is like the make or break so it’s important to be here.

“I think it will get busier over the weekend and I just love Christmas, I love the whole thing.

“It’s my favourite time of the year and we can’t wait to see everyone.

“We’re usually in the markets and have been getting compliments for decorating like a stable.

“It’s fun to do and we love it.”

From dog treats to fudge chocolate and Korean cuisine, many stall holders had travelled from far and wide to be in Bolton.

Tom Shaw from Barkillicious said: “We’ve travelled from Cumbria to be here.

“It’s been quiet but hopefully it will pick up over the weekend.

“We’re used to going all over the North West and were at St. Anne’s last week.”

Fudge & Co put out their best chocolates for the public and invited people to try their delicious treats before choosing their favourites with pretty boxes for packaging.

Crompton Place had Bolton’s roller rink, a first for the Christmas season, arcade games and Father Christmas' grotto.

A fair is also on in the town which children can enjoy and the traditional festive Tipi bar is back with heating to get people out of the cold and into the warmth.

Med Food from London had their best displays of premium olives and dried fruits and nuts, prefect for the Christmas snack table.

The Christmas markets will be on all weekend.