A ROW of Christmas markets will open this weekend to encourage people to the town centre and get them in the festive spirit.

In the space outside Imperial nightclub, Cork and Dough pizza restaurant, and Louis William jewellers, a row of Christmas markets will be placed inside the Ormskirk Street huts, which are hoped to bring in the festivities in town.

Launching at 11am on Saturday, December 2, and taking place every Saturday throughout December, the markets will include a variety of festive gifts, decorations, and shopping products, as well as a mix of festive drinks and winter warmers.

Santa Claus himself will also be on hand to give out presents and get families feeling festive, while live music and entertainment will be showcased in the Church underground bar after the market wraps up.

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St Helens Star: A variety of gifts and handmade products will be on offer at the marketsA variety of gifts and handmade products will be on offer at the markets (Image: Helen Hoffman)
With the markets organised by business owners Eddie Hoffman, Helen Hoffman, and Ian Pitts, the presents that will be handed out have come from Helens' annual toy appeal.

Hoping to help families have a happy Christmas and giving presents to those who may be struggling financially, hundreds of gifts have been donated from people across St Helens.

This huge donation has come from residents and families, to businesses and charities, including a large donation from the Standing Tall Foundation.

St Helens Star: Hundreds of toys have been donated to the festive appealHundreds of toys have been donated to the festive appeal (Image: Helen Hoffman)
Helen, who owns Louis William jewellers with her husband Eddie, said: "Me and Eddie try to donate to charities all year round, and we always organise a toy appeal at Christmastime, but this year we just wanted to do something a bit bigger that was for everyone.

"It's our first time running the markets, and although they are small they will be up-market and offer some really nice products, so hopefully it can be a boost for the town centre.

"We always get so much support from the community and our customers, so this is just something we wanted to do to give something back, and hopefully it's a success!"

St Helens Star: A selection of festive drinks will also be on offer around the marketsA selection of festive drinks will also be on offer around the markets (Image: Helen Hoffman)