But as these eerie photos show, this festive season is set to be very different, as the continuing coronavirus crisis hit the city’s Christmas plans.
Gone are the wooden huts of years gone where traders sell all manner of Christmas fayre, while the ever-popular Alpine and Thor’s Tipi bars are nowhere to be seen.
The markets attract thousands of people to the city over the festive period, and bring in hundreds of thousands of pounds to the city centre economy.
But Sheffield Council have promised the markets will return in 2021, by which time the pandemic will hopefully be a distant memory.
In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.
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The big wheel on Fargate in 2018. Photo: Chris Etchells
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No big wheel this year and much quieter streets as coronavirus hits Christmas in Sheffield. Photo: Brian Eyre
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Wooden huts at Sheffield Christmas Market on Fargate. Photo: Marisa Cashill
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No huts on Fargate this year will mean far fewer shoppers coming to the city centre. Photo: Brian Eyre