Signalling the start of Christmas, one of the North West’s leading independent furniture retailers has once again transformed its historic store front into a spectacular illuminated advent calendar.

The huge advent calendar at Arighi Bianchi in Macclesfield stands 110ft high and 45ft wide – and can even be spotted by passengers travelling to and from Manchester on the train.

The annual display has become a well-known festive landmark across the region and, this year, features dozens of Christmas illustrations created by children from local Whirley Primary School, alongside a competition to win a trip to New York as part of Arighi’s latest Postcards from… campaign.

Sarah Bianchi, CEO of Arighi Bianchi, said:
“Our store-front advent calendar has become quite famous over the years – not just in Macclesfield, but across the wider region too. It’s a wonderful way to mark the start of Christmas and we love seeing people’s reactions when the windows light up. This year’s display is our most spectacular yet.”

Established in 1854, Arighi Bianchi has been a fixture of the Macclesfield skyline for more than 170 years, with its distinctive Grade II listed building one of the town’s best-known landmarks.

The giant advent calendar will form part of the store’s Christmas 2026 celebrations, alongside festive shopping events, seasonal displays and a family fun day with Father Christmas. The store is also collecting gifts for local families in need through its partnership with Little Cherubs.

To find out what’s on at Arighi Bianchi, visit www.arighibianchi.co.uk.