CHRISTMAS AT BLUEWATER

• Festive pop-ups include: Christmas Magic, Xmas Castle, Anno Distillers, Calendar Club and Lyre’s

• Bath & Body Works opens in time for Christmas shoppers

• Christmas Opening Hours confirmed

• Brainiac Live immersive experience on a limited 3 week run

Bluewater has confirmed their selection of festive pop-up stores for Christmas 2022, including guest-favourites and new offerings. The centre welcomes back Christmas Magic this festive season, offering a large selection of decorations, and Xmas Castle, specialising in Christmas decorations with free personalisation. Christmas Magic is located on the LowerThames Walk, and Xmas Castle can be found on the lower mall, next to M&S.

Calendar Club have also returned for guests to pick up 2023 calendars, diaries and planners, as well as stationery andbooks. Award-winning Kent-based distillery Anno Distillerswill be trading until the New Year, selling their specialist gin, whisky, and vodka as well as their brand-new selection ofrum. Both stores are located on the Upper Thames Walk.

For the first time this Christmas, Bluewater welcomes Lyre’s, the world’s leading independent non-alcoholic brand. Thepop-up, located in the Lower Guildhall, will sell their award-winning range of premium alcohol-free spirits, including Lyre’s Classico Grande, which will be sampled in the pop-up daily. The pop-up’s ‘Impossible Bar’, will serve a selection of Lyre’s signature non-alcoholic cocktails, including Salted Caramel Espresso Martinis, Margaritas, and Festive Mimosas.

Every Saturday in December, Lyres will be giving guests the opportunity to add a personal touch to their limited-edition gift box with a handwritten festive message from a calligrapher for just £10. 

As well as Christmas pop ups, Bluewater is welcoming a new permanent store. American-based retailer Bath and Body Works have opened a 1500 sq ft store, connected to Next in the Lower Thames Walk. The brand will be selling its selection its selection of Christmas products which feature themuch-loved ‘Winter Candy Apple’ and ‘Vanilla Bean Noel’ range alongside its range of beauty products, making the perfect place to shop for a special Christmas gift.

James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, said: ““We are delighted to be offering our guests a variety of festive pop-up stores this year, which they can browse for longer with our extended Christmas opening hours.

“As so many of our guests drive to Bluewater, we are thrilled to welcome Lyre’s pop-up shop and bar for the Christmas season. This gives drivers a way to feel included in the festivities at the centre, with such fantastic non-alcoholic alternatives to well-loved cocktails available to enjoy with friends, alongside great gifting options to purchase.”

“Bath & Body Works is a fantastic addition to our permanent line-up ahead of Christmas. We know that guests love the iconic American brand and will be delighted to browse the collections in real life!” 

For guests looking to buy adrenaline-fuelled gifts, Hangloose Adventure Bluewater are selling vouchers for their selection of thrill-seeking activities, including England’s longest zipwire and Europe’s biggest swing. The Hangloose Adventure kiosk, located in the Lower Rose Gallery, offersvouchers for all activities (Single Activities & Packages), orthe kiosk-exclusive deal of any 3 activities for £100, making savings of up to £50. 

Brainiac Live are running immersive Detective and Astronaut Academy sessions at Bluewater from 10^th – 31^stDecember. The two 60-minute Brainiac-led academies will provide guests a choice of two fun-filled ‘edutainment’activities for grown-ups to share with their children as a break from Christmas shopping. Book tickets now at bluewater.co.uk

Gift wrapping is now available at Bluewater until Christmas Eve on the Upper Rose Gallery, next to HMV.  All profits will be donated to local community projects. 

To help guests prepare for Christmas, Bluewater have announced their Christmas opening hours. Please see below for a full breakdown:

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS 

10:00 – 21:00 Mon-Sat, 11:00 – 17:00 Sun 5^th December – 23^rd December

09:00 – 18:00 Christmas Eve

CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY

08:00 – 19:00 Boxing Day

09:00 – 22:00 27^th December – 30^th December

09:00 – 18:00 New Year’s Eve

11:00 – 17:00 New Year’s Day

11:00 – 17:00 2^nd January

10:00 – 21:00 3^rd January

John Lewis. House of Fraser, M&S, Primark, Boots and some other retailers trading hours may vary, visitors should checkretailer’s websites for details.