Santa returns to brand new ‘Believe’ grotto at Bluewater

by | Sep 18, 2023 | Bluewater, Dartford News

Bluewater is set to unveil a brand-new enchanting Santa experience this Christmas.

Opening on 1st December, Believe at the Kent shopping destination, will have a magical makeover for 2023 with a new story, theming and family activities but, most importantly, children will still get to meet Santa!

On arrival, guests to Believe will discover Santa’s enchanting post room where they’ll be immersed in festivity and fun with the mischievous elves as they sort through Santa’s letters from children around the world ready for the big day. Children will be able to decorate their own delicious Christmas gingerbread treat* and capture Christmas cheer at the Elfie Selfie posting point before being invited to meet the big man himself. Families will be hosted personally by Santa in his warm, cosy study where they can share their Christmas hopes and dreams, pose for professional photographs as well as receiving a special present to take home.

Believe at Bluewater will open to guests on Friday 1st December right up until Christmas Eve.  The grotto will be located inside the shopping centre, on the Lower Rose Gallery, opposite Superdrug.

Tickets for Believe 2023 will be on exclusive pre-sale for registrants on Tuesday 19th September before going on general sale on Thursday 21st September.

James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, commented: “This is our third year hosting Believe at Bluewater and we can’t wait to welcome Santa back again! This year, the grotto has been transformed to offer a brand-new exciting experience for guests where children can explore Santa’s post room with his jolly elves before decorating cookies and finally meeting Santa himself. Along with our wider programme of Christmas activities at Bluewater, guests are in for a real treat this festive season.”

Guests are advised to book tickets for Believe early to avoid disappointment. To be the first to access tickets, sign up to the Bluewater e-newsletter before midday on Monday 18th September: https://bluewater.co.uk/believe

*allergies catered for

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2025-26 | SEASON REVIEW

Dartford took on Cray Valley PM on Saturday in what was our last league game of the season. The matchday programme for that fixture featured Chris Palmer's Season Review. For those who missed it, here is the article: As the 2025-26 Isthmian Premier League regular...

Pure Imagination Ignites at The Orchard Theatre: SYP Auditions Draw Local Talent for ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

Acacia Sports Hall was buzzing with electric energy this past weekend as 200 young hopefuls descended for the highly anticipated Summer Youth Project (SYP) auditions. On Saturday, 25 April, local performers aged 9 to 19 showcased their talents in a bid to secure a...

Bluewater appoints its first Chief Play Officer at new play park’s opening weekend

Bluewater has appointed ten-year-old Samir Osmani as its first Chief Play Officer (CPO). The unique role has been created to celebrate the official opening of the centre’s transformed Wintergarden play area on Friday 24th April. Samir was selected from over 550...

FAMILY FUN WITH SHAUN THE SHEEP AND BLUEWATER THIS MAY

A new Shaun the Sheep augmented reality trail will visit Bluewater next month, alongside a line-up of fun half-term activities. Families are invited to embark on a free adventure with the Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock augmented reality trail at the shopping...

Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) celebrated World Pilots’ Day (26 April) and welcomes first female pilot

With only 5% of pilots in the UK being female, KSS is proud to welcome the charity’s very first female pilot, First Officer Carla Feben, to mark World Pilots’ Day Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) marked World Pilots’ Day on Sunday 26 April, by...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET ELSA EJUPI

Dartford took on Chatham Town on Bank Holiday Monday. Chris Palmer spoke to Elsa Ejupi, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: Elsa Ejupi arrived at Princes Park, having signed from the Millwall Lionesses...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET STEPHANIE CASERIU

Dartford took on Hashtag United last month. Chris Palmer spoke to Stephanie Caseriu, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: Stephanie Caseriu is new to the Dartford FC Women’s team this season, and the...

Dartford Pride Marks Milestone 5th Anniversary with First-Ever Week-Long Celebration

Orchard West, in proud partnership with Dartford Borough Council and sponsored by Taylor Wimpey, is delighted to announce the return of Dartford Pride 2026. This year’s festivities mark a major milestone as the event celebrates its 5th anniversary by expanding from a...

Local community group celebrates 5 years of changing lives and launches new lottery to keep vital support going.

A Dartford community group that has spent the last five years helping people through illness, disability, poor mental health and isolation is celebrating a major milestone and inviting local people to be part of what comes next. The award-winning Kindness and...

A Colourful Celebration of 30 years of We Are Beams

We Are Beams is excited to invite the community to celebrate a very special milestone as the much loved fundraising event Messy Dash returns, marking 30 years of Beams supporting disabled children and their families. Taking place on Sunday 5th July at Dartford Central...