BLUEWATER GEARS UP FOR ITS MOST EXCITING CHRISTMAS YET
– Bluewater’s best-ever Santa’s Grotto experience with Paddington™ –
– Skate till late on the new outdoor ice rink –
– Donate a gift for a child at The Giving Tree –
– Marvel at the fireworks at Bluewater’s annual Light Night –
– Take your time, shop with extended opening hours –
ALL BECAUSE IT’S CHRISTMAS…
Guests taking a trip to Bluewater this Christmas can enjoy much more than just cracking their seasonal shopping list. As well as inspirational gift ideas and the latest trends from over 300 leading brands, there’s an impressive line-up of festive activities and family fun to be enjoyed. Visitors to Europe’s leading retail and leisure destination can expect the best in Christmas entertainment kicking off from November.
Santa’s Grotto experience with Paddington at Bluewater
Location: outside the Village
24th November – Christmas Eve
Child admission: £10 – 40 minute experience
Visitors will be greeted at the entrance of Bluewater’s spectacular log cabin style grotto and once inside, they will be met by Bubbles the Elf, who will transform them into Santa’s helpers using some Bluewater Christmas magic.
Little ones will then team up with Bubbles the Elf and embark on a unique journey with three magical experiences, entering Santa’s workshop where toys come to life before their eyes. They will then have a chance to meet special guest Paddington and together they will search for Santa’s key which will unlock his special Grotto door. Once inside, Santa will be there to greet the children and provide them with a special Christmas gift. Guests’ photos with Paddington and Santa can be purchased upon leaving the Grotto.
Ice Skating at Bluewater
Location: outside the Village
17th November – 2nd January
Child admission: from £9
Junior (13 – 16 years) admission: from £10
Adult admission: from £11
Family admission (two adults, two children): from £34
Bluewater’s brand-new outdoor ice rink, with a backdrop of one of their beautiful lakes, promises great skating for all to enjoy. Hot drinks and Christmas refreshments will be available from alpine-style cabins. Guests can skate and twirl around a giant Christmas tree – a truly festive experience for families and friends, with special events and lessons available for beginners.
Light Night
Location: Bluewater’s M&S carpark
10th November
Free spectacular firework display
Celebrations begin at Bluewater on 10th November with its annual Christmas Light Night. The Christmas light switch on, with special guests Paddington, Santa and Heart FM’s Toby Anstis, will be followed by a dazzling firework display. Gates open at 5pm, fireworks start at 6:30pm. After the fireworks, head to the mall to enjoy the festive lights and shop until late thanks to extended opening hours or grab a bite to eat at over 50 family friendly restaurants and bars.
The Giving Tree at Bluewater with Heart FM
Location: Upper Mall near M&S
From 10th November – 21st December
The Giving Tree is back at Bluewater following the success of last year’s appeal. 2015 saw over 11,000 gifts delivered to disadvantaged children in the South East and because it’s Christmas, Bluewater is encouraging guests to spread some festive cheer by donating once again.
Visitors are invited to take a tag from the 20-foot Christmas tree which includes the age of a child, and buy them a present. The gift will then be delivered to children across Kent, Sussex and Surrey, just in time for them to unwrap on Christmas Day.
Extended Opening Hours
From the 10th November – 30th December
Guests will be able to shop, skate, eat and drink for longer with the arrival of Christmas hours. For early birds, Bluewater will open from 9am and for night owls until 10pm (11pm from 12th Dec). Extended opening hours plus 13,000 free extra-wide parking spaces means guests can enjoy Christmas shopping with ease. Visitors can browse over 300 quality brands including John Lewis, House of Fraser, Anthropologie, Jigsaw and Superdry for on-trend Christmas outfits and inspirational gift ideas including beauty gifts and stylish jewellery, watches and accessories.
Dining at Bluewater this Christmas
Whether its breakfast, lunch or dinner, visitors can enjoy a well-deserved break from their Christmas shopping by stopping off at one of over 60 places to eat and drink at Bluewater. Enjoy a warming winter meal at family favourites including Bella Italia, Bill’s, Wagamama, Wahaca and Five Guys. Or why not spoil yourself at Bluewater’s new Frizzenti Fizz! Champagne bar, serving up glasses of fizz and decadent cocktails in the Guildhall.
Head to bluewater.co.uk to discover Christmas at Bluewater