‘Believe’, the enchanted Christmas experience, is returning to Bluewater, alongside the Ice Rink and Winterland, with all tickets set to go on sale next week.
The wondrous Christmas grotto launched at Bluewater for the first time in 2020 to sell-out success and, due to popular demand, is set to make a return this year. ‘Believe’ will open from Friday 25th November, right up until Christmas Eve, Saturday 24th December*.
‘Believe’ invites guests into a mystical cavern to meet McJingles, one of Santa’s most trusted elves, along with Norbert, his magical reindeer friend. After hearing Norbert’s story, the children will take part in a festive craft activity decorating their own bag of magical reindeer food to take home with them. Families will then be invited into Santa’s captivating grotto where little ones will meet Santa before receiving a gift, as well as having the opportunity to capture the memorable moment on camera.
Also returning to Bluewater for Christmas 2022 is the outdoor, undercover Ice Rink. The rink will sit under a clear roof, making it the perfect activity come rain, snow, or shine this festive season. Bluewater’s Ice Rink will open daily from Thursday 17th November until Sunday 1st January 2023**
Offering plenty of fun for guests of all ages, the Ice Rink will be running quiet sessions, as well as parent and toddler sessions for budding skaters. Penguin and seal skating aids will be available for little ones, and the ice rink’s party nights are back by popular demand – with live DJs playing classic party anthems to soundtrack your skating session.
Opening on Saturday 12th November, Winterland is a magical outdoor, festive event where guests can enjoy winter-themed funfair rides, games, and attractions until Sunday 8th January 2023. New for 2022 is the 40-metre high Observation Wheel***.
The luminaire promenade will light the way into the festive fun and provide an Instagrammable backdrop for guests. There will be an exciting range of white-knuckle rides on offer, along with family favourites – the bumper cars and waltzers! For the first time ever, Winterland will become home to a 40-metre-high Observation Wheel, providing guests with spectacular views over Bluewater and the surrounding Green-Flag status parkland. The Observation Wheel will be suitable for guests of all ages, and able to accommodate groups of up to 6 people. To fight the chill and get into the festive spirit, guests can sip a hot mulled wine or winter spiced cider, whilst children can enjoy a deluxe hot chocolate. There will be a great range of food on offer too, including festive sweet treats.
James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, said: “The ‘Believe’ Christmas grotto was fantastically received last year and, with a few magical enhancements, we’re excited to announce that it’s back for 2022. What we love about ‘Believe’ is that it offers a full festive, interactive experience as well as the chance to meet Santa himself which will create Christmas memories to treasure forever.
“While guests join us for their annual Christmas grotto visits, the Ice Rink and Winterland will be right outside, providing parents with all the components they need for a fantastic family day out this Christmas. As all attractions are likely to be incredibly popular – ‘Believe’ sold out in 2021 – we’re advising guests to book early to guarantee their visit.”
All three festive attractions will be located outside of The Village, near Zizzi’s. Tickets will go on sale from 10am on Wednesday 21st September, with costs outlined below:
- ‘Believe’ Christmas Grotto: £14.50 per child and £5.50 per adult (plus an online booking fee)
- Ice Rink: Tickets start at £14.50 for adults, and £12.50 for children – with family tickets starting at £44 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children).
- Winterland: Entry costs £3 per person, with tokens for rides and stalls available to purchase on-site or online.
- There will be an online offer where guests can ride the Observation Wheel for £7, with entry to Winterland included as free; or ride as a group of 4 for £22, with entry to Winterland included for free. If tickets are bought on the day, they will cost 5 tokens per person.
For more details and to book tickets, visit www.bluewater.co.uk
*Opening hours and dates for ‘Believe’:
On Friday 25th Nov, open from 11am-7pm
On Saturday 26th Nov, open from 10am-7pm
On Sunday 27th Nov, open from 10am-6pm
From 30th Nov-13th Dec:
- On Wednesdays – Fridays, open from 11am-7pm
- On Saturday 3rd Dec, open from 10am-7pm
- On Sunday 4th Dec, open from 10am-6pm
- On Saturday 10th Dec, open from 9am-8pm
- On Sunday 11th Dec, open from 10am-7pm
From 14th – 18th Dec
- On Wednesday – Friday, open from 10am – 7pm
- On Saturday, open from 9am-8pm
- On Sunday, open from 10-7pm
From 19th – 23rd Dec:
- Open from 9am-8pm daily
On Christmas Eve, ‘Believe’ will be open from 9am – 4pm
**Opening hours for the Ice Rink will be confirmed by Bluewater closer to the attraction opening date.
***Opening hours and dates for Winterland:
12 & 13th Nov, open from 12-9pm (Closed Mon – Fri)
19th & 20th Nov, open from 12-9pm (Closed Mon – Fri)
From 26th Nov – 16th Dec
- Open on Saturdays & Sundays from 12 -9pm
- Open Mon – Fri from 4-9pm
From 17th Dec – 2nd Jan
- Open from 12-9pm every day
Sat 7th & Sun 8th Jan, open from 12 – 9pm