Bluewater’s Christmas Calendar Revealed

by | Oct 30, 2018 | Dartford Entertainment, Dartford Business

Bringing a festive line-up of excellent activities including Light Night, Santa’s Grotto, Ice Rink and much more …

Nov 2018: Bluewater invites guests to enjoy an extraordinary line-up of festive activities, great shopping and delicious dining, kicking off with the amazing Light Night, featuring a spectacular fireworks and a laser display. The Giving Tree, magical Santa’s Grotto and the covered, outdoor Ice Rink are back plus, Dinotropolis opens its doors to families looking for some roarsome fun this November

Find the brands you know and love and enjoy free car parking all day, everyday and from the 23rd November, extended opening hours begin with stores open from 9am-10pm Mon-Sat, and until 11pm from 10th December.

BLUEWATER’S LIGHT NIGHT: 8th November – Gates open 5:30pm, display at 6:15pm

Bluewater Light NightBluewater kicks off the festive season with its spectacular Light Night – a free firework and laser display taking place in the yellow Plaza car park (near Next). Heart Radio presenters Becky Ives and Jonny Meah will host the show, with the help of Santa who will make a special appearance. Bluewater’s iconic reindeer will be back to greet all guests as they arrive plus the new in-mall Christmas decorations will be unveiled, themed ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’.

Also on Light Night, Bluewater will host the first drivable, full-size LEGO® Technic™ Bugatti Chiron model, made entirely from LEGO Technic pieces. The unique model, built using over 1 million LEGO pieces, will be displayed in the yellow car park for one day only.

THE GIVING TREE AT BLUEWATER: 8th November – 23rd December

Bluewater Giving TreeThe Giving Tree at Bluewater, in association with Heart Radio, returns to spread some festive cheer, as guests donate a gift and help give local disadvantaged children a better Christmas. Bluewater is once again encouraging everyone to grab a tag and buy an extra gift for a child in need. Guests can head to the giant tree, located in the Upper Mall, outside M&S to donate their gifts.

SANTA’S GROTTO AT BLUEWATER: 15th November – 24th December

Bluewater Santa's GrottoBluewater’s enchanting Grotto, located by the beautiful lakes at The Village, invites little ones on a unique Christmas adventure where they will meet Santa’s elves and receive a reindeer hat, before enjoying a magical 4D screening of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’.

Children will also visit Mrs. Claus’ room for a fun craft activity, meet Reggie the animatronic reindeer and of course, Santa himself in his beautiful toy cabin room. Each child will take home a soft toy and photographs with Santa can be purchased on leaving the Grotto.

Booking is advised as demand is high and availability is limited. Tickets for Santa’s Grotto can be purchased at: www.bluewater.co.uk.

BLUEWATER’S ICE RINK: 15th November – 6th January

Bluewater Ice RinkBluewater’s spectacular outdoor Ice Rink, also located by the lakes at The Village is undercover, so perfect for families to enjoy whatever the weather. Kids can learn to skate with lessons and then hone their skills with the help of seal-shaped skating aids, while the really little ones can enjoy baby and toddler mornings and get on the ice with the help of bob skates. Plus, every Friday night from 30th November to 4th January, KMFM DJs will be hosting Party Night from 7pm until 9pm, perfect for beginners or more experienced skaters. After twirling around the huge sparkling Christmas tree, skaters can warm up with hot drinks and refreshments served from the rink-side, wooden cabins.

Booking is advised as demand is high and availability is limited. Tickets for the Ice Rink can be purchased at: www.bluewater.co.uk.

DINOTROPOLIS AT BLUEWATER: This November

Bluewater DinotropolisThis November, Bluewater will open its doors to Dinotropolis, the ultimate dinosaur adventure park! Get ready to be catapulted back in time to a forgotten era where guests will come face-to-face with ‘living’ animatronic dinosaurs. Complete with soft play, raptor racing and an interactive discovery cove, Dinotropolis promises an experience full of wonder and excitement! Find out more at bluewater.co.uk.

GRAVITY TRAMPOLINE PARK

For those looking for indoor fun, hop over to GraVity Trampoline Park, located in the lower hall of Bluewater’s Plaza (near the cinema) and spanning over 25,000 square feet. Guests are invited to tackle the world’s first two-storey Obstacle Adventure Course and a “hurricane alley” – for those who dare. For bookings and further information, visit www.gravity-uk.com/bluewater-dartford.

SHOPPING & DINING

Bluewater is the place for great Christmas shopping, with over 300 stores offering the latest brands and must-have gifts.

For gift inspiration visit Lego, Pravins and The White Company and for beauty lovers, newly opened Too Faced is packed with cosmetics to create the latest looks. Fashionistas are spoilt for choice too, with Arket, kate spade new york and Snow+Rock all offering the latest trends.

For stocking fillers, why not grab some stylish hats and cosy socks from Happy Socks and Barts Hats, or head to Soap Smith for handcrafted soaps and the Amazing Chocolate Workshop for quirky handmade chocolate.

If you’re looking for a festive tipple, Kent’s very own Anno Distillers cater for gin-aficionados and offer an exclusive gin blending and tasting experience. While local winery Chapel Down have a world-class range of sparkling and still wines, together with their award-winning range of Curious beers and cider.

For hungry shoppers in need of a break, there’s over 50 places to eat and drink including favourites such as Carluccio’s, Bill’s, wagamama and Pizza Express.

Bluewater, Europe’s leading retail and leisure destination, offers great shopping with free, extra wide parking, and with over 300 stores and dining at over 50 places to eat and drink. Plus, with a 17 screen Showcase Cinema de Lux, including IMAX and Gravity Trampoline Park there’s something for everyone. Find out more at bluewater.co.uk.

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | TO THE FANS

CLASS OF 2024-25 | TO THE FANS The matchday programme for our Playoff Final against Dover Athletic featured messages from the Dartford players to our supporters. For those who missed them, here are those messages: Josh Hill:"I just want to say a big thank you. The...

Dartford Borough Council marks 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe – a pivotal moment in our shared history. Following a poignant wreath-laying event on the actual day, Dartford Borough Council is marking this important anniversary on Sunday 18th May in Dartford’s Central...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | SEASON REVIEW

The Playoff Semi-Final saw Dartford host Cray Valley PM in a thrilling encounter on a lovely evening in Kent. The matchday programme that evening featured our review of the 2024-25 season. For those who missed it, here is the full article: As the 2024-25 Isthmian...

Forward2Employment: Empowering Young People with SEND to Succeed in the Workforce

Forward2Employment works alongside Fortis Trust to support young people, with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND), in Kent, to find permanent and purposeful employment. We provide Supported Internships for young adults, with an Education, Health and...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | THE RACE FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT

As Dartford hosted Carshalton Athletic on the final day of the regular season, our matchday programme featured four players who were chasing the Dartford Golden Boot. For those who missed it, here is the full article: Regardless of what happens come the end of this...

ULTRASUN AND SKINSENSE TO LAUNCH EXCLUSIVE PRE-SUMMER SPF & SKINCARE POP-UP AT BLUEWATER

The best-selling sun protection and targeted skincare brands’ store opens 8th May 2025. Lamellar-based UV protection brand Ultrasun and advanced skincare brand SkinSense are teaming up for a unique pop-up store at Kent’s Bluewater Shopping Centre, running from May 8th...

Home Instead Dartford Commits to Environmental Sustainability by Offsetting All Carbon Emissions

Home Instead Dartford, a leading local provider of in-home care for older adults, is taking significant action to reduce its environmental footprint by committing to offset 100% of its carbon emissions. This ambitious step covers all aspects of the business's...

NEXT to triple its footprint at Bluewater, with a new store opening in 2026

Bluewater has announced that leading retailer NEXT will significantly grow its presence at the Kent-based shopping centre by tripling its footprint. NEXT’s Bluewater store will become one of its largest stores in the UK once the doors open in 2026. The...

We Are Beams rated ‘OUTSTANDING’ by Ofsted

Dragons Retreat, a vital short breaks service run by local charity We Are Beams, has received the highest possible rating of ‘Outstanding’ from Ofsted following a rigorous and comprehensive inspection With six fully fitted bedrooms, Dragon’s Retreat is an independent...

Orchard West partners with Dartford Borough Council to launch a Spring/Summer Season of Community Events.

EVENTS INCLUDE: Community Fair – Sat 10 May, Sat 7 June, Sat 5 July – local businesses, makers, bakers, showcase their products and services in this free-to-attend event at Acacia Sports Hall. Open House – Sat 24 May 11am - Experience a special access-all-areas open...