The festive season will be launched in Bracknell, as The Lexicon switches on its Christmas lights.
The shopping centre will welcome Santa Claus, and the Rock Choir, for the celebration event.
It will be held from 5.30pm on Friday, November 15, and include community carol singing to get people into the festive spirit.
Rob Morris, general manager at The Lexicon, said they had shaken up their festive offerings, which include new lights and the return of Santa’s Grotto.
“We believe that a combination of the new festivities and traditional favourites like local entertainers, the festive market, free trail and more, will create a delightful festive ambience for all the family to enjoy,” he said.
Shooting stars for shooting selfies
New attractions this year will include a giant shooting star.
The Lexicon says this will be placed on The Avenue, next to the Fenwick department store, and will be perfect for festive selfies.
As a result, it is offering a social media photo contest, called Snap, Tag and Share.
This runs across the festive period.
Santa will be in his grotto
Afterwards, Santa will head to his grotto to make the final preparations for its grand opening the following day.
Entry will be via an enchancted elevator, which transports families to the North Pole where friendly elves await.
A walk through the Arctic landscape, which has been given a festive makeover, is promised before they have an opportunity to open the door to Santa’s cabin.
The big man will welcome visitors and take present requests, before giving an early gift for youngsters to enjoy ahead of December 25.
Places can be booked in advance, and there will be SEND sessions.
Santa will be in residence until Christmas Eve.
Off-peak sessions are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, before Friday, December 13. These cost £9.50 per child, plus a £2.50 booking fee.
Peak sessions are weekends and every day from Monday, December 16 through to Christmas Eve. These cost £12.50 per child, plus a £2.50 booking fee.
For more details, or to book, visit The Lexicon’s website where a special Santa’s Grotto page has been set up: https://www.thelexiconbracknell.com/events/christmas-2024-grotto
Reindeer Trail
A free activity trail will be held across The Lexicon in the run-up to Christmas, giving families an additional event to take part in.
Trail leaflets are available to pick up from the centre, and those participating will be tasked with searching for reindeers which have been carefully hidden.
Prizes are available for those taking part.
Christmas market
Another attraction will be a mini-Christmas market, featuring a lucky 13 wooden shacks set up near the giant Christmas tree.
They will sell a selection of gifts and seasonal food and drinks … with the tempting smell of mulled wine, and sausages to whet appetites.
Seasonal entertainment at weekends and late-night shopping evenings
The Lexicon will be offering free entertainment on selected evenings to make late-night shopping more enjoyable.
They will also be offering free mulled wine and mince pies on those evenings.
The selected dates are Thursday, December 19; Friday, December 20; and Monday, December 23.
The entertainment will also be performed on weekends.
Cllr Paul Bidwell, cabinet member for economy and regeneration at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “The town centre, decked with lights and the popular Christmas Market stalls will provide a welcoming festive venue for everyone.
“There are free activities for visitors to enjoy plus community initiatives, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks.”
How to get free parking at The Lexicon
The Lexicon is also offering free parking in its car parks on selected dates in the run-up to Christmas.
It is for shoppers who spend £30 or more on three late-night shopping evenings.
The selected dates are Thursday, December 19; Friday, December 20; and Monday, December 23.
More details are available at: https://www.thelexiconbracknell.com/
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