The Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland is delivering the magic of Christmas with an exciting line-up of family events, including the return of Santa’s Ice Castle Grotto and extended shopping hours.
The centre has created a festive programme designed to keep the spirit of Christmas alive and entertain visitors of all ages, ensuring everyone is prepared for the big day.
The Bridges will once again be home to Santa’s Ice Castle Grotto for the third year, offering children the chance to meet Father Christmas himself. Complementing the visit, families can also climb aboard Santa’s magical VR sleigh ride for an unforgettable snowy lapland adventure. Both events will run from November 22 through to December 24.
From 22 November to 14 December, the Grotto will be open daily from 10.30am-4.30pm and 11am-3.30pm on Sunday, including late visits until 6.30pm every Thursday.
The final week before Christmas, 15-23 December, will feature longer hours, with Santa welcoming families until 6.30pm from Monday to Saturday.
On Christmas Eve, the Grotto will open its doors at 9am for last-minute visitors, closing at 4pm to allow Father Christmas to prepare for his big journey.
The Magical VR Sleigh Ride will be available Thursday to Sunday from 22 November to 14 December. Opening 10.30am-6.30pm on Thursday, 10.30am-4.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 11am-3.30pm on Sunday.
Opening hours for the VR Sleigh Ride extend during the final week before Christmas, from 10.30am-6.30pm Monday to Saturday, 11am-3.30pm on Sunday 22 and 9am-4pm on Christmas Eve.
For those who benefit from a calmer environment, a Quiet Hour will be observed for the Grotto and VR Sleigh Ride every Sunday from 11am-12pm.
Tickets for the Grotto can be purchased at the Grotto kiosk before queuing and are £2.50pp or £5pp with the Magical VR Sleigh Ride.
Beyond the Grotto, the fun continues with magic mischief and mayhem at Waterstones Café where families can enjoy Breakfast with the Grinch.
Guests can expect festive mischief, Christmas crafts, story time and a magical visit to Santa’s Ice Castle Grotto, including a special gift.
The breakfast events will take place Sunday 7, 14 and 21 December, 8.30am-10am. Tickets are £11 per child and £6 per adult, and can be purchased here.
It wouldn’t be Christmas at the Bridges without the annual Reindeer Dash, hosted by and raising funds for the Red Sky Foundation.
Families can join the festive run around the centre along with surprise guests and activities on Sunday 30 November, 8am-10am. Tickets for the reindeer dash are £7.50pp and can be purchased here.
Shoppers will be able to shop for longer across the centre with late-night shopping every Thursday until 7pm, and extended opening hours all week from December 15-20 and December 22-23 - giving plenty of time to purchase those last minute presents from some of our stores, including; Primark, JD Sports, The Entertainer, Hotel Chocolat, Pandora and so many more.
Shoppers can also park in the Bridges car park for just £1 during late-night shopping hours between 5pm-7pm.
Karen Eve, Centre Director at the Bridges said: “The countdown to Christmas is on at the Bridges and we’re excited to unveil this year's festive programme of events.
“The return of Santa’s Ice Castle Grotto, the Magical VR Sleigh Ride, Breakfast with the Grinch and the annual Reindeer Dash, allow families to come together, create memories and keep the magic of Christmas alive.”
Karen added: “We’re pleased to have late-night shopping back at the centre, so we can be here for all your Christmas needs, from party outfits and sparkling jewellery, to must have toys and fragrances - there’s something for everyone at the Bridges.”
Full details of all activities, timings and prices are available on the website: www.thebridges-shopping.com