An autism-friendly Santa’s Grotto, free presents and other Christmas attractions are awaiting children and adults at the Buttermarket Centre in December.
Father Christmas and his elves will visit the shopping centre through the first three weekends of December and will be giving out free presents.
There is no need to pre-book, just head on down to the centre between 11am and 4pm on Saturday, December 3, 10, 17 and 18 or from 12pm to 4pm on Sunday, December 4 and 11.
This year the Buttermarket has teamed up with ADHD&Autism.org to provide the best possible experience through their sensory-friendly grotto sessions.
An array of choirs will join the shoppers throughout the month, with appearances from St Elizabeth Hospice, East Coast Collective and Funky Voices.
The Buttermarket will also launch a range of competitions with Christmas prizes.
The shopping centre aims to surprise its customers with the digital advent calendar, where shoppers can secure their Christmas lists, including vouchers, toys and the most wanted gifts.
The Buttermarket will be hosting a Big Christmas Workshop for families on December 20 from 11am to 5pm.
The magical elves will be providing a huge range of Christmas festivities, including face painting and Christmas arts and crafts.
This will give the children one last chance to see Father Christmas’s helpers before they prepare for the big day.
Rebecca Bird, centre manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to kick off our festive season with our Christmas launch event but also offer a free Father Christmas grotto along with our Big Christmas Workshop.
“We appreciate it’s been a tough year and with the ever-rising cost of living, we want to ensure all local children get the chance to have a festive experience without the added costs.
“We are also running a variety of competitions, giving families a chance to win a festive experience and promoting the various offers and deals our restaurants, retailers and entertainment units have on offer.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here