With Christmas just around the corner, Centrale and Whitgift shopping centres have launched a plethora of events to help Croydon locals celebrate the festive season. The Christmas extravaganza which launched on Friday at both centres includes Elf Workshops in The Whitgift, Gingerbread House Workshops in Centrale and the all new magical pop up Santa’s Grotto in Centrale.

Elf Workshops

Santa’s chief elves in the Elf training pop up at The Whitgift will be teaching little ones the essential skills required to become the perfect Elf to help mums and dads get ready for Christmas. Taking place opposite Whitgift Square, attendees will also be able to personalise their own plates ready for Santa and Rudolph’s Christmas Eve treats as well as decorating a jolly nutcracker tree decoration to take home with them.

Gingerbread House Decorating Workshops

Back by popular demand, Centrale’s Gingerbread House Decorating Workshops will take place opposite House of Fraser on the ground floor of the centre. Families will be able to decorate their own mini gingerbread houses before taking them home to enjoy.

Festive fun at the Elf and Gingerbread House Decorating workshops will run from 11am until 4pm and will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 19th November until 19th December. From 20th December, the workshops will run daily until Christmas Eve. Both events at The Whitgift and Centrale are free, however the centres this year are working with Reedham Children’s Trust and are asking for attendees to the workshops to make donations. 100 per cent of the proceeds will go to the charity which supports the vulnerable children of Croydon.

The Giving Tree Gift Appeal

To continue the support of the fantastic work that Reedham Children’s Trust do for the local community, Centrale & Whitgift’s annual Giving Tree Appeal launched on Friday 19th November. Like previous years, shoppers can visit the seven-foot trees, select a tag which correlates to a child or teenager that is in need and visit one of the many stores to purchase a present for them. Once delivered back to The Giving Tree, Santa’s little helpers from the Trust (also known as staff and volunteers) will pick the gifts up to ensure they get to vulnerable children and teenagers in Croydon.

Santa’s Grotto

For shoppers wanting to feel even more festive, Santa has landed in the Cronx at Centrale . In collaboration with Croydon Business Improvement District and located opposite House of Fraser, visitors will take a special journey through the magical new pop-up grotto. They will be able to meet Santa’s elf helpers who will guide them through the enchanting Christmas experience before meeting the big guy himself.

Tickets start from £6, which includes a gift and must be booked in advance by visiting the Centrale website. Photo opportunities will also be available with Santa and can be purchased for an additional cost upon exiting the grotto.

Joanne Bailey, General Manager at Centrale Shopping Centre said, “Christmas is such a special occasion, particularly this year after not being able to host Christmas events last year or celebrate with all of our family and friends, so we’re delighted to be able to help bring the community of Croydon together to not only celebrate an extra special Christmas this year, but also support children in need this festive season. Reedham Children’s Trust do such fantastic work throughout our town, and we encourage visitors to Centrale and Whitgift to give as generously as possible to help spread the Christmas cheer to one and all.”

For more information on the Christmas activities taking place at Centrale and Whitgift and to book tickets to visit Santa at his Grotto, visit https://www.centraleandwhitgift.co.uk/events