Get ready to unwrap the festive magic as Centrale & Whitgift Shopping Centre transforms into a festive delight from November 30 to December 24, offering an array of joyful activities and heart-warming experiences for families this holiday season.

Strap on your skates and glide into the holiday spirit at the FREE Roller Rink in Centrale! From December 1 to Christmas Eve, visitors can revel in daily free roller-skating sessions, surrounded by vibrant street art by talented artist and Croydon’s own Alec Saunders. Beginners and skating enthusiasts alike are invited to skate against this striking backdrop, situated in a new location opposite House of Fraser in Centrale.

Adding to the excitement, younger visitors can unleash their creativity with doodle cubes while older siblings master their moves on the roller rink. Open daily from noon to 6pm (noon to 5pm on Sundays), this roller extravaganza is a not-to-be-missed experience by Centrale & Whitgift in partnership with Croydon BID.

Croydon Roller is free; however, visitors are encouraged to contribute what they can to support Reedham Children’s Trust via a digital payment stand at the event.

Whilst the Centrale centre is on a roll, visitors can step into the whimsical world of Santa’s Christmas Toy Box at The Whitgift. From November 30 to December 24, families will be greeted by enchanting characters like the Toy Soldier, Wind-up Dolly, Jack-in-the-Box, and end by meeting the man of the season himself, Santa Claus. This interactive theatrical experience promises games, dancing, and memorable photo opportunities. For just £6 per child (with up to 2 adults going free), each group will meet Santa, receive a photograph, and a special Christmas-themed book.

After your visit to Santa’s Christmas Toy Box, indulge your nostalgia with a visit to Pollocks Toy Museum pop-up in The Whitgift, arriving late November. Celebrating local toy factory, Barton & Co Toys, and featuring displays of Tri-ang toys by Libes Bros, this exhibit promises workshops and engaging events for families. Pollock’s Toy Museum is London’s oldest historical Toy Museum, after a historic 53 years in Fitzrovia the museum’s temporary home is now in Croydon’s Whitgift centre.

This holiday season, Centrale & Whitgift also extends a warm invitation to Croydon schools and community groups to join in the inaugural Christmas Carol Competition – a celebration of local talent, embracing the vibrant spirit of the Croydon community! Taking place on December 11, 12, and 13 at Whitgift Square, this lively competition is set to honour the finest Croydon voices, presenting an opportunity to seize a £500 cash prize! Schools and groups are encouraged to secure their performance slots by applying, and the victors will be announced on December 15th. Applications are open now, for further details head here.

Spread joy through the Giving Tree Gift Appeal! From November 27 to December 24, Centrale & Whitgift will host Giving Trees, inviting visitors to become Secret Santas for vulnerable children and families in Croydon. Simply select a tag, purchase a gift, and place it, unwrapped, in the designated donation box. Partnering with Reedham Children’s Trust, this initiative aims to support those in need during the festive season.

Last year saw over 700 presents donated, benefiting numerous vulnerable children in Croydon.

To accommodate your Christmas shopping needs, Centrale & Whitgift will extend their opening hours from December 11 to 24. Enjoy shopping until 8pm from Monday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

Join us at Centrale & Whitgift for a season filled with joy, generosity, and memories. Don’t miss out on the magic!