Bluewater shopping centre grotto and ice rink tickets for 2019 go on sale

A shopping centre has put both its grotto and ice rink tickets on sale.

The kids may have only just returned to the classroom but Bluewater Shopping Centre is already thinking ahead to Christmas and it's not the only attraction in Kent opening grotto ticket sales.

The Greenhithe shopping centre's grotto and ice rink will open on Thursday, November 14 with the grotto closing on Christmas Eve and the ice rink on Sunday, January 5.

Both will once again be next to the lakes at The Village.

A world of majesty and fantasy is promised at Bluewater's Grotto this year which is based on the festive story of The Nutcracker and the Realms.

Visitors will be met by a toy soldier guard who will give each child a golden key before they enter Realm Of Flowers, where a snowly owl will tell the story of Clara, her toys and amazing toy box. Clara needs the children’s help to open a small wooden box and discover toys representing the Realms and it’s characters including The Nutcracker, the Mouse King, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Gingerbread Solider.

Visitors will visit the Realm of Sweets where children will collect a crown or tiara before making a festive craft in the sweet-themed room ahead of their visit to the Realm of Snowflakes a magical room of icicles and snowflakes for photo opportunities before that all-important visit to Father Christmas.

Each child will have a one-to-one visit with Father Christmas, says Bluewater, and be given a collectable plush toy to take home and be able to purchase a photo and other keepsakes.

Two adults can visit free with every grotto booking with tickets for children ranging from £14.50 to £10.50 depending on the time and day of your visit.

The outdoor ice rink, which has a clear roof to enable visitors to enjoy the attraction whatever the weather is also now open for bookings.

Once again there are skating aids for children, bob skates for those wishing to be more steady on the ice and skate lessons also available together with baby and toddler mornings and special events with kmfm!

Ice skating tickets range from £11 off peak for adults and £9 for children and £14 for adults and £11.50 for children in 'prime' periods. Family tickets are £34, £39.50 and £41 for off-peak, peak and prime sessions. To book your tickets or for further information on both please click here.

• For a full round-up of other Kent attractions and venues now putting their Santa's Grotto tickets on sale please click here.