Bluewater launches Christmas event Believe which will open on November 20 and close on Christmas Eve

A shopping centre has abandoned its traditional Santa's grotto attraction in favour of a new 'immersive' experience for families this Christmas.
Bluewater, which has admitted 'things will be a little different this year' has this week unveiled its all new experience for the festive season called Believe.

In previous years the Greenhithe shopping centre has welcomed Father Christmas and his elves to an outside grotto, visited by thousands of families, alongside an undercover ice rink with festive food and drink stalls.

But like many attractions and events this winter, which have fallen victim to coronavirus and the latest government restrictions, Bluewater too has made changes in order to be able to bring some festival magic to families this winter.

Described as an 'immersive experience which will see guests embark upon an enchanting festive journey' Believe will open on Friday, November 20 and remain open until Christmas Eve.

Organisers, who remain tight lipped about the exact nature of the attraction, say that it will not include a one-to-one meeting with Father Christmas because it is not a grotto experience, but that the man himself will feature as part of the event which is being described as most suitable for children aged 18 months to 12.

Tickets go on general sale from Wednesday, September 23 at 10am and cost from £12.50 per child (including a gift per child and one photograph per group) and £5 per adult. But prices, are however, dependent on the date families choose to book.

Families can book up to five tickets online and visitors are being advised to make arrangements in advance to avoid disappointment.

Believe will also respond, says the website, to all of the latest government restrictions surrounding coronavirus, which will include asking all adults and young people aged 12 and over to wear a face mask when visiting the attraction.

For further information, to book tickets (available from Wednesday), and to read additional terms and conditions of ticket purchases please click here .

For more suggestions of things to do with the kids in Kent please visit www.mykentfamily.co.uk