Believe Christmas experience returns to Bluewater shopping centre in Greenhithe, near Dartford, with an ice rink, funfair and Santa’s grotto this winter
Believe, the enchanted Christmas experience, is returning for the holidays with a covered ice rink, Santa’s grotto and outdoor Winterland.
Tickets will soon go on sale for the festive event, which takes place at Bluewater shopping centre in Greenhithe, near Dartford.
After a sell-out debut in 2020, Believe returns to the Kent shopping hub for one month from Friday, November 25 until Christmas Eve.
The experience begins inside a Christmas cavern where guests can meet McJingles the elf and his reindeer friend, Norbert. Children can decorate their own bag of reindeer food before heading into the grotto, where they will meet Santa and receive a gift to take home.
Bluewater will also see the return of the outdoor undercover ice rink this winter.
The ice rink boasts a clear roof which means it can be used in all weathers, and will offer quiet sessions, parent and toddler sessions and party nights alongside standard skating slots.
The ice rink will be open daily from Thursday, November 17 to Sunday, January 1.
Winterland, the Christmas outdoor fair, will also open its doors this November for visitors to enjoy festive funfair rides, games and attractions.
Visitors can follow the luminaire promenade to the fair, which includes everything from thrilling rides to traditional favourites such as the bumper cars and waltzers.
This year, for the first time, Winterland will also become home to the Observation Wheel, a 40-metre high wheel from which riders can capture spectacular views of Bluewater and the surrounding area.
There will be a number of food and drink stands open at the fair selling sweet treats, mulled wine and hot chocolate.
James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, said: “The Believe Christmas grotto was fantastically received last year and, with a few magical enhancements, we’re excited to announce that it’s back for 2022.
“What we love about Believe is that it offers a full festive, interactive experience as well as the chance to meet Santa himself which will create Christmas memories to treasure forever.
“While guests join us for their annual Christmas grotto visits, the ice rink and Winterland will be right outside, providing parents with all the components they need for a fantastic family day out this Christmas. As all attractions are likely to be incredibly popular – Believe sold out in 2021 - we’re advising guests to book early to guarantee their visit.”
Tickets for all Christmas activities were due to go on sale on Friday, September 9 but this has been postponed because of the death of the Queen last week and will now go on sale Wednesday, September 21. More details about what is planned can be found here.
Ticket prices for each attraction are below:
Believe Christmas grotto: £14.50 per child and £5.50 per adult (plus an online booking fee)
Ice rink: Tickets start at £14.50 for adults and £12.50 for children
Winterland: Entry costs £3 per person, with tokens for rides and stalls available to purchase on-site or online.
