Magic of Christmas, Santa's grotto and a Christmas Trail

Fresh from his sleigh journey from the North Pole, Father Christmas is used his magical powers to transform one of Flemingate’s units into an enchanting Christmas kingdom.

Snow-capped trees, twinkling lights and a wintery landscape will surround a magnificent castle where Santa’s busy band of elves work night and day to make all the presents for local boys and girls.

You can meet Santa and his magical elves for just £5, which includes a Christmas gift. Tickets are available at the grotto or you can book in advance on the Flemingate website at www.flemingate.co.uk

Opening times for the grotto vary, so please check on the Flemingate website. Group discounts for school and nursery visits are also available. Please call 01482 320088 for details.

The grotto will make Flemingate an even more fabulous place to visit during the festive season when the centre will be a magnet for Christmas shoppers.

A Christmas Trail also launches on Saturday, November 19, at Flemingate when visitors can collect festive clues from shops and restaurants at the popular centre. Once all the clues are collected, people will need to decipher a coded message for a chance to win an amazing family hamper of gifts and five runners-up prizes.

The Christmas Trail will run until midnight on Thursday, December 22. Entry forms are available at all stores and the winner will be drawn on Friday, December 23.

Mr Tait added: “Father Christmas is arriving at Flemingate soon, but the Christmas shopping season is well and truly under way here. We’re really busy welcoming people from near and far to Flemingate to experience a fabulous Christmas time.

“With some of the biggest names in retail, great restaurants and cafés, the area’s biggest Santa’s grotto, the Christmas trail and so much more, Flemingate really is the place to be this festive time.”