Full list of Christmas events at Metrocentre Gateshead

The Gateshead-based shopping centre has been transformed into a "dazzling winter wonderland" with new experiences, festive events, and seasonal delights according to organisers who say this year's offering is the "perfect destination" for all your festive shopping, celebrations, and giving back this season.

Metrocentre will have extended opening hours over the festive period, open from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm on Saturdays, and 11am to 5pm on Sundays

Here's a full list of the Christmas events planned for the shopping centre:

Marie Curie Gift Wrapping Station 

The Marie Curie gift wrapping station will be in the upper town square from December 9 to December 24.

Volunteers from the charity will be on hand to wrap presents in return for a donation to the charity.

Dates: December 9 – December 24

Santa's Elf Academy And Grotto 

The centre's new interactive Christmas grotto experience will be open from November 16 to December 24 in the lower blue mall.

Children can join Santa’s Elf Academy, where they’ll complete fun activities like Northern Lights Laser Training and Stealthy Present-Placing Practice.

Each child will meet Santa and leave with a special gift.

SEND-friendly sessions are also available.

Dates: November 16 – December 24
Location: Lower Blue Mall
Prices: From £10 per child.

Nice Ice Baby Ice Rink

The real ice rink will be open from November 15 to January 5 in the yellow mall car park.

There will be group discounts and professional ice skating coaches offering lessons.

Dates: November 15 2024–January 5 2025
Location: Yellow Mall Car Park
Prices: From £9.90 per child.

Christmas Wreath Workshop

The Christmas wreath workshop will take place on November 28 from 7pm to 9pm in the Metrocentre Community Hub.

For £35 per person, participants will receive expert guidance, all materials, light refreshments, and a glass of fizz culminating in taking home their own Christmas wreath.

Places are limited and can be booked by contacting: flowersbyhayleynewcastle@gmail.com.

Date: Thursday November 28, 7pm - 9pm
Location: Metrocentre Community Hub

Fern & Ivy – Christmas Door Wreaths and Florals 

Fern & Ivy’s pop-up shop will be in the upper town square from November 22 to November 24.

They will be selling luxury fresh door wreaths, table centrepieces, and Christmas accessories.

Dates: November 22 - November 24 2024
Location: Upper Town Square

Mission Christmas Giving Box 

The Mission Christmas Giving Box will be in Exhibition Square from November 18 to December 18.

The centre is asking people to buy an extra gift during their visit to the centre and drop it off unwrapped into the Metrocentre Giving Box.

All donations will be distributed to disadvantaged children throughout the North East.

Dates: November 18 – December 18
Location: Exhibition Square, near Primark

Citizens Advice Winter Warmer Donation Point 

The Citizens Advice Winter Warmer Donation Point will be in the lower green mall.

The centre is asking people to donate essential items such as hats, scarves, or hot water bottles to help families stay warm during the colder months.

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Helen Atkinson, Metrocentre marketing manager, said: "We’re excited to bring even more festive magic to Metrocentre this Christmas, offering something for everyone—whether you're shopping for the perfect gift, enjoying seasonal entertainment, or taking advantage of our stress-free services.

"We want to help our visitors make the most of the season and create unforgettable memories with their loved ones."