Santa Claus is coming to Northampton shopping centre with Christmas parade and winter workshop
Families can enjoy festive performances and a Christmas parade before Santa opens his Winter Workshop at Weston Favell Shopping Centre, with visits available until Christmas Eve
Father Christmas will arrive at a Northampton shopping centre on his sleigh this month as a festive parade launches six weeks of seasonal activities for families.
Weston Favell Shopping Centre is preparing to open Santa's Winter Workshop on Saturday, November 14, with entertainment planned to celebrate his arrival.
The event, organised with Glow, will begin with live festive performances at 11am before a Christmas parade sets off around the shopping centre at 1pm.
Father Christmas will travel through the centre on his sleigh before arriving at the Winter Workshop at approximately 1.30pm, when the grotto will open to visitors.
Entertainment will continue until 3pm, giving shoppers and families the opportunity to enjoy the celebrations.
The workshop will remain open on selected dates until Thursday, December 24, offering children the chance to meet Father Christmas, have their photograph taken and receive a gift.
Tickets start at £6.50 per child for midweek visits, with an additional online booking fee of 45p per ticket.
Premium tickets for December 17 to 24 cost £7.50 per child, plus the same booking fee.
A limited number of tickets may also be available on the day, priced at £8.50 per child, although these cannot be guaranteed.
Organisers are encouraging families to book in advance, particularly during busier periods, as walk-up tickets may not be offered when online slots have sold out.
Every child entering the grotto, including babies, must have a ticket, while accompanying adults can enter free of charge.
However, no more than two adults are permitted per visit because of space restrictions inside the workshop.
Bookings are limited to four visitors per time slot, meaning larger groups requiring five tickets or more will need to reserve an additional slot.
Visitors are asked to arrive at their allocated time and have their tickets ready to be scanned, either electronically or in printed form.
The organisers warn that waiting times may exceed 15 minutes during busy periods.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, and photographs or other souvenirs may be purchased separately.
The venue operates without cash, so visitors should be prepared to pay by card for additional purchases.
Bookings can be made through TicketSource, with details available through Weston Favell Shopping Centre's website.
The opening parade will give families an opportunity to welcome Father Christmas before the workshop continues through the festive season.