Festive Cheer Comes to St James: The Doddridge Centre Announces Packed Christmas Programme for the Community
The Doddridge Centre in St James is gearing up to spread festive magic across Northampton this December with a heartwarming line-up of community events, family-friendly activities, and vital seasonal appeals designed to ensure nobody is left behind this Christmas.
From a magical Polar Express-themed grotto to a travelling bus giving visits from Father Christmas himself directly into the community, the centre based at 109 St James Road is pulling out all the stops to support local families and older residents during the festive period.
The Polar Express Grotto – Saturday, 5th December (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Families are invited to step into a winter wonderland on Saturday, 5th December, between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, as the Doddridge Centre transforms into a Polar Express-themed grotto. The event will feature a range of free festive activities for children and families to enjoy together. For those hoping to share their Christmas wishes in person, there is also the option to visit Santa in his grotto for just £2.50 per child, making magical festive memories accessible for everyone.
The Santa Bus – Thursday, 17th December (5:00 PM – 7:30 PM)
Father Christmas will be taking his sleigh off-road on Thursday, 17th December, as the Doddridge Centre’s Santa Bus hits the streets of the local community. Setting off from the Doddridge Centre at 5:00 PM and returning around 7:30 PM, the bus will be travelling along routes including Abbey Street, Fife Street, and the Gladstone Road shops.
Spreading joy directly to doorsteps, the team will be handing out small gifts and essential Christmas supplies to residents, bringing festive spirit straight to the heart of the neighbourhood. Specific stop times will be updated live on the centre's social media channels on the evening so families know exactly when to head out and wave and meet Santa and his Elves.
NLive Radio Present Appeal - Donations Close Sunday, 6th December
Alongside its events, the centre is proud to partner with the NLive Radio Present Appeal to ensure local children wake up to a gift on Christmas morning. As a key community hub, the Doddridge Centre will help collect, sort, and distribute donated presents directly to Northampton families facing financial hardship this winter.
Donations can be dropped off in the collection box located in the main hall of the Doddridge Centre up until the deadline on Sunday, 6th December. If you can't make it to the centre in person, the team may be able to arrange a collection- just get in touch via [email protected].
Sponsor a Senior
Recognising that Christmas can be a lonely or difficult time for older members of the community, the Doddridge Centre has launched its Sponsor a Senior initiative. For a donation of just £5, members of the public can fund a full, traditional Christmas dinner - complete with all the festive trimmings and joy - for a local senior citizen. Sponsors are also invited to include a personal festive message with their donation, letting an older resident know that someone in their community is thinking of them and cares.
In addition to meal sponsorships, the centre is welcoming donations of small gifts to wrap and include for the seniors, such as puzzle books, winter warmers, and biscuits. All sponsorships and gift donations must be received by Monday, 14th December.
How to Get Involved: Whether you want to bring the family along to the Polar Express Grotto, donate to the NLive Present Appeal, or sponsor a senior’s Christmas dinner, the Doddridge Centre welcomes support from local residents and businesses.
For more information on event times, how to drop off toy donations, or how to sponsor a senior, visit the Doddridge Centre at 109 St James Road, Northampton,NN5 5LD or visit www.doddridgecentre.org.uk/events. You can also follow their latest updates on social media.