There was a very special visitor at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children this week, as Santa celebrated his return to CastleCourt with a festive delivery.
Before taking residence in his grotto at the Royal Avenue shopping centre this weekend, Santa delivered his first gifts of the year to over 100 children currently at the children’s hospital, all donated by CastleCourt, with many purchased at the city centre’s only toy shop, The Entertainer.
Jacklyn Jameson, Play Services Coordinator at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children commented; “It is so special for Santa to have come and visited us today, we have not had such a visit in three years, so it is so exciting that CastleCourt has made it happen for the children. It is Santa’s first visit of the season, and we are very lucky that he has chosen us!”
Santa will parade through Belfast city centre this Saturday (19 November) before taking residence at CastleCourt Shopping Centre’s Winter Wonderland right up until Christmas Eve.
At the parade, spectators can expect lively music from Beat Carnival, who will lead the procession of dancers, beloved children characters, festive surprises, the cast of the pantomime Aladdin at the Waterfront Hall, plus Santa and Mrs Claus and the Elves at the Parade which kicks off from 12 noon this Saturday 19 November, and dances down Royal Avenue to CastleCourt’s front doors.
Activities in the centre itself will kick off from 11am with face painting and festive magic throughout the mall with CastleCourt’s Christmas characters.
Leona Barr, Centre Manager at CastleCourt added; “We wanted to include everyone as we begin our Christmas countdown and season of magical festivities here at CastleCourt, so taking our Santa experience to the children who can’t make it to us was very special.
“The Santa Parade has become a firm fixture to kick of Christmas in Belfast city centre as it takes place before the City Council’s festive celebrations later in the evening. We’ll officially welcome our famous Santa back to his Winter Wonderland Grotto in store and invite visitors to enjoy all the fun with us, while browsing our fantastic stores – including the only toy shop in the city centre, The Entertainer.”
Christmas 2022 is a vital season of revitalisation for the city, with Primark re-opening after a four-year closure, and the first year since the COVID pandemic that traders can hope for a full Christmas shopping turn out.
Leona continued; “In the past two years, we have increased our retailer offering alongside our hospitality offering, which will of course get a boost when our renovation completes.
“It is vital we continue to work with local businesses leaders and Belfast City Council to develop a full portfolio of shops and facilities that appeal to everyone, and drive footfall back into the city centre. We are really looking forward to all we have to offer this Christmas, and seeing the city thriving once again.”
Santa’s Winter Wonderland Grotto is open from 19November until Christmas Eve on level one of CastleCourt Shopping Centre. Visits are charged at £7per child, which includes a chat with Santa and an age-appropriate gift. Photographs with Santa can be purchased separately.
CastleCourt’s grotto is open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm and Sunday, 1pm – 5pm. For more, visit castlecourt-uk.com.
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