The Cheshire Oaks designer outlet is transforming itself ahead of its spectacular Christmas switch-on this Wednesday (November 8).
Britain’s biggest shopping village is preparing to kick off the festive season with Christmas features appearing around the malls including the iconic Cheshire Oaks christmas tree, Europe’s largest walk-in artificial tree standing as tall as seven buses. Shops too are taking on a festive feel.
Visitors to the McArthurGlen village, close to the M56 and the M53, will have a treat for the eyes and the ears as they enjoy live performances and an explosive musical firework display to launch the Christmas switch-on.
Apart from the terrific tree, back to delight the crowds, the popular Christmas Corner will be bigger and better than ever.
People will be able to join Leanne and Dave, from the Radio City Breakfast Show, from 6.30pm on the big day as the centre gears up to switch on 100,000 twinkling lights across the village.
Clean Cut Kid, the local band from Liverpool, will be performing at 8pm with a 30-minute live performance from their latest album Felt.
Firework champions Blitz will launch the official switch-on at 8.30pm with an explosive 10-minute musical firework display to light up the centre with a bang.
The dazzling event will see magical archways leading to the Christmas Corner with an Après themed bar decked and decorated in traditional style for those looking to warm up with mouth-watering food and warming winter drinks.
The area will also host a carousel, a German bar selling beers and gluhwein, a festive swing grill and the Cheshire Cheese and Wine Company. Hot chocolate, crepes and pick ‘n’ mix will all be on offer.
From Friday, November 10 the centre will open the doors to the magical walk-in tree with children able to join Mr and Mrs Claus from 4.30pm to 8pm to decorate their own robin or Rudolph cookie in a festive cookie shop.
Shoppers will also be able to meet Santa on his sleigh and marvel at Chester Zoo’s much-loved animal lanterns in an exclusive sneak peak at the zoo’s wintertime extravaganza, The Lanterns, ahead of its official launch on November 24, running on selected dates until December 30.
An array of live performance characters from the zoo will also be on hand to spread even more spellbinding, illuminating, theatrical adventure.
On various dates throughout the festive season, Santa will be visiting nearby Café Rouge, close to the Christmas Corner, for breakfast.
Children dining at the restaurant with a paying adult on those dates will receive a complimentary breakfast as well as a chocolate treat.
They will also be entertained with arts and crafts and will be able to give Santa their Christmas wish-list.
This year, McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks will be supporting the NSPCC as its charity partner with the centre’s renowned walk-in tree staffed by local volunteers.
Although entrance will be free, a recommended donation of £1 is suggested to support the charity’s work.
An NSPCC spokesperson said: “We are delighted that McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks have chosen to support us in our fight for every childhood.
“Every penny donated will go towards helping to protect children in Cheshire and across the country.”
From the grand opening on November 8, shoppers will be able to enjoy late-night shopping as the malls will remain open until 9pm on weeknights, extending until 10pm from November 27.
The festivities will continue across the centre with over 145 premium, high street and designer brands offering great gifts and festive fashion, all up to 60% less than the RRP, with shoppers enjoying what are described as fantastic savings and offers.
