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Christmas: This year’s festive events line-up at Cambridge’s Grand Arcade




Cambridge’s Grand Arcade is not only the place to go to tick off your festive shopping list: thanks to its glittering decorations and an imaginative events line-up, it’s the place to go to make magical Christmas memories too, as Velvet discovers

The Christmas decorations at Grand Arcade can't fail to lift festive spirits
The Christmas decorations at Grand Arcade can't fail to lift festive spirits

Boost Christmas Spirit
The arcade’s red, white, green and gold decorations can’t fail to boost festive spirits. Look up to see full-size fairy-lit fir trees and giant gilded baubles suspended from the ceilings!

A festive photo opportunity at Grand Arcade
A festive photo opportunity at Grand Arcade

Snap a Festive Photo
The festive photo area, which took socials by storm last year, is returning to Grand Arcade’s atrium. A red and gold throne set against a fir arch decked with bright baubles, cute candy canes and classic Nutcrackers, it’s topped with a Merry & Bright neon sign. Who could resist posing for a family photo? Or snapping a selfie?

Grand Arcade Talking Postbox
Grand Arcade Talking Postbox

Send Santa Post
Little visitors can send letters to Santa via the Grand Arcade’s snow-topped talking letterbox, located on the first floor. Pick up a special letter template, fill it in and pop it in the box any time from now to Christmas Eve. One lucky sender will then be selected at random to win a Polarn O. Pyret child’s outfit as an extra gift!

Follow the Gingerbread Trail
This year’s festive family trail takes a gingerbread theme: as you walk around Grand Arcade, keep your eyes peeled for six 3ft gingerbread characters, hidden around the halls! Each characters being decorated by pupils at local primary schools.

Rudolph will be carolling on the first floor
Rudolph will be carolling on the first floor

Sing Along with Rudolph
A hit with visitors of all ages last Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is returning to the first floor of the shopping centre as part of an expanded animatronic display. Accompanied by his penguin friend, Rudolph will sing a selection of carols to keep you whistling while you shop. . .

An animatronic bear will tell Christmas stories
An animatronic bear will tell Christmas stories

Have a Bear-time Story
An animatronic bear will be telling Christmas stories on Grand Arcade’s ground floor. Sitting outside his snowy forest cabin, dressed ready for bed in his nightshirt and cap, the bear will be ready to tell spontaneous festive tales to visiting families.

Meet Mrs Claus
Mrs Claus is bringing her much-loved story and song sessions back to Grand Arcade this December. Aimed at 2 to 10-year-olds, the 25-minute sessions are running on Saturday 2, Sunday 3, Saturday 9, Sunday 10, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 December. Places are free but, with numbers limited, they must be booked - go to grandarcade.co.uk/events/mrs-claus to reserve yours!
Under-3s must sit with an accompanying adult and all children should be supervised throughout.

Grand Arcade is home to more than 50 premium brands, from John Lewis & Partners, Oliver Bonas, Phase Eight and Russell & Bromley to All Saints, Ted Baker, Charles Tyrwhitt and Gant. For a full list of stores, opening times and autumn/winter events, visit grandarcade.co.uk


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