The team behind Cribbs' Christmas attraction has announced the plans for this year's Winter Wonderland with the return of everyone's favourite bear. Paddington will be back at The Mall in Cribbs Causeway this year offering free storytelling and meet-and-greet sessions as soon as next month.
Cribbs' festive attraction - which is said to be the biggest in the South West - promises its largest grotto ever this year along with the return of the magical outdoor ice rink. The ice skating rink is situated right in the heart of the Winter Wonderland surrounded by enchanting snow-topped Christmas trees, bookable for 30-minute sessions at £10.50 for children and £12.50 for adults.
Children of all ages are invited to Santa’s Marvellous Marmalade Adventure Grotto where they'll have the opportunity to meet Santa and his elves to learn all about their world. Grotto tickets are priced at £12.50 for children and £2/£5 for adults. The experience lasts around 20 minutes, including your time with Santa.
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In between the Christmas shopping, families will also have the opportunity to meet with Paddington at storytelling sessions in his cosy Christmas tipi. The sessions are free of charge to ensure they are accessible to the whole community.
Lizzie Taylor, Head of Marketing for Cribbs, said: “We are honoured to be welcoming our good friend Paddington back to the centre for another incredible Christmas event! We’re also thrilled to bring our outdoor ice rink back for all the families who treasure the event as one of their annual festive traditions.
"We are very aware that this year may bring financial challenges for some of our local families so we have chosen to make the Paddington meet and greet sessions free of charge to ensure everyone gets a chance to meet their favourite bear!"
Sessions to meet Paddington will run throughout each day, with everyone being offered the chance to have an official photo of their group with the bear. A limited number of spaces will be available to reserve in advance, but there will also be walk-up spaces available for each session on the day.
From 10.30am-12.30pm every weekday, under 5s and their guardians will be treated to exclusive use of the ice rink and a storytelling session with Paddington for £5 a ticket. With the use of the seal skating aids thrown in for free, the little ones can skate and play to their hearts' content at the toddler-only session.
Cribbs' Winter Wonderland with Paddington opens on November 16 and runs every day until January 2, excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Each activity - meeting Paddington, the grotto and the skating - must be booked separately.
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