All aboard! The Queensgate Santa Express is coming to town this Christmas

Shoppers and families will be ‘chuffed’ this year to see Queensgate Shopping Centre’s grotto return in the form of the Santa Express, plus a new experience that is out of this world, all of which launches in spectacular fashion on Saturday 18 November at 2pm.

This year’s festive season promises to offer all the magic and wonder of Christmas packed with sparkling entertainment, magical activities, and snowfalls of happy memory moments for the whole family.

Located in North Square the Santa Express has arrived from the North Pole and landed in the heart of Peterborough City Centre to bring joy to all. The famous grotto will be home to Santa all the way up until Christmas Eve where visitors to the centre can share their festive wishes. Tickets can be purchased at www.BookFatherChristmas.co.uk/Queensgate

Under a canopy of new decorations in Queensgate, the spectacular locomotive is just part of the experience Queensgate is offering this year. Introducing the free Christmas Craft Station.

The magic begins when the station clock strikes on the half hour. Guests will be greeted by the Seasonal Station Master and his merry elves, Pippin and Noel the train driver, then it’s off to Platform 42 where the fun starts. The sound of festive songs ring out and the Christmas Crew help parents, guardians and children to wish the Magic Train to work – whisper a wish and the rest will be revealed!

Next, Santa’s guests will journey to the Christmas Craft Station for a variety of activities from Christmas card making to making your own 3D Polar Express Train – and of course all children are invited to write a letter to Santa.

Pippin the Elf has a hidden library of books that have been left on the platform over many years in her Lost & Found Book Corner, giving children and adults a chance to enjoy some quiet time or story-telling.

Finally, it’s time for a Santa Selfie in the Polar Platform Photobooth – get out those silly faces, strike a pose and take these memories home to treasure.

The Light Switch On!

It’s the day every child in Peterborough has been waiting for – it’s the start of Christmas and on Saturday 18 November, Queensgate will host its spectacular countdown with Santa, and everyone is invited to join in. Hosted by PCR presenter, Kev Lawrence and guests, the show starts from 10am and the countdown will take place at 2pm – with lots of fun, games and prizes to win in between.

Katie Chapman, Marketing and Commercialisation Manager at Queensgate Shopping Centre, shared her excitement for this year's festivities, saying, "Queensgate is dedicated to bringing joy and the true spirit of Christmas to our community, and this year is no exception. Our Santa Express will transport shoppers into a magical world of wonder, and we can't wait for everyone to join us for the holiday season."

Tickets cost £7.50 (plus a booking fee if booked online) and can be booked at www.BookFatherChristmas.co.uk/Queensgate Quiet times are on Sundays at 10.30am to 11am.

The Christmas Craft Station is located in the former Joules unit and is free for all to enjoy. No booking required. Opening times:

Saturday 18th November: 11:30- 1630
Sessions 11:30-12:30, 12:30-13:30, CLOSED 13:30-14:30 light switch on at 14:00,1430-1530, 1530-1630

Saturday 25th November, Saturday 2nd December, Saturday 9th December, Saturday 16th December, Saturday 23rd December
Sessions 11:00-12:00, 12:00-13:00, 13:00-14:00, 14:00-15:00, 15:00-16:00