Metrocentre is promising a magical Christmas

From festive shopping to ice skating, wreath-making and gift-wrapping

Metrocentre
Author: Micky WelchPublished 22nd Nov 2024

This Christmas, Metrocentre has transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland, offering a host of new experiences, festive events, and seasonal delights to make your Christmas preparations stress-free and extra magical this year. From their sparkling new decorations to an array of family-friendly attractions and helpful services, Metrocentre is the perfect destination for all your festive shopping, celebrations, and giving back this season.

Marie Curie Gift Wrapping Station:

Take the stress out of gift wrapping your presents this Christmas and visit the Marie Curie gift wrapping kiosk at Metrocentre. Volunteers from the Marie Curie are on hand to wrap all your Christmas presents of all shapes and sizes in return for a donation to their charity, with all funds going towards supporting the Marie Curie services in the North East.

Running from Monday 9th December to Tuesday 24th December, Marie Curie’s gift-wrapping service ensures that even those last-minute Christmas shoppers can have their gorgeous gifts wrapped with ease!

Dates: 9th–24th December 2024

Location: Upper Town Square, Green Mall

Gift Wrapping Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 9 am – 7pm

Sunday: 11am – 5pm

Elf Academy

Santa's Elf Academy And Grotto:

Metrocentre’s new interactive Christmas Grotto experience is officially here! Kids can join Santa’s Elf Academy, where they’ll complete fun activities like Northern Lights Laser Training and Stealthy Present-Placing Practice. Each child will meet Santa and leave with a special gift. SEND-friendly sessions are also available.

Dates: 16th November–24th December

Location: Lower Blue Mall

Tickets: https://metrocentre.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

Prices: From £10 per child.

Skate Metrocentre - Nice Ice Baby Ice Rink:

Glide into the festive season at Skate Metrocentre’s real ice rink, perfect for all ages and skill levels. With a fully covered skating rink, group discounts, and professional ice skating coaches offering lessons, the rink is the ultimate winter activity to enjoy with family or friends.

Tickets: https://www.iceleisure.co.uk/skatemetrocentre

Dates: 15th November 2024–5th January 2025

Location: Yellow Mall Car Park

Prices: From £9.90 per child.

Ice skating

Extended Christmas Opening Hours:

Extended opening hours mean more time to shop and enjoy the festive atmosphere:

Make Metrocentre your one-stop destination for all things Christmas, from thoughtful gifts to memorable experiences.

Opening Hours:

Monday - Friday: 9am – 9pm

Saturday: 9am – 8pm

Sunday: 11am – 5pm

Christmas Wreath Workshop:

Get creative and festive at this exclusive wreath-making workshop hosted by Flowers by Hayley. For £35 per person, participants will receive expert guidance, all materials, light refreshments, and a glass of fizz. Take home your own beautiful Christmas wreath to enjoy throughout the season.

Limited spaces are available to book, email: flowersbyhayleynewcastle@gmail.com or visit @flowersby_hayley on Instagram.

Date: Thursday, 28th November, 7pm - 9pm

Location: Metrocentre Community Hub

Fern & Ivy – Christmas Door Wreaths and Florals:

If you're looking for the perfect festive touch for your home, head to Fern & Ivy’s pop-up shop in Lower Town Square from Friday, 22nd November to Sunday, 24th November. They’ll be selling luxury fresh door wreaths, table centrepieces, and Christmas accessories. This year, they’re also offering wreath-making kits—perfect for creating your own festive wreath or hosting a wreath-making party with friends!

Dates: 22nd–24th November 2024

Location: Upper Town Square

Mission Christmas Giving Box:

Make Christmas magical for local children in need by supporting the Hits Radio North East’s Cash for Kids Mission Christmas campaign. Buy an extra gift during your visit to the centre and drop it off unwrapped into the Metrocentre Giving Box. All donations will be distributed to disadvantaged children throughout the North East.

Dates: 18th November–18th December

Location: Exhibition Square, near Primark

For more info: https://cashforkids.org.uk/mission

Citizens Advice Winter Warmer Donation Point:

This winter, Metrocentre is also partnering up with Citizens Advice Gateshead for its Winter Warmer campaign again. Help those in need by donating essential items such as hats, scarves, or hot water bottles to help families stay warm during the colder months.

Location: Lower Green Mall, near M&S

Brand-New Decorations:

This year, Metrocentre shines brighter than ever with stunning new Christmas decorations adorning each mall. Visitors can enjoy a visual feast of twinkling lights, festive details in Metrocentre’s signature colours, and the return of the beloved iconic reindeer outside the Green Mall—perfect for a Christmas selfie!

New decorations

Helen Atkinson, Metrocentre Marketing Manager said: “We’re excited to bring even more festive magic to Metrocentre this Christmas, offering something for everyone—whether you're shopping for the perfect gift, enjoying seasonal entertainment, or taking advantage of our stress-free services. We want to help our visitors make the most of the season and create unforgettable memories with their loved ones.”

Whether you're ticking off your Christmas shopping list, soaking in the festive atmosphere, or supporting a good cause, Metrocentre offers everything you need to make this Christmas extra special. With a range of exciting events, unique experiences, and seasonal services, it’s the ultimate place to celebrate the festive season. To find out what else Metrocentre are up to this season, visit: https://themetrocentre.co.uk

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.