It's that time of year again, Mummas! Christmas is creeping up quickly, and if you're already thinking about Santa photos, presents and keeping the kids entertained, Charlestown Square has plenty planned to make the festive season extra fun.
From a carnival-style welcome for Santa to a visit from the Grinch, a magical tea party and plenty of shopping opportunities, here's what's happening this Christmas.
Santa's arrival
Forget a quiet arrival! Santa is making his way to Charlestown Square on Saturday 14 November, with a full-blown Christmas carnival.
Head to the South Piazza from 9am for carnival treats, including fairy floss and popcorn, before Santa makes his grand arrival at 10am. Expect a festive parade through the Centre, complete with stilt walkers, hula hoopers and plenty of colourful entertainment, finishing at the carnival-themed Santa set.
Time to get those Santa photos booked
Santa photos will be available at Charlestown Square from Saturday 14 November through Christmas Eve.
Whether it's your little one's first visit or an annual family tradition, it's worth getting your booking sorted early. Families who book their Santa photo and have it taken by 4 December will go in the draw to win a $10,000 travel voucher*. Imagine having a family holiday to look forward to after the Christmas craziness!
There are traditional Santa sessions, Sensitive Santa sessions for families who prefer a quieter, sensory-friendly experience, and expanded pet photography sessions so your furry friends can join in too.
*Terms and conditions apply.
A little Grinchmas mischief is on the way
The Grinch is making a special appearance at Charlestown Square on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November, where the kids can meet him and snap a free selfie on your phone.
It's a fun little addition to your Christmas shopping trip, especially for those little ones who love a character meet and greet.
A Christmas party with a twist
If your little ones love a bit of make-believe, Santa's Tea Party sounds like a lovely festive outing to add to the calendar on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December.
Inspired by Charlestown Square's Christmas Carnival theme, this isn't your usual tea party. Think a whimsical, topsy-turvy experience combining a visit from Santa with delicious treats, lively entertainment and interactive moments for the family.
It's a chance to enjoy something a little different in the lead-up to Christmas.
Black Friday
Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to hunt down some great deals, tick off a few presents and hopefully save a little along the way. Charlestown Square is a handy place to get your shopping down in one trip, from gifts for the kids, something for your partner or a little treat for yourself (you deserve it).
More time to shop
If you're anything like us, the Christmas list seems to get longer every time you look at it. The good news is that Charlestown Square are extending their trading hours in the lead-up to Christmas, giving you more time to shop around work, school pick-ups and everything else life throws your way.
Mummas can also take advantage of extended Christmas trading hours, with the centre open additional hours from Saturday 12 December.
Gift wrapping
And once you’ve found all those presents, you can leave the wrapping to someone else! Charlestown Square’s Christmas gift-wrapping service will be available from Saturday 5 December through to Christmas Eve, giving you one less thing to squeeze into the festive to-do list.
Individual store hours may vary, so check ahead if you're visiting a particular retailer.
Make a day of it at Charlestown Square
Between the Santa photos, festive entertainment, shopping and a few Christmas treats along the way, there’s plenty to make a visit to Charlestown Square part of your family’s Christmas traditions this year.
Our tip? Book your Santa photos early, keep the special event dates handy and get some of that Christmas shopping done before the last-minute rush hits.
For full event details, Santa bookings and the latest Christmas updates, head to Charlestown Square’s website.
