Christmas is coming to Bolton's Market Place, as they welcome shoppers back after the pandemic.

Market Place are bringing festive joy on the lead up to Christmas with a range of shops and dining experiences for all to enjoy.

“For the 2021 festive season, Bolton’s Market Place is ready to bring back the fun and celebration that we know our shoppers want to enjoy again,” says Rachel Townsend, Centre Manager.

“It’s so good to see visitors coming back and enjoying this amazing historic building which has welcomed visitors at Christmas for over 160 years.”

The shopping centre will host a variety of festivities from November 22 with a giant Elf whose cheeky antics will be filmed for publication on the centres social media campaign.

Beautiful carol singing will also fill the centre as the Bolton Town Centre Chaplaincy performs on December 5 and The Ladybridge Singers on December 11.

Santa will be part of the Christmas activities with meals organised at the Light Cinema and Prezzo on December weekends and families can also pay £10 to meet Santa on December 5, take home a printed photograph of themselves with him, plus a gift, and enjoy a story telling session and refreshment.

As well as Christmas fun, the centre will be helping charities in need and remembering those lost this year.

On December 10, stores and traders will be digging out their festive gear for Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day and Bolton Hospice has created a wall of remembrance at the back of the centre where dedications can be left in remembrance of those who will, sadly, not be at the table on Christmas Day.

Bolton Hospice will also be hosting a live event on the Patio on December 15, at the side of Market Place, between 6pm and 7pm where carols, mulled wine and a light display will take place to commemorate loved ones no longer with us.

If you feel like giving back this Christmas to children in need, the centre is lastly hosting the Bolton Lion’s Toy Appeal with a shop unit dedicated to collecting donated toys for distribution to children throughout the area.

Rachel Townsend, Centre Manager at Market Place said: “The last 18 months have been a tough time for our traders but they are now really seeing an enthusiasm from customers who are keen to get out of their houses and enjoy a trip out shopping or a meal at the restaurants in the Vaults."