Christmas has well and truly arrived at Braintree Village, as it announces the return of its Giving Tree alongside a Christmas-themed Creative Club. What’s more, the Essex-based shopping destination has welcomed several pop ups for the festive season and announced exclusive offers at selected restaurants for ice-rink ticket holders.

The outlet has collaborated with local charity, First Stop Centre, to give Christmas gifts to those in need within the local community. First Stop Centre aims to offer real and immediate help to members of the community who are struggling and want to improve the quality of their lives.

The Giving Tree is situated near Cadbury and will be accepting gifts until 16th December. Guests can choose a tag from the tree detailing the child they’ll buy for and head off to choose the perfect gift at one of Braintree Village’s stores. Once purchased, gifts can be dropped off at Guest Services, opposite Polo Ralph Lauren, where they will be wrapped and delivered in time for Christmas.

Braintree Village’s Creative Club, in partnership with Baker Ross, is set to return with a festive twist this Christmas. The space, which is located between BOSS and Gift Company, invites guests of all ages to get stuck in with free Christmas-themed arts, crafts and colouring activities.

The Creative Club will be open from 10am-5pm every weekend from 30th November, then daily from Wednesday 18th December until Sunday 5th January (closed Christmas Day).

Several pop-up stores have joined the retail line-up for the festive season. Calendar Club is now open until the new year, stocking an array of 2025 calendars, diaries and planners, as well as stationery and books. Showcasing all things festive, the Christmas Cabin has opened opposite Mountain Warehouse and will be trading until 4th January. Lastly, Happy Socks has recently returned to Braintree Village, following its seasonal stint as Havaianas, offering guests a selection of stylish and brightly coloured Swedish hosiery, making the perfect Christmas gift.

What’s more, Braintree Village’s ice rink is now open until 5th January including Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.Offering plenty of fun for guests of all ages, the ice rink is running a range of sessions to suit everyone’s needs. Braintree Village has now revealed that ice-skaters will be able to access exclusive discounts at three of its restaurants when valid tickets are presented*:

-            10% off food at Bill’s

-            25% off the Main Menu at The Real Greek**

-            20% off food at Wildwood (excluding Saturdays)