Christmas 2010 in Wolverhampton.
Well - here we are again - it's nearly the end of November and everyone's thoughts will be turning to the Christmas and New Year Celebrations.
As ever, Christmas in Wolverhampton will be an exciting time with something for everyone (you just need to know where to look). There's Santa parades, monster trucks, real reindeers and Handel's Messiah AND great shopping, markets and loads of entertainment, Wolverhampton City Centre really is the place to be this Christmas.
Let's start with the traditional Christmas Lights Switch on:
City Centre - Queen Square - Wednesday 24th November 5pm-6.30pm Santa will be accompanied by a real reindeer parade, brass bands and children of Punch Theatre. 6.30pm sees the sky aglow with a dazzling rooftop firework display, while Peppa Pig and panto star Christopher Biggins switch on the lights. Beacon Radio will host the evening’s entertainment and music.
Tettenhall Upper Green - Friday 26th November 5pm-6.30pm
Wolf Radio starts the fun with the Mayor switching on the lights
Bilston Town Hall/High Street - Saturday 27th November 3pm-4.30pm
Fun kicks off with Wolf Radio then the Counterfeit Stones flick the switch.
Wednesfield High Street - Friday 3rd December 4pm-5.30pm
Wolf Radio play host as Apprentice star Ruth Badger switches the lights on in Wednesfield.
For the kids - a visit to Santa is a must:
City Centre - Queen Square - Saturday 11th December - midday
Santa will be riding Monster Trucks accompanied by steam engines, vintage fire engines, real reindeers, brass bands and street entertainers, coming to a halt in Queen Square where the trucks will stay until 5pm.
The Wulfrun Centre - 24th November until Christmas Eve (charges apply) Santa will be waiting in his Magical Grotto in the Wulfrun Centre Piazza
Beatties Grotto - 24th November until Christmas Eve (10 - 5 daily)
Visit Beatties Santa in the ground floor Toy Department (charges apply).
Shopping Hours for Mums and Dads (yes Dads - you need to shop too!)
From 24th November, Late Night Shopping commences across the City to coincide with the Christmas Light Switch-On.
Late Night Opening Shopping times are as follows:
Wednesdays 24th November, 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd December: open until 9pm
Saturdays 11th & 18th December: open until 7pm
Weekday Nights 13th December to 23rd December: open until 9pm
Sundays throughout December: open 10.30am to 4.30pm
Christmas Eve 24th December: open 9.00am to 5.30pm
Christmas Day 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: open 10.30am to 4.30pm
Monday 27th December Bank Holiday): open 9.00am to 5.30pm
New Year's Eve 31st December: open 9.00am to 5.30pm
New Year's Day 1st January: open 9.00am to 5.30pm
Monday 3rd January (Bank Holiday): open 10.00am to 5.00pm
(Note: Please check before you make a special journey as individual stores may open different hours.)
And don't forget - make the most of the FREE PARKING that has been made available:
Free Parking for the Christmas period - Late Night Shopping Evenings starting 24th November:
Mander Centre - free 5.30pm to 9.00pm
Beatties - free 5.30pm from 9.00pm
Carillion/Birch Street - free 5pm onwards
Fold Street - all spaces free after 5.30pm (also 24th December)
On-Street Parking - free after 6pm All other car parks are open as normal - usual fees apply
Sundays:
Mander Centre - free 10.00am to 5.00pm every Sunday
Carillion/Birch Street - free Saturdays & Sundays 7.30am to 5pm (except during Wolves home games)
Council Car Parks & On-Street Parking - free every Sunday (excl Civic Centre)
All other car parks are open as normal - usual fees apply
And of course, there's loads more going on in and around Wolverhampton - from Carol Concerts to Choir Recitals, from Panto's and Theatre to street markets and many other festive treats. There really is something for everyone - so don't miss out - check the dates, get the family together - but most of all ENJOY!
There's more detail about these and other Christmas Events available here - http://www.wolverhamptonccc.co.uk/christmas-in-wolverhampton-20101
