A weekend full of festivities

Children can visit Santa’s grotto everyday until Christmas Eve and they can go inside the snow globe and have their photos taken.

A DJ truck was playing music on Saturday, and there were elves giving out balloons and goody’s from the chocolate fountain.

Lisa Rogers took her children to see Santa, she said: “I thought it was reasonably priced £14 for both with a photo and the presents were not the worst they have had, so well worth it.

“It’s decorated nice on the outside but could be a bit more festive once you get inside to see Santa.

“The kids loved it, Santa looked good and spoke with both of them.”

The Mall will be open till 8pm every Thursday up to Christmas.

A spokesperson for The Mall said: “Christmas is a time of year when there are often more festive preparations and presents to buy then there is time.

“We hope that the additional hours will give our shoppers the opportunity to relax and enjoy their shopping experience as they stock up on their Christmas and New Year goodies.”

The Christmas events continue this weekend with Christmas Sparkle in Dunstable and the Christmas lights switch on in Luton.

Christmas Sparkle is organised by the Grove theatre and different events will be happening in Market Square, the Quadrant and The Grove, throughout the day.

There will be entertainment for the children, the Salvation Army band, arts and crafts, a fun fair, a Christmas craft fair, community performances and Santa’s grotto.

The day will be rounded off with the lights being switched on by the cast of the Grove’s panto.

Hollyoaks actor Aaron Fontaine will be switching on the lights in Luton on Saturday with the Mayor and competition winner, seven-year-old Harley Kelly from Warden Hill school.

The entertainment starts at 10 am, there will be gift and craft stalls in St George’s Square and the Galaxy centre.

Throughout the day there will be a Christmas choir competition at the St George’s Square marquee.

There is also the chance to have a go at ice skating, thanks to London Luton Airport.

Councillor Sian Timoney said: “With so much to do in such a great festive atmosphere, this is certainly a family event not to be missed and a great start to Christmas.”