Time to get festive: the first of the county’s lights switch-ons is coming

There will be a free firework and laser display when the first of the county’s Christmas lights is switched on. Light Night at Bluewater shopping centre will be on Thursday, November 8, will be held in the yellow plaza car park near Next, with live entertainment, and a special appearance by Santa. Bluewater’s familiar reindeer will be back to greet visitors as they drive in and the centre will be decorated with a ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas theme.

Gates open at 5.30pm, with the display taking place at 6.15pm. Also on the night visitors will be able to see the first drivable, full-size LEGO® Technic™ Bugatti Chiron model, made from more than a million LEGO pieces.

The centre’s Christmas events include Santa’s grotto and outdoor ice rink, which opens on Thursday, November 15, and a Dinotropolis family-friendly adventure park.

The centre will also have its Giving Tree, where you can donate a gift and for a disadvantaged child. The tree will be at the Upper Mall outside M&S until Sunday, December 23. Santa’s Grotto will be open from Thursday, November 15 through to Christmas Eve at the lakes at The Village. To book for the grotto and ice skating go to bluewater.co.uk

Bluewater’s Light Night sees the decorations turned on and fireworks too