To kickstart Christmas in Scunthorpe, a Festive Family Day is being held in the town centre on Saturday 27 November.
There will be free family entertainment and activities throughout the day.
Santa’s Grotto
Santa will make his way to his grotto at St John’s Market at 10am, make sure to give him a wave as he goes by. You will be able to meet Santa’s reindeer in Foundry Square at 12 noon.
Santa’s Grotto will open on 27 November from 10.30am to 4pm. It costs £7 per person; there is no need to book just turn up.
Children will go on a magical journey, where they can step into the world of Narnia, through the magical wardrobe into the woods, where they will be greeted by Santa.
Popular pantomime star, Annie Fanny and other cast members will be there to welcome Santa to his grotto.
The grotto within St Johns Market will then open daily from 10am until 4pm every Tuesday to Saturday throughout Christmas (closed Sundays and Mondays). See the market’s Facebook page for further details.
In the town centre
On Cole Street and Foundry Square you will find live entertainment to get you in the festive spirit including:
- Performance from Rachel Day
- Festive jazz music by Mark Ellis
- Performance from Brandon Hunt
- Barton Community Brass Band
- Meet the festive unicorn and dragon
- Ice Queen, Dream a Little Dream by Sarah Stones will be performing
- Bubble Ray, multiple Guinness World Record soap bubble professional
- Scunthorpe Cadets Band
Keep a look out for Jack Frost street performers, Bumble Bee and Optimus Prime who will meet and greet shoppers.
Step into free festive activities including a snow globe, ice blizzard and Rodeo Reindeer.
The Christmas lights will be switched on around 4.30pm.
Children’s festive trail
To celebrate the launch of the new free children’s festive trail, every child will receive a free glitter tattoo from St John’s Market on 27 November between 10am and 4pm. Simply find the 10 safari animal posters located in and around the town and scan the QR codes. The trail will run until 6 January. Start the trail by going to the High Street Safari website.
Santa has a spot on his sleigh team for one year only and the whole of the animal world can audition for the part. It’s up to you to help Santa choose who gets it!
You’ll need to visit all 10 cute Christmas animals before you can vote. Simply scan the QR codes to collect digital stamps, learn the story and take selfies with them in augmented reality.
To take part simply:
- Visit the website to see the trail map.
- Visit the Christmas hopefuls one by one, in any order.
- Scan each of their unique QR codes with your smartphone, learn more of the story and take a selfie with them.
- When you’ve found them all, download your free e-book to learn who wins and the conclusion of the story.
Scunthorpe Foodfest
Scunthorpe FoodFest is returning to the town centre from Thursday 25 November until 27 November on Scunthorpe High Street. Sample a range of local produce and festive treats.
Virtual Christmas Market
The North Lincolnshire Virtual Christmas Market is back – shop safe and shop local. Last year’s virtual market was so successful in linking crafters and small businesses up with customers, it has returned for a second year. With everything from hand painted scarves and handmade soaps to Christmas Eve boxes and pet toys, there is no better way of finding an unusual or unique gift. Hosted on Facebook, all businesses have to be North Lincolnshire-based, so every purchase helps local people and the local economy. Visit the market at www.facebook.com/ groups/nlvirtualxmasmarket.
Considering ongoing concerns about the high local Covid-19 infection rate those attending the Festive Family Day are reminded of hands – face – space to ensure they keep safe and well.
Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“It is wonderful that we are able to hold our annual Christmas event this year in Scunthorpe town centre for families to enjoy. The Christmas lights being switched on signifies the Christmas period beginning in North Lincolnshire.
“This year, Christmas is going to be that extra special by being able to spend time with family and friends.
“The Festive Family Day has something for all the family and is certain to spread some Christmas cheer, so make sure you don’t miss out. You’ll also be able to make a start on you Christmas shopping.
“Despite not being able to have the Christmas events last year, the Virtual Christmas Market was a huge success in connecting local traders with customers. This is returning for a second year to support local crafters and small businesses. Now more than ever it is important that we shop local to support the local economy.”
Scunthorpe Central will be open from 9am until 4pm on 27 November. The Family Learning team will be providing children’s activities (stories and crafts from 2pm to 4pm in the children’s library), other partners will also be attending including Ongo, Healthy Lifestyles and wellbeing activities for adults.
