Families are invited to meet Santa himself when his Grotto opens on Friday 28th November, running right through until Christmas Eve. Children on the ‘nice list’ will have the chance to share their Christmas wishes and receive an age-appropriate gift, while accompanying adults enter for free*.

Tickets, priced from £7.50 are now on sale and can be booked online via the following link: https://joeytheclown.digitickets.co.uk/tickets. Walk-ups are welcome, but advance booking is recommended as this magical experience is expected to be popular this Christmas.

Santa’s Grotto will be located in the Sundial area of the centre, with opening hours as follows:

General Hours from 28th November – 14th December:

• Mon–Fri: 2pm–5pm
• Sat: 10am–5pm
• Sun: 10am–4pm

Extended Hours from 15th – 24th December:

• 15–19 Dec (Mon–Fri): 11am–5pm
• 20–21 Dec (Sat–Sun): 10am–5pm / 10am–4pm
• 22–24 Dec (Mon–Wed): 10am–5pm

Also returning this year are the much-loved Westwood Cross Christmas Cabins, located in the main mall of the centre. Opening from Saturday 15th November, the cabins will once again showcase a wonderful selection of festive products from small, independently run local businesses.

Shoppers in search of the perfect Christmas gift can browse an array of unique, handcrafted and personalised items, from toys and trinkets to seasonal produce and homemade treats — all bursting with local charm.

The stallholders include:

• Fudgey Fancies: A female-fronted local business delivering delicious homemade fudge in a vast array of flavourings including honeycomb, strawberries and cream, chocolate orange, and vanilla.
• Bun & Rise: Based in Margate, this artisan bakery is known for its handmade buns crafted with high-quality ingredients in both sweet and savoury flavours.
• Eye4Image: A must-visit for dog-lovers, where guests can purchase gift vouchers to have their furry friends immortalised with a touching photograph by pet photographer Mike Avery.
• Kidz Closet: A Kent-based boutique that offers a great range of children’s clothing and a personalisation service for children and babies aged 0-14 years. The cabin will also be carrying a selection of festive homewares and accessories, as well as its popular Christmas Eve boxes.
• Nomad Jewellery: Features high quality 925 silver and stainless-steel jewellery, as well as a collection of semi-precious gems.
• 4 Keeps Jewellery: Offering unique welded ‘permanent’ jewellery, including bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and chains. Shoppers can select designs and engravings for a personal touch, with pieces welded to wear for a lifetime.

The Westwood Cross Christmas Cabins will be located in the Main Mall, stretching from H. Samuel to Boots and continuing along the harbour wall opposite Hotel Chocolat. The cabins will be open from Saturday 14th November to Wednesday 24th December, with individual stall opening times varying.

Fran Donovan, Centre Director at Westwood Cross, said, “Christmas is always such a special time at Westwood Cross. The centre comes alive with festive decorations — from our giant teddy bear and reindeer to the walk-through bauble and feature tree outside Hollywood Bowl — creating a magical atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy.

“We’re proud to host a mix of well-known brands and independent traders at our Christmas Market, giving visitors plenty of choice when it comes to finding unique gifts and festive treats.

“Santa’s Grotto is always a highlight of the season, and we’d encourage families to book early to avoid disappointment. We can’t wait to welcome everyone and help create some truly memorable moments this Christmas.”

For more information, to book the grotto, or to plan your visit please visit https://westwoodx.co.uk/

*Tickets for Santas Grotto are priced at:

• Child: £7.50 per child + £1 booking fee.
• Adults: Free with a fully paid child ticket (no gift).
• Adults without a child: £7.50 + £1 booking fee (including gift)