Christmas Arrives at Lion Yard!

From gorgeous gift ideas to got-to-have gadgets and divine décor to show-stopping styles, Lion Yard is your one-stop-shop this Christmas. And with enchanting events, plenty of in-store promotions and cracking Christmas giveaways, it really is the place to be for some extra sparkle this season.

Christmas Lights Switch On

On Sunday 18th November, Cambridge hosted a series of Christmas Lights Switch On events. This year, the city is a blaze of twinkling new lights and schemes, especially Lion Yard. The shopping centre’s new festive decorations bring magical vibrancy to the city centre and consist of a whopping 25,840 lightbulbs!

Thousands of people flocked to Lion Yard from 11am on Sunday 18th November to enjoy a schedule of festive fun, which culminated in the official lights switch on at 4pm. The schedule included:

Christmas Crafting

A Christmas Craft Workshop gave little cherubs the chance to design and decorate their own Christmas stocking and write a letter to Santa Claus. The workshop, hosted by Crafty Crew, allowed children to express their creativity under the supervision of trained instructors.

The Cambridge University Gospel Choir

The Cambridge University Gospel Choir performed a series of carols on the bridge adjoining the Cambridge Library. Their stunning voices filled the malls at various intervals throughout the afternoon, raising spirits and bringing sumptuous seasonal sounds to shoppers’ ears!

Santa Claus

Santa Claus made a visit to Lion Yard on the day to meet and greet little ones. The jolly fellow with the busy beard and big belly brought festive cheer to the proceedings, aided by his super cool helpers who gave out sweet treats to children and visitors.

Santa Claus’ impressive grotto officially opened to the public on Saturday 1st December, seeing over 150 children on the first day. The grotto is in situ in the Central Atrium until 24th December, where little ones can meet Santa, tell him what’s on their Christmas list, have a photo taken and receive a gift. Entry is £4 per child.

Roger Allen, Lion Yard’s Centre Manager, said: “Our Christmas Lights Switch On event was a fantastic way to start the festive season here at Lion Yard. We were thrilled to see so many families joining us. The atmosphere was electric, and we were delighted to hear such great feedback from visitors. We hope all our shoppers will continue to enjoy the shopping centre and all it has to offer on the lead up to Christmas Day.”

For details about future events at Lion Yard.

Photos: Jude Wicks