White Rose announces festive grotto and its first-ever magical ice rink

It’s set to be an extra-special festive season at White Rose Shopping Centre, as its much-loved Christmas grotto returns this November, and for the first time will be joined by a magical ice rink outside in The Village.

Families are invited to meet the man in red at White Rose’s enchanting grotto, where they’ll enjoy a meeting with Santa and his elves as well as receiving a special gift to take away.

The ice rink will be situated in The Village, near Cineworld and the centre’s all-weather play area, and will be open to visitors of all ages. Ice skates will be available to hire, and skating aids are available for children – or those wanting an extra hand with their balance.

The rink will open from 4pm on 10th November, with sessions available daily until Monday 2nd January 2023 (except Christmas Day). White Rose restaurants will be open to enjoy pre- or après ski refreshments, including those outside in The Village: Starbucks (inside Cineworld), Wagamama, Five Guys, Fridays, and the new Wetherspoon, The Scribbling Mill.

White Rose’s grotto will be open daily from 11th November right up to 4pm on Christmas Eve, to ensure that little ones of Leeds can make all of their last-minute requests. Pre-booking is advised for both the grotto and ice rink, and details of times, special sessions, and prices can be found at www.white-rose.co.uk, where bookings can also be made from 23rd September.

Steven Foster, centre director said: “Christmas truly is one of the most wonderful times of the year here at White Rose, we always enjoy celebrating with our community. We’re excited to introduce our brand new ice rink this year, and we expect little ones and adults alike will enjoy the magic with hot drinks, red noses, and big smiles.”

White Rose is launching its Christmas hours from Monday 5th December. The centre will be open from 9am – 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am – 8pm Saturdays, and 11am – 5pm Sundays until 18th December, with even longer hours in the final run-up to Christmas: 9am – 10pm from the 19th to 23rd December, and 8am – 5pm on Christmas Eve – great news for last-minute shoppers.

The centre will also be open from 9am – 9pm on Black Friday, 25th November, for anyone looking to snap up some early festive offers, and 8am – 8pm on 26th December to allow shoppers to browse Boxing Day bargains.

White Rose boasts more than 100 shops and restaurants including Flying Tiger, The Entertainer, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Smiggle, plus an 11-screen Cineworld with IMAX and ScreenX. With 5,000 free parking spaces and long opening hours, from 10am – 9pm weekdays, 9am – 8pm Saturdays and 11am – 5pm Sundays, White Rose is the perfect family day-out destination.