Santa kicks festive season off in Newbridge
The festive season in Co Kildare kicked off as Santa came to Newbridge. Children meet Santa and Mrs Claus at Newbridge Garda Station on Saturday Photo: Jimmy Fullam
THE magic of Christmas has come to Newbridge with the arrival on Saturday, (22 November) of Santa Claus to the Whitewater Shopping Centre for their most festive day of the year.
The celebrations began at noon, filling the centre with music, laughter, and entertainment for the whole family, and the seasonal fun began at the highlight of the day - Santa’s grand arrival at 2pm.
“It was very, very well attended, but it is always our big, big annual crowd,” said a spokesperson for the Centre.
We asked is it not a bit early welcoming himself in November?
“Not at all. We’re one of the latest, and Dundrum, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown all had Santa at least two weeks ago,” she clarified.
“And we have another huge advantage, as we’re the only Shopping Centre in Ireland with a free Santa,” she declared.
Escorted by the Gardaí from Newbridge Garda Station, Santa made his entrance in true Christmas style, accompanied by the drummers of the Hit Parade, who led a lively parade through the main street, spreading holiday cheer all the way to the centre.
“We’re inviting all local children and their families to join us for this magical occasion and help us welcome Santa to Whitewater,” she said.
Santa will be available to meet you in his Grotto every weekend between 2pm and 5pm, and also on Friday 19 December when the kids get off for their school holidays.
He will be available to the people of Newbridge all the way up to Christmas Eve, but then has to leave because he’s going to be rather busy that night.
Visitors are reminded to visit our Santa Letter Box, located beside the Grotto which is available every day of the week, so children can drop off their letters to Santa whenever they visit and send them straight to the North Pole.
