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Christmas has always been a magical time in Worcester to shop, eat and play. Pop into Worcester this Christmas and don’t miss out on all the festive action including lots of great events, sparkling markets and joyful street entertainment.
With more than 300 shops, this year you can get it all wrapped up in Worcester. Take a look at our business directory to get inspired where to shop, eat and celebrate in Worcester. Start planning your next Christmas shopping trip or night out in Worcester now – because once upon a time is never enough!
Christmas Events
Christmas Parking Offers, Transport Information & City Centre Map
Christmas Opening Times & Late Night Shopping
Sales Dates
Information for Businesses
& more
Thousands of people are set to celebrate the launch of the Christmas season in Worcester High Street! With entertainment from Blobbie Williams (Worcester’s very own Robbie Williams tribute act), Worcestershire Rock Choir, The Fidgets (up and coming Rock and Pop duo from Worcester) and much more, it promises to be a fun-packed evening for all the family to enjoy.
Families are invited to join the party on Thursday 17th November from 4pm, hosted by BBC Hereford & Worcester presenters Malcolm Boyden and Elliott Webb. The event will raise money for the 2016 BBC Children in Need appeal. The festive illuminations will be switched on at 6.00pm by the Mayor of Worcester and very special guest, Pudsey Bear on the eve of his big day!
Organised as a partnership between Worcester City Council and BBC Hereford & Worcester, the Lights Switch On event signals the start of late night shopping in Worcester City centre. On late night Thursdays in the run up to Christmas, many shops will be open until 8.00pm and visitors can park for free in City Council car parks after 6.00pm.
For full details of activities and entertainment in Worcester city centre this Christmas, visit www.christmasinworcester.com
Following from the Christmas light switch-on, on Thursday 17th November, we are delighted to welcome Father Christmas to Worcester city centre on Sunday 20th November 2016, as he makes his way to his grotto on-board the CrownGate Express!
Arrival of Father Christmas
Sunday 20th November 2016
Parade starts at The Guildhall, Worcester High Street from 12:45pm
Story time with Father Christmas from 2pm-5pm – Outside Superdrug and Mothercare at CrownGate Shopping Centre.
Following the arrival parade, the CrownGate Express train will transport lucky Christmas Shoppers from just outside Boston Tea Party to the Guildhall and back again between 2:00pm-4:30pm.
Rides on the CrownGate Express are provided free of charge by CrownGate Shopping Centre. Rides are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. Queues will be managed by Father Christmas’ Elves and you will be advised if we can accommodate you within the run times.
Click here for further information about Christmas at CrownGate
Click here for full details of activities and entertainment in Worcester city centre this Christmas
Meet Father Christmas and share your Christmas wishes. Every Thursday – Sunday from 20th November until Christmas Eve.
Between story time, Father Christmas welcomes children to visit him and discuss their Christmas wishes. You can even post your letters to Father Christmas!
From 20th November – Christmas Eve
Thursdays – 12pm-7pm (Late Night Shopping)
Fridays – 12pm-5:30pm
Saturdays – 12pm-5:30pm
Sundays – 12pm-4:00pm
During the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre:
Thursday 24 Nov – 12pm-7pm
Friday 25 Nov – 12pm-6pm
Saturday 26 Nov – 12pm-6pm
Sunday 27 Nov – 12pm-4pm
Christmas Week:
Monday 19 Dec – 12pm-5:30pm
Tuesday 20 Dec – 12pm-5:30pm
Wednesday 21 Dec – 12pm-5:30pm
Thursday 22 Dec – 12pm-7pm
Friday 23 Dec – 12pm-5:30pm
Saturday 24 Dec – 11am-2pm (Christmas Eve)
Story time and visits to Father Christmas are FREE of charge.
Father Christmas is located outside Mothercare and Ryman Stationery, Friary Walk at CrownGate Shopping Centre.
Click here for further information about Christmas at CrownGate
Click here for full details of activities and entertainment in Worcester city centre this Christmas
Can you find all our giant Nutcrackers?
There are 15 of them positioned all around Friary Walk and Chapel Walk at CrownGate, each identified with a different funny moustache.
To help you find them, pick up your FREE book from Friary Walk (by Ryman and Mothercare), which has the locations of all the Nutcrackers, plus colouring and prizes!
Click here for further information about Christmas at CrownGate
Click here for full details of activities and entertainment in Worcester city centre this Christmas
Enjoy the festive season with a visit to the 24th Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre from Thursday 24th November to Sunday 27th November 2016. Around 200 stalls will fill the atmospheric streets of Worcester’s historic heart with the colours, sounds and irresistible aromas of Christmas for this extra special time of year.
From sparkly jewellery and festive home decorations to traditional roast chestnuts and warming mulled wine – a wonderful range of products are waiting to be discovered within the local arts and crafts maker area, international area, festive gifts area and food court. Embrace the Christmas spirit with the sounds of joyful choir and instrumental performances, view magical dance displays and travel back through time with juggling Victorian themed stiltwalkers. Experience the fun of the Fayre as you step aboard the Victorian carousel and enjoy the ride whilst listening to the sounds of barrel organ music.
Make it an exciting, fun packed day out by combining your trip to the Fayre with a visit to Worcester’s historic attractions and exceptional range of independent boutiques and popular High Street names, or take the weight of your feet and relax in one of the city’s many welcoming cafes, pubs and restaurants.
To view the 2016 Worcester Christmas Fayre magazine please click here. For further details about the Fayre please click here.
Please note that all coach parties visiting Worcester on the dates of the Christmas Fayre must pre-book drop off, pick up and parking arrangements. For details please contact Helen Mole at Worcester City Council on 01905 722309 or email helen.mole@worcester.gov.uk. Click here to download the Fayre Coach booking form 2016 and view the Fayre Coach Terms and Conditions 2016.
For stall and catering enquiries please contact Worcester City Markets (LSD Promotions) on 01384 877336 or email worcestervictorianfayre@lsdpromotions.com. Details can also be found here.
For visitor enquiries please contact the Worcester Tourist Information Centre on 01905 726311 or email touristinfo@visitworcestershire.org.
The Fayre opening times are:
Thursday 24th November 2016: 12noon – 9pm
Friday 25th November 2016: 11am – 9pm
Saturday 26th November 2016: 10am – 8pm
Sunday 27th November 2016: 11am – 5pm
Fayre opening ceremony (tbc)
The opening ceremony of this year’s Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre will take place on Thursday 24th November. The Fayre will be declared officially open by The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Paul Denham. Departing at 5.15pm, the mayor will process from the Guildhall to The Cornmarket (in front of the galloper) where the Fayre will be officially opened at 5.30pm. Visitors will be entertained by performances from the Salvation Army and Worcester Cathedral Voluntary Choir. The opening ceremony finishes at 6pm.
Christmas Fayre Park & Ride
Saturday 26th November, from County Hall Park & Ride (WR5 2NP):
8.40am – 8.10pm, every 10 minutes
First 910 service County Hall (Boiler House) to Worcester CrownGate Bus Station
Sunday 27th November, from County Hall Park & Ride (WR5 2NP):
9.45am – 5.10pm, 15 minutes
First 910 service County Hall (Boiler House) to Worcester CrownGate Bus Station
The Park & Ride service does not operate on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th November.
Fares
Adult return ticket: £3
Group ticket: £6 (driver and up to 6 passengers)
Children under 16: £1 (return)
Children under 5: free
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre 2016: Local Residents and Businesses Letter (incl. road closure times) ** information to follow closer to the event **
Click here for full details of activities and entertainment at the Worcester Victorian Fayre
Christmas Fayre in the Cloisters
Browse quality Christmas gifts, crafts and enjoy refreshments at the Christmas Fayre in the Cloisters at Worcester Cathedral on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th November 2016 from 10am – 4pm and on Sunday 27th November 2016, 12.30 – 3.30pm.
For further event details at Worcester Cathedral please click here.
Festival of Christmas Trees
A glittering display of Christmas trees can be viewed at Worcester Cathedral’s Cloisters from Saturday 3rd December 2016 to Thursday 5th January 2017, 9am – 6.30pm. Free admission, but donations are appreciated.
A glittering display of Christmas trees can be viewed from December 3rd to January 5th. Daisychain Benevolent Fund’s annual Christmas Tree Festival will take place in the cloisters of Worcester Cathedral. This year will see yet a further increase in the numbers of entrants. There will be in excess of 80 Christmas trees uniquely decorated by different companies and organisations from in and around Worcester, creating an avenue of trees for all to admire and get into the festive spirit. From Solicitors, to local schools, from Vandemoortele to Worcester care homes; this unique celebration of Worcester and Christmas is one not to be missed.
The Christmas Tree Festival is the perfect day out for the whole family; with a children’s competition, and the beautiful festive surroundings, it is a wonderful way to familiarise yourself with local organisations, get in the festive spirit and donate to some excellent causes.
The festival will be open daily from 9am – 5pm, and as always, free of charge but we hope everyone will make a donation to go towards Daisychain Benevolent Fund’s nominated causes, Teenage Cancer Trust, local children’s hospital wards and Worcester Cathedral.
For further event details at Worcester Cathedral please click here.
For further festive events and activities including carol concerts, exhibitions, activities and promotions explore the main Events Calendar, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @WorcesterBID. You can also view event listings on www.visitworcestershire.org and www.christmasinworcester.com.
Worcester City Council Car Parking OfferPop into Worcester for late night shopping or make it a night out. Parking at Worcester City Council car parks is free after 9pm and only £1 at selected car parks between 7pm and 9pm. If you’re visiting for the day, all day parking starts from £3.50. Further special parking offers for festive shoppers may be published closer to the time. Visit www.worcester.gov.uk/parking for full details and rates at individual car parks.
NCP Parking OfferFor early Christmas birds, the NCP Cathedral Plaza car park has all day parking for just £3.60 if you arrive between 6.30am – 9.30am for a stay up to 12 hours the same day. For shorter stays between 6.30am – 9.30am our standard tariff is still available. For further details visit the NCP Cathedral website.
CrownGate Parking OffersPark for just £1 all day Sunday and on Bank Holidays, as well as every evening after 5pm (until 9am on the next day) and enjoy Christmas in Worcester without the mad rush. CrownGate Shopping Centre car park is now open 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. For further tariff details and general information, please visit the CrownGate website.
Worcestershire County Cricket Club Parking OffersPark at Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s car park in front of the Premier Inn – a convenient location for shopping and going out in Worcester. Pay only £2.50 for 3 hours, £3.50 for 12 hours or £4.50 for 24 hours.
Pay to Park by Mobile Phone with RingGoRingGo pay for parking by phone at Worcester City Council car parks (blue parking symbols) is a great way of ensuring that you decide when you want to leave town rather than the time on the ticket determining it! All you need to use it is a credit or debit card and a mobile phone. There is no need for change when you arrive and if you want to stay a bit longer than the time on your ticket, simply call 01905 880055 and follow the instructions. Many businesses will have further details should you need assistance. With RingGo, there is no excuse not to finish your Christmas shopping or indulge in a well-earned coffee without having to return to your car. Visit www.myRingGo.co.uk for details or download the RingGo App.
Saturday 26th November, from County Hall Park & Ride (WR5 2NP):
8.40am – 8.10pm, every 10 minutes
First 910 service County Hall (Boiler House) to Worcester CrownGate Bus Station
Sunday 27th November, from County Hall Park & Ride (WR5 2NP):
9.45am – 5.10pm, 15 minutes
First 910 service County Hall (Boiler House) to Worcester CrownGate Bus Station
The Park & Ride service does not operate on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th November.
Fares
Adult return ticket: £3
Group ticket: £6 (driver and up to 6 passengers)
Children under 16: £1 (return)
Children under 5: free
Worcester city centre can be easily accessed by public transport with CrownGate bus station and Foregate Street train station being right in the heart of the city centre. Shrub Hill train station is also within 10-15 minutes walking distance from the centre.
To plan your journey, please visit the National Rail website for train travel and First Wyvern for bus information.
Click on the image to see a larger version of the map.
To help you plan your visit and make your Christmas shopping as stress free as possible this year, we will be collating a selection of late night shopping Thursdays and Christmas opening times by local city centre businesses. Late night shopping Thursdays commence on Thursday 17th November 2016. Many businesses are anticipated to be open until 8pm on Thursdays.
High Street Multiple Christmas Hours 2016 ** details will be published closer to the time **
CrownGate Opening Hours 2016 ** details will be published closer to the time **
Please note, details may subject to change without further notice. Worcester BID and businesses cannot be held responsible for any errors, changes or omissions. Additional business opening times will be added as and when received.
To help you plan your bargain hunt, we are sharing Black Friday, sales and special offer information via our social media channels as and when it becomes available. Please take a look at our Worcester BID Twitter account for the latest sales details. Not signed up to Twitter? Simply see tweets in our live feed on this page.
Please click here to visit the dedicated BID Business page to view ‘Christmas in Worcester’ campaign details, opportunities for involvement, information about small business Saturday and the 2016 Christmas FAQ document.
Please contact the Worcester BID marketing team on 01905 731612 to discuss any ideas and suggestions.
Opening Times Template to submit your Christmas & Late Night Shopping Thursday details to info@worcesterbid.com
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre 2016 Local Residents and Businesses Letter (incl. road closure times)
Working in partnership for a magical Christmas in Worcester:
