Free family trail and story sessions set to deliver Christmas magic this festive season.
A new festive event is coming to Westgate Oxford this winter: the Stick Man trail, produced in partnership with Magic Light Pictures and based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved book. The free trail will be open to guests throughout the shopping destination from 18th November to 3rd January.
The experience features nine interactive markers positioned across the centre, telling the story of Stick Man travelling through the seasons to find his way back home to the Family Tree.
To take part, little ones can pick up their trail booklet from the Guest Services team before embarking on the adventure to collect all ten embossed stamps. Along the way, children can enjoy hands-on interactive elements, including a fun Chimney Slide, before making their way to the Family Tree on Leiden Square.
The tree will feature a table and post box where children can write a magical letter to Father Christmas using the postcard from their trail booklet.
Every Saturday and Sunday in December until 20th December, Santa and his Festive Forest Elves will host free story time sessions followed by a meet and greet located on Leiden Square, outside John Lewis.
Each session will feature a 10-minute story followed by 30 minutes to meet Santa. There will be six sessions each day (11am, 11:45am, 12:30am, 2:15pm, 3pm and 3:45pm), with the first designed to be suitable for Special Educational Needs and Early Years. The sessions are free to attend and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
To add to the festive cheer, guests who complete their trail map can head to Guest Services to collect a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream from Snowflake Gelato, while John Lewis will be running complementary crafting and coffee clubs on select dates*.
Clare Martin, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, commented: “Julia Donaldson’s stories hold a special place in family Christmas traditions, so we are thrilled to bring the magic of Stick Man to the heart of Oxford this season.
“Whether families are following the interactive trail or gathering for a story with Santa and his elves, it’s a wonderful free activity for our guests to enjoy together come rain or shine this festive season.”
Westgate Oxford has everything you need to keep the family entertained this winter, whether that’s Christmas shopping at the new LEGO® or Yankee Candle stores, catching the latest blockbusters at Curzon cinema, competing across nine holes at Ted’s Crazy Golf, or enjoying menus to suit all tastes on the Roof Terrace.
For more information, please visit https://www.westgateoxford.co.uk/en
