Derbion starts Christmas countdown with events including virtual reality Santa flight across New York skyline

Derbion shopping centre is getting into the Christmas spirit by releasing its festive experience dates so families can get organised for the most magical time of year.

Time, much like Santa’s sleigh, is flying in the run-up to Christmas, so the good people at Derbion HQ have released an exciting line up of festive treats that little ones can enjoy.

Two key seasonal activities are the new Santa’s Magic Cabin experience and the return of Santa’s Magic Sleigh Ride.

From Friday November 10 – Sunday December 24, families looking to enjoy a fun-filled festive day out are invited to discover the all-new Santa’s Magic Cabin experience at Derbion.

Throughout the experience, located on Level 1 next to Clarks, guests can expect fun and laughter, with heaps of magical surprises along the way.

Families can begin their experience by meeting Santa’s elves and Snowy Joey followed by a visit to the Magic Wishing Well to plant a special seed that’s travelled all the way from the North Pole.

Once the seed has been planted, guests can walk into Santa’s cosy cabin where they can chat to Father Christmas himself, and also receive a special gift, while parents and guardians can capture plenty of snaps throughout.

Priced at £8.50 per child (booking fees will apply), Derbion’s all-new Santa’s Magic Cabin experience offers a fun-filled, interactive experience for families.

Tickets are available to purchase online now via this website here.

Those looking for an extra dose of Christmas spirit are in for a treat.

Derbion’s Santa’s Magic Sleigh Ride is returning for a second year, giving guests the chance to hop aboard Santa’s sleigh for a magical trip around the world on the night before Christmas.

Located inside Santa’s Magic Cabin, the returning 360° 4D virtual reality experience is complete with a full range of motions, fans and complete surround sound, offering families the chance to fly over the skylines of London, New York and more in Santa’s Sleigh.

The experience offers a virtual and magical sleigh ride.

Tickets are priced £4 per person, and are available to purchase in-centre and online via this website here.

Alongside the festive events, Derbion will also undergo a magical Christmas makeover, with an array of Christmas decorations.

The centre’s sparkly tree is also set to appear from November 8.

Visitors can enjoy longer opening hours from December 7, with shops open until 8pm and parking from 5pm will cost £2.50.

Beth McDonald, managing director at Derbion, said: “As the festive season approaches, we’re excited to welcome Santa back to the centre as part of our brand-new Christmas experience.

“We are also pleased to announce the return of our exciting Santa’s Magic Sleigh Ride for families to enjoy at Derbion this year.

“Additionally, we have new and bigger stores opening over the coming weeks from brands including Rituals and Yankee Candle, giving visitors plenty of choices to find the perfect gifts for loved ones this Christmas.”

Dates and opening hours for Santa’s Magic Cabin and Santa’s Magical Sleigh Ride VR experience

• November 9 - 10: 12pm – 5pm
• November 11: 10am – 6pm
• November 12: 10am – 5pm
• November 17 - 18: 10am – 6pm
• November 19: 10am – 5pm
• November 23 - 25th November: 10am – 6pm
• November 26: 10am – 5pm
• November 28 – 10 December: Monday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm / Sunday: 10am – 5pm

Age guidelines and recommendations apply for VR Sleigh Ride Experience, further information can be found on Derbion website here.