Bolton’s spectacular Christmas attractions will open on Saturday, December 2.
Set up is almost complete to transform the town centre into a sparkling seasonal attraction for Christmas, with a giant artificial snow slide on Newport Street, a covered ice rink and a nativity scene in Victoria Square, plus a Santa’s grotto on Oxford Street.
Bolton Council has arranged the special Christmas programme, in association with the University of Bolton, from December 2 to January 7, 2018, to attract thousands of visitors and boost town centre trade over the festive period.
The attractions will open to the public from 9am (ice rink opens for Penguin Club at 9am, and snow slide opens at 10am). Opening times and prices vary. Tickets available online from www.boltonwinterfestival.com and from the on-site box office on Victoria Square (near HSBC)
From December 2 to 24, Santa’s grotto will open daily on Oxford Street and a gift will be provided by Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakery. The Santa’s Express train will also open weekends from 10am to 5pm.
From December 9 to 20, a festive Christmas Market will open in and around Victoria Square and an Alpine Ski Lodge bar will also be located outside Game.
Other highlights include the chance to meet reindeer on December 3, 16 and 17, and free donkey rides on December 10.
Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris said: “There is something for everyone to enjoy in our Christmas programme.
“We had thousands of visitors last year and we are expecting the same this Christmas. The return of the snow slide is sure to be a hit, along with our covered ice rink, and the popular Santa’s Express will be back.
“People can do their shopping, have a great day out and park for free this Christmas in Bolton.”
President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, Professor George E Holmes DL, added: “The University of Bolton are proud to support the local community and are excited to be a prominent part of this council initiative, which embraces all elements of the holiday season.
“We hope all those visiting and residing in Bolton enjoy the Winter Festival and have a fantastic time throughout the festivities.”
Free parking is in operation weekdays after 3pm at Octagon, Topp Way, and Deane Road multi-storey car parks until Friday, January 5, 2018. Free parking is also available all day Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.
For more information visit www.boltonwinterfestival.com, @BoltonWinterFestival on Facebook or @BoltonWinterFes on Twitter.