Santa has tested out the zip line at a major shopping centre ahead of his hotly-anticipated return this Christmas.

The festive spectacle Winterland will be arriving at Bluewater next week offering guests a range of winter-themed rides, games and attractions.

Retail bosses were forced to close the event last year amid fears over the spread of Covid-19.

But now the festive fun is set to resume when the headline attraction returns at the Greenhithe mall on November 13.

A luminaire promenade will light the way to the entertainment and provide a backdrop for plenty of selfies for guests.

Inside there will be an exciting range of white-knuckle rides, including the 40m Blizzard and No Limit, along with family favourites – the bumper cars and waltzers.

To fight the chill and get into the festive spirit, guests can also sip a hot mulled wine or winter spiced cider, whilst children can enjoy a deluxe hot chocolate.

There will also be a range of food on offer including a traditional German swing grill, as well as sweet treats such as crêpes and churros.

In addition to Winterland, Bluewater is also welcoming back Believe, its Christmas grotto which will be open from Friday, November 26 until Christmas Eve and will be outside The Village.

Also returning is the ice rink which will sit under a clear roof from Thursday, November 18 until Sunday, January 2.

The rink’s party nights are back by popular demand this year, with live DJs playing classic party anthems to soundtrack your skating session.

But it will also run quiet sessions, as well as parent and toddler sessions for budding skaters.

Hangloose – England's longest and fastest zip wire – which opened this summer will also be offering a range of offers, as tried and tested by Santa Claus himself.

Last but not least the shopping centre will be bringing back The Giving Tree for its eighth year to support local disadvantaged children.

The Giving Tree will be at Bluewater from Thursday, November 25 until Wednesday, December 22 and invites shoppers to donate a gift directly to more than 50 local charities this Christmas.

Shoppers select a gift tag from the tree to reveal the name and age of the child they can buy a present for.

Once purchased, the gift should be brought back to the tree unwrapped and will be placed into the giant gift donation box ready for distribution.

To pre-book or find out more information about any of the events click here.

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