Bluewater shopping centre was the first off the mark to hold its Christmas lights switch-on in Kent, with Father Christmas doing the honours last week.

This week the centre's grotto and outdoor ice rink both open on Thursday, November 15.

Your festive journey to see Santa and his elves in The Village begins with a traditional Christmas story presented in 4D, meet Reggie the animatronic reindeer, followed by crafts with Mrs Claus and then meeting Santa. The grotto is open until Christmas Eve.

The centre’s Christmas events include Santa’s grotto and outdoor ice rink, which opens on Thursday, November 15, and a Dinotropolis family-friendly adventure park, which officially opens on Monday, November 19.

To find other Santa's grottos across Kent, click here.

The centre will also have its Giving Tree, where you can donate a gift and for a local disadvantaged child, at the giant tree in the Upper Mall outside M&S until Sunday, December 23.

The ice rink is open until Sunday, January 6. There will be DJ sets to entertain skaters by kmfm's Rob Wills and Andy Walker on Fridays.

Skating costs £11, £10 for 13 to 16-year-olds and £9 for children. To book tickets for all events and find out more go to bluewater.co.uk