Our Christmas calendar is finally ready to be filled with festive things to do, and Winterland is kicking things off in the county this weekend.

Bluewater’s wintery experience, featuring an outdoor fair with funfair rides, games and attractions, is the first of the Greenhithe shopping centre’s several Christmas activities to open this year.

From Saturday, November 12, visitors can follow the luminaire promenade to the fair, which includes everything from thrilling rides to traditional favourites such as the bumper cars and waltzers.

For the first time this year, Winterland will also become home to the Observation Wheel, a 40-metre high wheel from which riders can capture spectacular views of Bluewater and the surrounding area.

There will be a number of food and drink stands open at the fair selling sweet treats, mulled wine and hot chocolate.

The opening of the fair will be followed by the outdoor undercover ice rink on Thursday, November 18 and the Believe Christmas grotto on Friday, November 25.

The ice rink can be used in all weathers and will offer standard skating slots available to book, as well as quiet sessions, parent and toddler sessions and party nights.

Believe is an enchanted Christmas experience where children can meet elves, reindeers and Father Christmas himself.

The experience also includes a workshop for visitors to decorate their own bag of reindeer food.

James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, said: “The Believe Christmas grotto was fantastically received last year and, with a few magical enhancements, we’re excited to announce that it’s back for 2022.

“While guests join us for their annual Christmas grotto visits, the ice rink and Winterland will be right outside, providing parents with all the components they need for a fantastic family day out this Christmas,” says James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater.

“As all attractions are likely to be incredibly popular – Believe sold out in 2021 - we’re advising guests to book early to guarantee their visit.”

Entry to Winterland costs £3 per person, with tokens for rides and stalls available to purchase on-site or online. Find out more here.

Tickets for the ice rink start from £14.50 for adults and £12.50 for children, and the Believe experience costs £14.50 per child and £5.50 per adult, excluding booking fee.