See Santa for free around the town in his special grottos at Queen Street Shopping Centre and Cornmill Shopping Centre from 10am – 4pm on Saturdays and 11am – 3pm on Sundays. Catch him in the Indoor Market Hall from 10am – 3pm every Saturday and receive a free gift – booking essential on 01325 406189.
For more festive cheer pop into Queen Street Shopping Centre to listen to local schools singing carols, Monday to Friday until 4 December in aid of St. Teresa’s Hospice. Don’t miss Sing to Win every Thursday evening in the Cornmill Shopping Centre. Heat two will take place on Thursday 3 December with the Grand Final on 17 December.
The week ends on a crafty note with craft activities and street theatre on Bondgate on Saturday 5 December. Visitors can get crafty and make festive decorations and write their letter to Santa.
Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration said:
“There is so much going on in Darlington during the run-up to Christmas and most of it is free. Festive music, carols and of course Santa, Christmas has well and truly arrived in Darlington.
“With the unique range of specialist shops, national retailers and indoor shopping areas as well as the markets, where better to go for Christmas shopping and festive fun.”
Late night shoppers can take advantage of free parking after 3pm on Thursdays in council- run car parks. Parking in Darlington town centre is just 50p per hour in Archer Street, Chesnut Street, East Street car park (above Wilkinsons) and Garden Street car parks. In addition, car park users can pay for two hours or more in any council-run off street car park and get an extra hour for free. Visit www.darlington.gov.uk/parking. In the run-up to Christmas parking is free after 3pm in the Cornmill Shopping Centre.
Travelling to Darlington town centre by bus is easy and convenient with the new Arriva Frequenta service. Visit: www.dothelocalmotion.co.uk.
