Gruffalo stars to open Whitehall’s magical Christmas Shop

Families are in for a festive treat this weekend as Whitehall Garden Centre gets ready to open its hugely popular Christmas Shop – and this year, some very special guests will be joining the celebrations. 

Beloved children’s characters The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child will be at Whitehall’s Lacock centre during the opening weekend on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September, delighting visitors young and old. 

The characters will be making special appearances throughout the weekend, with meet-and-greet sessions on both days at: 11am to 11.40am, 12pm to 12.40pm, 1pm to 1.40pm, 2pm to 2.40pm and 3pm to 3.30pm 

They’ll also be roaming the centre at intervals, giving families plenty of opportunities for photos and festive fun. 

This year, The Gruffalo is also one of the centre’s chosen decoration themes, with displays set to capture the magic of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story. 

“We have one of the largest Christmas shops in the UK with thousands of different products to choose from,” said Charlotte Self from Whitehall. “We have everything you need this season to make your home the best yet, including festive lights, baubles, decorations, artificial trees and candles. 

“The Whitehall Christmas Shop has become a seasonal highlight for many families across Wiltshire and beyond, offering an early taste of Christmas magic and inspiration for festive homes and this year, we think our shop will be the best ever.”