Livingston Designer Outlet is preparing to welcome the festive season with a packed programme of family-friendly events, magical photo opportunities and community celebrations, giving visitors plenty of reasons to make a day of it this Christmas. The celebrations begin with a spectacular Christmas Light Switch-On on Thursday 5th November from 5:30pm. Families are invited to enjoy a festive parade featuring more than 20 Christmas characters before Santa himself takes centre stage to switch on the lights and illuminate the destination for the season ahead. Santa’s Grotto will return to Livingston Designer Outlet from Friday 27th November, offering little ones the chance to meet Father Christmas and share their wish lists. Tickets are £8.50, with further booking details to be shared via Livingston Designer Outlet’s website. Visitors can also step inside the centre’s giant snow globe for an unforgettable festive photo. The immersive attraction offers groups the chance to capture a magical Christmas moment together, with personalised baubles available featuring their photograph in the snow globe. There will be even more festive fun to discover with a Christmas trail around the outlet, created in partnership with Ravensburger and Lindt. Throughout December, families can follow the trail through the destination while enjoying a little seasonal adventure along the way. Christmas at Livingston Designer Outlet will also bring a series of heart-warming live performances. Shoppers can enjoy the sounds of the Salvation Army brass band and Boys’ Brigade pipe band, alongside festive carols from pupils at Pinewood and Cedarwood Schools and a special performance from the Down’s Syndrome Scotland Choir. The centre will once again support its local community through its Giving Tree initiative, in partnership with River Kids. Kicking off on Friday 27th November, shoppers will be able to choose a tag, purchase a gift and donate it to help ensure children and young people in the local area receive something special this Christmas. Following Christmas Eve, a mischievous festive visitor will take over the Grotto. The Grinch will be on hand from 26th – 30th December, bringing plenty of cheeky fun for families looking to keep the celebrations going between Christmas and New Year. Michelle Whitelaw, Centre Director at Livingston Designer Outlet, said: “Christmas is such a special time at Livingston Designer Outlet, and we are delighted to welcome families back for a season filled with festive fun, entertainment and magical moments. From the Christmas Light Switch-On and Santa’s Grotto to our Giving Tree and live community performances, we hope visitors will make wonderful memories with us this year.” Between the festive fun, Livingston Designer Outlet makes it easy to tick off the Christmas list. Shoppers can find party-ready looks, winter wardrobe updates and thoughtful presents from brands including BOSS, Reiss, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Belstaff and French Connection, while Barbour, The North Face, Columbia and Timberland offer cosy layers and winter-ready gifts. Sportswear fans are well catered for too, with the recently expanded Nike store joined by adidas, New Balance, Puma, Under Armour and Castore. For gifts under the tree, Molton Brown, The Cosmetics Company Store, The Body Shop and The Fragrance Shop offer beauty and self-care treats, while Le Creuset, ProCook, Bedeck and Julian Charles are ideal for homeware lovers. Little ones are covered with the Ravensburger pop-up, The Works and Lindt, meaning visitors can pick up everything from stocking fillers to last-minute finishing touches before enjoying a festive bite to eat or a well-earned coffee. To find out more, including booking tickets to Santa's Grotto, please visit: livingston-designer-outlet.co.uk

Description supplied by the event organiser.