Christmas in Nanaimo: Woodgrove big on holiday cheer at festive season

NANAIMO: Woodgrove Centre is making sure some lucky shoppers have a merry Christmas this year.

Woodgrove Centre is making sure some lucky shoppers have a merry Christmas this year.

Along with the host of events taking place during the holiday season, Woodgrove is giving away a $500 shopping spree every day until Dec. 14.

Information and contest rules are available at guest services near the food court and centre court near the clock.

As for other holiday magic, Santa Claus has arrived and is greeting children at his sleigh at centre court.

Santa’s hours are Monday-Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.;  Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; in November.

His December hours are  Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.;  and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24.

Photos with Santa are available and shoppers can go on Woodgrove’s website or Facebook page for a coupon for a free photo until Nov. 30.

The mall is also marking Black Friday (Nov. 23) with additional prize giveaways and draws. Check out the Facebook page for special offers.

Woodgrove is a drop off depot for the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive until Dec. 16, and is accepting  new, unwrapped toys and gift cards at the large toy drive chest near guest services in the food court. Please note the most needed age groups this year are 10- to 15-years-old. In 2011, 794 families and 1,592 children received presents from the generosity and support of the community.

The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without the sounds of Christmas.

Woodgrove is hosting  Vancouver Island’s choirs, choral and musical groups in the food court from Dec. 1-16. It’s a wonderful opportunity for schools and community groups, small and large, to perform in a unique setting. For a schedule of performances, please visit guest services or go to woodgrovecentre.com.

And once again, Woodgrove is hosting a charity gift wrap from Dec. 1-24 in support of the Nanaimo Child Development Centre’s Little Drummer Fund.

During the 2011 Christmas season, more than $14,800 was raised.

Nanaimo News Bulletin