If you thought it was all about shopping and eating at Bluewater this Christmas, then you’re in for quite a surprise. And don’t panic, there is still lots and lots of shopping and eating to be done too.

Here’s six things to look forward to at the north Kent shopping centre’s Winter Wonderland.

News Shopper:

Santa’s here

Father Christmas has made Bluewater his home for the winter in his very own Ice Palace, which has its own guard and Eskimo who lead visitors through a tree-lined pathway into bauble pods which take you past arctic animals and festive characters and provide a photo opp on your way to the big man.

You’ll get to meet the Ice Queen and Santa’s elves before you meet old St Nick himself for a photo and a toy. Just a quick note, Winter Wonderland is open until January 3 but Santa leaves on Christmas Eve – he’s got something on, we believe.

A visit to Santa’s Grotto costs £7.50 per child at peak times and £6.50 off peak. Photos cost extra.

Welcome to another dimension

What, you don’t know what 4D is? Well you’ll be able to find out at Winter Wonderland’s 4D cinema, then with a 10-minute family film which promises to make you feel like you’re on Santa’s sleigh with wind and snow effects. It costs £4 adults and £3 children.

News Shopper:

Skate

Perhaps the biggest attraction at Bluewater’s Winter Wonderland is the ice rink. It is 6,000 square feet and is indoors in the warm and dry. Children aged four to seven must be accompanied by an adult and it’s recommended anyone else under 12 is supervised too. It costs from £7 for children, £8 juniors and £9 adults.

Longer opening

Winter Wonderland opened its doors last week and is around until January 3. It’s open 10am to 9pm Monday to Thursday, 10am to 10pm Friday and Saturdays, and 10am to 7.30pm Sundays.

The shopping centre itself is open for extended hours, from 9am to 11pm.

Amusements

Alongside the marquee attractions, Winter Wonderland at Bluewater is stuffed with other amusements, games and rides.

News Shopper:

Slide

For those looking for a little bit more of a thrill, the giant snow slide is a 40 metre fast track to fun.