Discover the Wonder of Rushden Lakes this Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Rushden Lakes are pulling out all the stops for their visitors. The advent calendar is bursting with festive events, Christmas crafts and family-friendly activities. So, if you’re on a mission to find ways to get into the spirit, look no further than Rushden Lakes – your one-stop destination for shopping, dining and festive fun throughout November and December. Fly on over and Discover the Wonder at Rushden Lakes this Christmas.

On Monday 20th November, Rushden Lakes are kicking off the season of giving by offering you the chance to WIN this Christmas. One lucky winner will get their hands on a prize worth £1,000, to equip them with everything they need to Discover the Wonder of Rushden Lakes during the festive season. L’Occitane, Bill’s, Accessorize, The Wildlife Trust and Paradise Island Adventure Golf are just some of the big brands included. Keep a close eye on their website and social channels for more information on how to enter!

Donna French, Rushden Lakes Centre Manager said, “The Rushden Lakes Christmas calendar is full to the brim with festive activities, events and more. All visitors, big and small, are invited to Discover the Wonder of Rushden Lakes – whether that’s entering a cracker of a competition, attending a workshop, shopping seasonal must-haves or enjoying a Christmas meal at one of our many restaurants.”

But that’s not your only chance to win with Rushden Lakes. From Friday 1st December, two little elves will be taking over and launching five social media competitions over a two-week period. That means Rushden Lakes’ Facebook fans will have the chance to win one of 5 prizes, just in-time for the big day. Simply correctly guess which brand the cheeky elves are located, and you could get your hands on a prize. That’s snow joke.

The countdown to Christmas is packed with wonder-filled activities*. Until 1pm on Wednesday 29th November, little ones can post their stamped letters to Santa Claus as part of the Royal Mail initiative, by visiting the post box located at Customer Services. Santa’s favourite elves, Mulberry and Merry, are coming to town on Wednesday 6th and Saturday 16th December between 10.30am – 3.30pm, to dazzle Rushden Lakes visitors with free portraits that are sure to produce plenty of smiles and laughter. Gilbert the Gingerbread Man will be roaming Rushden Lakes, posing for pictures and gifting delicious gingerbread** while stocks last on Friday 8th December from 2pm and Saturday 23rd December from 10am. Try and spot him during one of his three 30-minute appearances, per day.

The Rushden Town Band are back this Christmas to entertain visitors, so keep an eye on Rushden Lakes’ website and social media channels for details. The Bellboy Band are also performing on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 21st December, and are set to entertain all with a selection of Christmas classics, seasonal hits and songs from festive movies. Each 30-minute set between 11am and 4pm is guaranteed to get toes tapping and passers-by singing along, which is encouraged! After all, a famous elf once said, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

Rushden Lakes’ restaurants are the place to visit for a holly jolly Christmas. Bill’s, Chi, Zizzi and Wildwood are now all offering delicious 3-course set menu’s that’re packed full of festive favourites and seasonal special guests, perfect for a merry mid-week date night or Friendsmas. The Christmas Everything Food and Drink Fair is making a return to Central Boulevard on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November. Wrap up warm and jingle all the way to Rushden Lakes to browse a fantastic range of food, drink and gift stalls, and get ready to have your photo snapped by the resident photographer during a Christmas themed photo shoot for your family and furry friends.

Calling all elves, big and small! The Wildlife Trust is ready to welcome you to one of their festive workshops. Head to the Nene Wetlands Visitor Centre on Sunday 3rd December to craft your very own sustainable, plastic-free items. During the four one-hour sessions (10:30am, 12pm, 2:30pm and 4pm), learn how to make your very own body scrubs, beeswax wraps, bath bombs and more, so you can enjoy a greener Christmas. On Friday 15th December, you can also weave your very own willow Christmas tree decoration during one of four 45-minute sessions at 10:30am, 11:30am, 2pm and 3pm. The Lakes Kids Club are also running workshops for little ones over four festive days throughout December at Leisure Terrace Level 1, for a small fee. Between 11am – 3pm, write a letter to Santa and craft a Christmas card on Sunday 3rd, create a Christmas tree pop up on Sunday 10th, decorate a ceramic Christmas tree on Sunday 17^th and make your own snow globe on Sunday 22nd. Visit the Rushden Lakes website for more information, and to book in advance.

* Locations and activities are subject to change at short notice due to unreliable weather, please keep an eye on Rushden Lakes’ social channels and website for activity updates
**Allergy information provided on any food items